In a recent interview, Bella Ramsey, the acclaimed actor known for their roles in HBO’s The Last of Us and Game of Thrones, opened up about the complexities of publicly coming out as non-binary. Ramsey, who first shared their gender identity in 2023, reflected on the mixed experiences that followed their announcement.
“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,” Ramsey admitted. “And obviously it was going to, and I didn’t really understand that at the time. And I wasn’t really prepared for that.”
Despite the challenges, Ramsey acknowledged the positive impact their openness had on others. “People have said to me that it’s been very helpful for them seeing some representation,” they noted. “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.”
Ramsey emphasized their desire for discussions around their gender identity to not overshadow their work. “I’ll talk about it, but I don’t want it to be the focus anymore,” they expressed. “I guess I’m just quite chill with it. And I want everyone else to be as chill with it basically.”
The actor also shared their decision to deactivate their Instagram account, inspired by fellow actors Kit Harington and Jesse Eisenberg, who maintain a low profile on social media. “Those are the two actors who I just thought were the coolest people to ever walk the earth, and neither of them had social media,” Ramsey said. “They were famous because they were great at something, not because they were celebrities.”
Ramsey’s journey highlights the complexities of navigating personal identity in the public eye. Their candid reflections offer insight into the balance between personal authenticity and public perception, underscoring the importance of creating spaces where individuals can express themselves without undue scrutiny.
As The Last of Us continues to captivate audiences, Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie remains a testament to their talent and resilience. Their experiences serve as a reminder of the ongoing conversation around representation and the need for empathy and understanding in discussions of gender identity.
