Bella Ramsey has spoken about their decision to share that they identify as non-binary. The Last of Us star said that it’s “been a mixed bag,” since going public with her personal update.
The actor, now 21 – who plays Ellie on the hit HBO show based on the popular computer game, which has now returned for its second season – first spoke about their “fluid” gender and being non-binary in 2023. They have since shared that whilst they/them feels the most “truthful,” they are open to being referred to by other pronouns.
They have now reflected on the decision to open up about their identity publicly. Speaking about sharing two years ago that they are non-binary, Bella told the Observer recently: “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.”
Bella said that “obviously” it would attract attention but revealed that at the time they “didn’t really understand that”. The Game of Thrones star added that they weren’t “really prepared” for the reception to their comments.
They however continued by sharing that their experience has provided representation for other people. Bella said: “But on the other hand, people have said to me that it’s been very helpful for them seeing some representation.”
The award-winning actor said that whilst it’s been a “mixed bag,” it’s been positive overall. They said: “So 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.”
Bella said that they now tell people that they will “talk about it” but they don’t want it to be “the focus” any more. They added that they are “quite chill with it,” before sharing with the outlet that they want everyone else to be like that too.
It has been over two years since Bella spoke publicly about their gender identity for the first time. The acclaimed actor opened up about their life for an article that was published by the New York Times back in January 2023.
They said: “I guess my gender has always been very fluid.” Speaking about growing up, Bella added: “Someone would call me ‘she’ or ‘her’ and I wouldn’t think about it, but I knew that if someone called me ‘he’ it was a bit exciting.”
Bella shared at that time that they would opt for “nonbinary” on a form if available. They however stated that they are “very much just a person,” before sharing that they aren’t particular over certain pronouns for themself. Bella told the outlet: “Being gendered isn’t something that I particularly like, but in terms of pronouns, I really couldn’t care less.”
Although open to other pronouns, months later, whilst speaking to Vogue, Bella shared that they/them feels the “most truthful”. They explained: “Being called ‘they’ is the most truthful thing for me. That’s who I am the most.”
In the same interview, Bella spoke about being supported by colleagues on the Last of Us – which premiered that same year. During the discussion, they said that they were offered different undergarments as part of their wardrobe, with options including a “regular” bra and a binder.
Bella said in the interview: “[The costume supervisor would say] ‘You just pick whatever is most comfortable for you today,’ and in the end it was just a binder.” The actor commented: “There was never anyone pressuring me.”
They shared similar praise for those working on the show – which is based on the video game series of the same name – in the interview with the Observer, published yesterday. Bella spoke to the outlet amid the second season airing at the moment, in which their character Ellie develops a relationship with Dina, played by co-star Isabela Merced.
The show has been described as “progressive” and Bella is said to have told the outlet that that can have an impact on introducing mainstream audiences to queer storylines. And the actor said that on set there is “no having to hide” or feeling like “you’re out of place,” adding that “everyone feels like they belong” and that “hopefully” viewers feel the same.
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