Heartstopper star on what representing the Black, queer community means to her

As a Black actress who has grown up watching television and rarely seeing hair styles that reflected my own, I can’t express enough how important it is to see the beautiful representation of Black hair in shows like Heartstopper. It feels like a step forward in the right direction for Black people in TV and film, and I’m thrilled to be part of this progression.

The Rainbow Crew Interviews highlights exceptional LGBTQ+ representation in media through a continuous series of interviews. Every episode features individuals who work behind and in front of the camera, encompassing both queer artists and supporters of the community.

Next up, we’re talking to Heartstopper’s Corinna Brown, better known as Tara. Spoilers follow.

Although we might have been drawn to “Heartstopper” by Nick and Charlie’s romantic tale, it’s difficult to ignore the fact that the series’ impressive ensemble plays a significant, impactful role in keeping viewers engaged as well.

The group of friends surrounding the boyfriends is filled with charming, eccentric people who are just as endearing as the main characters, even Tara, portrayed by actress Corinna Brown.

In the current season of ‘Heartstopper’, Tara encounters a slight obstacle due to the show’s exploration of mature, adult topics.

In a special chat with Digital Spy, Corinna opens up about her methods for handling the intricate plotlines in season three, emphasizes the significance of promoting openness towards queer relationships, and discusses the personal significance of portraying the Black, LGBTQ+ community.

Tara is really going through it this season.

Oh, girl. She’s going through it a lot.

How tough was it to take her on this journey of anxiety and pressure?

Instead of finding it overly challenging, I believe it was more about giving myself the space to gradually reach my goal. Typically, our work environment moves quite swiftly, but for Season 3, our exceptional director, Andy Newbery, encouraged me to slow down and take deep breaths as I delved into the project.

As a gamer, my mind is buzzing with all the thoughts up here [points to head]. There’s so much more to uncover!

Indeed, I chose to pause and acknowledge my emotions, even those that made me anxious. It felt refreshing to approach the situation from a different perspective since, as you may notice, I can be rather unpredictable. In essence, having a brief moment to take a breath before diving in was truly delightful.

Did you get any advice from Alice Oseman on how to take on this challenge with Tara this season?

We frequently engage in conversations, and I must say, this is simply wonderful. It’s heartening to know that Alice is such an active participant, always present on the set, never far away. So, it was highly likely that we had another one of our chats.

If someone were to ask me to repeat something I said just now, I’d admit that I don’t recall exactly, but Alice is consistently available whenever we require assistance.

As a passionate admirer, I believe that the experience could mirror something similar. Take your pace, immerse yourself, let it flow, it’s deeply ingrained. Therefore, give yourself the freedom to find comfort just standing there, facing the camera, seemingly doing nothing at all.

How would you describe your perspective on Tara’s dynamic with Darcy this season, focusing on themes such as establishing boundaries and codependence? As an observer, what did you feel while witnessing these aspects of Tara’s experience, and how skillfully do you believe the show portrays their relationship?

Initially, upon reading this, I found myself exclaiming, “This is truly significant!” This is due to the fact that such topics are seldom discussed. Particularly in a show designed for younger audiences since one might believe they’re ready to conquer the world for their loved ones and those close to them.

You want to be spreading yourself so thin. We’re all so overwhelmed but some things you can’t help with. We’re not therapists. When I saw it, I though it was a great reminder for me as well and honestly, that was a great, massive takeaway for me this season.

Here’s one way to rephrase the given text:

Beyond the challenges they face, Tara and Darcy share a unique, complimentary relationship, almost like yin and yang. How do you and Kizzy nurture and develop this bond between you two?

I truly believe our good fortune lies in Daniel Edwards selecting us both, as it felt incredibly organic. It seems that, much like Kizzy and Corinna, we complement one another, serving a purpose for each other. Thus, when it’s Tara and Darcy, there’s a natural harmony that arises, which is quite enchanting.

I often remark, “The credit goes to Daniel Edwards,” as it seems unexpected, since I wasn’t acquainted with him previously. Yet, now I find myself searching for him, almost saying, “Gosh, where on earth is my ‘Kiz’?

Are you relying on them just as much as your character does, or have you grown to trust them equally?

Absolutely, Kizzy is the person I turn to when needed. We don’t always consult each other due to respecting boundaries, but when it comes to sharing personal issues or concerns, I feel comfortable doing so because of the bond between Tara and Darcy, which has naturally extended to us. This connection has become a part of our relationship.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel overjoyed when diving into the world of Heartstopper. It’s more than just a story; it’s a grand celebration of aspects that matter deeply to me – queerness, friendship, and love. But what makes it even more special is how it elegantly highlights Black queerness in a way that feels so authentic and beautiful. Being part of such an inclusive narrative, where my character can proudly embody the wholesomeness of Black queer identity without apology, is truly empowering. It’s not just about breaking down stigmas; it’s about creating a space where everyone can feel seen and represented in all their glory.

frankly, it’s a privilege for me. It wasn’t something I was certain about earlier, but now, I can say it’s a passion and a goal for my work – making sure representation is important. I don’t believe I’d be doing this job if I didn’t see someone like me sharing stories that resonate with me.

