March Queer Book of the Month: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Sydney Goodwin: Stratford-Perth Pride

Heartstopper, written and drawn by Alice Oseman, is a British coming of age graphic novel going into the nuances of the life of Charlie Spring and his budding friendship with the captain of the school’s rugby team, Nick Nelson. The two quickly become friends and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But life throws Charlie for a loop when the two boys realize Nick may like Charlie more than either of them expected.

Volumes 1 and 2 of the story go into the beginning of Nick and Charlie’s love story, subverting expectations, and coming to understand one’s own sexuality. Nick’s character goes through an important journey of self-discovery throughout the first two volumes of the series, exploring what his sudden attraction to Charlie means for who he is, and what being Bisexual means to him. Oseman explores the stereotypes that follow gay and bisexual men, how damaging they can be, and how no matter who you love, it doesn’t dictate who you are. They take a character who portrays all of the classic stereotypes of the popular jock character and make him more than his sport and his looks. Nick’s attraction to Charlie isn’t shown as a joke, unmasculine, or wrong, but instead is shown as a realistic portrayal of the sudden realization of not falling under the heterosexual norms that are thrusted at youth throughout society, an experience that many 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals know all too well.

Heartstopper can be purchased at Fanfare books, or borrowed to read at the Stratford-Perth Pride’s library.