In a candid Instagram post, Bella Ramsey shared her thoughts after watching Boys Don’t Cry and the sentiment resonated with many young people

As Kimberly Peirce’s biographical drama Boys don’t cry The film premiered in 1999 to widespread acclaim and is often cited as one of the year’s most outstanding films. Hilary Swank won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of the brutally murdered transgender man Brandon Teena. The film’s blunt and unsparing examination of transphobia and violence left a lasting impression on both audiences and the film industry.

Reassessing Trans Representation

In recent years Boys don’t cry has been subject to critical re-evaluation, particularly in light of the casting of a cisgender actress in the role of a trans man. Critics highlight the disturbing trend of cisgender actors playing trans characters, often in narratives that deal with trauma, violence, and tragedy. Despite these criticisms, the film remains an important work that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by transgender people and serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic transphobia that persists in society.

As the discussion around representation in media evolves, it is important to understand how younger generations view such films. One notable perspective comes from Bella Ramsey, the 20-year-old star of the HBO series The Last of Uswho recently expressed her opinion on the film.

Bella Ramsey’s perspective

In a candid Instagram post, Ramsey shared her thoughts after watching Boys don’t cry“I have observed Boys don’t cry “I recently came to know myself and realized that it wasn’t that long ago that transgender people were accepted,” she wrote. “And I felt very privileged to live in this time of change where tolerance, learning, love and understanding are becoming more and more important.”

This sentiment resonates with many young people who are finding their identity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. In 2023, Ramsey came out as nonbinary, stressing that her gender identity has “always been very fluid.” She noted that she prefers the nonbinary option when filling out forms, underscoring her commitment to a diverse understanding of gender.

Navigating Gender Identity

Ramsey’s journey of self-discovery aligns with her belief in the importance of acceptance and fluidity in gender identities. “If someone called me ‘she’ or ‘her,’ I thought about it, but I knew it would be a little upsetting if someone called me ‘he,'” she said. “I’m just human.”

The young star added: “Being gender fluid is not something I’m particularly fond of. But when it comes to pronouns, I couldn’t care less.” Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among many young people who are prioritizing personal identity over rigid classifications.

The future of The Last of Us

Looking ahead, Ramsey will reprise her role in Season 2 of The Last of Uswhich is expected to premiere in 2025. The new season will introduce Isabella Merced as Dina, Ellie’s friend who eventually becomes her lover. Kaitlyn Dever also joins the cast as Abby, a major character from the video game on which the series is based.

As discussions about representation in the media continue, insights from young voices like Bella Ramsey underscore the evolving understanding of gender identity and the importance of inclusive narratives. Boys don’t cry remains a significant film in the history of LGBTQ+ representation, the ongoing dialogue about its impact indicates a broader cultural shift toward acceptance and understanding.

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