Bella Ramsey reflects on coming out as non-binary: “It’s been a mixed bag”
Bella Ramsey, breakout star of The Last Of Us, has reflected on the tumultuous experience of coming out as non-binary at the age of 19.
In an interview with The Guardian, Ramsey talked of their initial discomfort. “Part of me looks back and I wish that I didn’t, because I didn’t want it to become a headline and a big thing,” they disclosed. Though Ramsey doesn’t regret living their truth, the level of attention they received was a source of difficulty.
They continued: “And obviously it was going to, and I didn’t really understand that at the time. And I wasn’t really prepared for that. But on the other hand, people have said to me that it’s been very helpful for them seeing some representation.”
The announcement didn’t come without challenges, which Ramsey candidly referenced in the interview. The actor said: “It’s been a mixed bag, but overall, I think it was a good thing, just for me living more freely, without feeling like I’m keeping a secret.” When Ramsey came out as non-binary, they cited they/them pronouns as “the most truthful to me”.
Though the star has been an inspiration for many, they expressed a new level of nonchalance towards the matter. They stated: “But now I’m like, ‘I’ll talk about it, but I don’t want it to be the focus any more.’ I guess I’m just quite chill with it. And I want everyone else to be as chill with it basically.”
Ramsey’s relaxed, ambivalent nature was made clear in the interview as they joked about going out in public without worrying about what others will think. “My day-to-day life hasn’t changed,” they said. “I go out in my joggers, I go out in my ripped T-shirt that needs a wash.”
Season two of The Last Of Us was released on April 12th. Pedro Pascal, Ramsey’s co-star in the show, revealed that the season is “fucking heartbreaking”. He previously praised Ramsey’s character, calling them “anchoring, generous, and thoughtful”.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.