We Need to Talk about Kit Connor

image via Unsplash

On October 31st, 2022, actor Kit Connor took to Twitter: “back for a minute. i’m bi. congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. i think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye.” 

*Sharp inhale*

Okay, so it happened again: yet another celebrity has been accused of queer baiting. We’ve seen it before with celebs like Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, and even Cardi B who, quote, “ate bitches out before you was born,” end quote. Unlike Cardi, Kit was a bit less willing to share his sexual identity online.  

Kit Connor, an actor who rose to fame through his portrayal of Nick Nelson in the popular Netflix show Heartstopper, was forced to come out as bisexual due to allegations accusing him of queer baiting. If you don’t know what queer baiting is, it’s essentially a straight person pretending to be gay because they think it will make them more likeable. Ick, right?

Kit Connor is widely loved by fans of the show, and many people were disappointed about the circumstances of his coming out. Tbh, we here at Jerk share the same sentiments. There is nothing worse than not being ready to open up about your sexuality, yet having it aired out in the open anyways. No one likes it when their business is being discussed publicly, but something so personal being made public against Kit’s own will? It’s pretty fucked up.

This situation has brought to light the issue of the word, “queerbait.” Assuming someone’s sexuality is hurtful no matter what someone suggests: whether it’s the assumption that a straight man is in the closet, or someone who seems to be gay is actually straight as a ruler.

 The point is that everyone has a right to their own privacy, and people are entitled to keep their sexualities under wraps. When it comes to celebrities who share parts of their lives with millions of people, the right to privacy can easily become an afterthought to audiences.

However, we as audiences need to learn to literally mind our own business! Labels are harmful, and assumptions about sexuality can be even more damaging. Kit Connor, though mistreated by some nosy ass twitter users, slayed his handling of the situation, and we admire the sheer honesty that he brought to the table.