Just in: Yasmin Finney speak out on recent…read more
Yasmin Finney, a rising star from Heartstopper, recently shared insights about her experience during the filming of the third season, where her character, Elle Argent, takes on a more significant and mature role. Finney, a trans actress, has spoken openly about how closely she relates to Elle, making her portrayal deeply personal. In the upcoming season, Elle and Tao’s relationship, which has evolved from close friends to romantic partners, reaches new heights, including moments of physical intimacy. This plotline explores how their long-standing bond transitions into a romantic relationship, with Finney emphasizing that this shift is portrayed with a sense of care and sensitivity.
Elle’s story, particularly her journey as a trans girl navigating relationships, mirrors some of Finney’s personal experiences. She shared how, like Elle, she faced bullying during her school years. However, Heartstopper approaches Elle’s trans identity differently. Instead of focusing on the struggles of being trans, the series highlights a positive, evolving relationship between Elle and Tao. This nuanced portrayal allows the characters to grow without centering the narrative on transphobia or marginalization, presenting a refreshing, affirming storyline for trans individuals.
One of the most important aspects for Finney was ensuring the authenticity of Elle and Tao’s romance. She collaborated with the production team to shape some of the intimate scenes in the season, drawing from her own lived experiences. This hands-on involvement ensured that the characters’ dynamic feels genuine and relatable to audiences, especially those who may have experienced similar situations. Finney hopes that viewers will find Elle’s journey inspiring, much like in the first season, but now with more depth and complexity as the character matures.
Throughout the series, Heartstopper has been praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, breaking traditional boundaries. Finney has expressed her appreciation for being part of such an impactful project, which allows diverse stories to be told authentically. In this regard, her character stands out, not just as a trans character but as a fully developed individual with hopes, dreams, and challenges that extend beyond her gender identity. This representation is crucial for pushing the boundaries of how trans characters are depicted in media, shifting away from stories rooted in trauma to those that celebrate love, friendship, and self-discovery.
For Finney, Heartstopper offers a platform where trans characters like Elle can be seen as whole people, with their transness being one aspect of their identity rather than the focal point of their narrative. She hopes that the show continues to break new ground in how LGBTQ+ stories are told and that more characters like Elle will be seen on-screen, portraying the richness and diversity of the queer experience. Fans of the show are eager to see how Elle and Tao’s relationship unfolds as the series continues, particularly with the increased emotional and physical intimacy between them.