For me, being able to serve the Black queer community in this manner is absolutely everything. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else or wish for it any other way, and I hope to continue doing so for eternity. It’s a privilege, and I am grateful for the chance to make a difference.

Who were your idols in that respect, who was your Tara growing up?

In simpler terms, at that moment, just seeing someone who appeared to be Black was enough for me. I reacted with something like, “Alright, neat. All good.” Her name is Adelayo [Adedayo]. Recently, I happened to team up with her on a project and it left me astounded because I thought, “I used to stay up late to watch you as Viva [Bennett] on Some Girls, and now we’re collaborating in the same program. Wow!

Growing up, I was deeply immersed in Disney Channel shows, so naturally, I admired American celebrities like China Anne McClain. When I saw her, I felt empowered, thinking to myself, “Wow, I can achieve anything too!

Discussing your thoughts on how television shows are exploring sexual themes extensively this season, and delving into new experiences, and understanding why such open dialogues regarding intimacy are crucial in media.

They’re really important because representation is important. I think if you see something on a screen, it’s then accepted. We then all go, “Oh, this is socially acceptable, oh these conversations can happen because you’ve seen it”.

It seems to me that encountering such scenarios – discussions about sexual experiences involving a transgender individual and a gay couple – could make these situations feel more ordinary and socially acceptable for you as a lesbian, simply because you’ve witnessed them on television.

If you didn’t have someone or something to turn to for comfort, you might feel unsure or hesitant about discussing certain topics, like “I don’t know how to approach these subjects” or “There’s no one I can talk to about these issues.” In such cases, it’s important to have a supportive network. I believe that television and streaming platforms sharing significant stories is crucial because even if you can’t directly connect with someone who understands, seeing those narratives can make you feel less alone.

Even though it may be challenging not having someone to confide in about such topics, at least you can learn and gain experiences on your own since the first time doing something new can be intimidating, especially when you’re too old for parents to be your primary source of advice. It’s a tough phase, but you’re resilient enough to navigate through it.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that when it comes to sexual experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, resources can be scarce. Shows that candidly discuss these topics are incredibly beneficial as they help fill in knowledge gaps and promote open dialogue.

Honestly, I’ve noticed that a considerable amount of gaming info I’ve come across tends to lean towards the negative, hidden, or considered off-limits. But I’m here to change that narrative and bring you some open, non-judgmental insights about the world of gaming!

Shame.

Absolutely, it carries no stigma, making it incredibly essential and beneficial. Not everyone feels comfortable discussing this topic openly, but finding resources like educational shows can empower individuals to learn on their own terms. It’s a personal matter, if you catch my drift.

As a huge fan, I can’t help but wonder about the magical bond between Nick and Tara. What is it that draws them together so beautifully?

It seems that ever since their initial encounter, there’s been an unspoken bond between them. They seem to have helped each other grow and learn about themselves over time.

In their initial kiss, Tara expressed some reservations with a “Oh, not for me,” while Nick seemed to enjoy it by saying “Oh, I kind of like that, I like a mix of both.” It appears they’ve decided to stand by each other and explore their relationship further this season. I’m glad to see more of that connection between them this time around.

I view them as two complementary aspects, similar to how one side of a coin is the head and the other is the tail. In this case, Tara represents the head and Nick represents the tail.

In essence, these characters share many traits and seem to be everywhere. They are attentive individuals who care deeply about others. Therefore, when they interact, they provide mutual support. This dynamic is both captivating and makes me eager for season three, as it further explores this relationship.

One aspect I truly admire in the series is the portrayal of your hairstyle. It’s heartening to see Black hair presented so gracefully in Heartstopper, making it all the more stunning. Can you share what this meaningful depiction signifies for you personally?

For me personally, it carries significant importance as I recall watching TV and thinking, “Wow, my hair won’t do that. Those aren’t styles I’m familiar with.” Therefore, I make an effort to showcase the adaptability of Black hair in all my endeavors. This includes its natural form and extensions, because Black hair is incredibly versatile, and I truly appreciate it when I collaborate with a hair and makeup team like the one we work with on Heartstopper.

The head of that was Diandra Ferreira. She was awesome asking me what I thought. She’s got such great a knowledge base. She’d be like, “I’m getting braiders specifically for this”, which is amazing to see in the TV film industry because when I was younger, there would be situations where I was leaving set like, “You’ve messed up my hair. My mum said, if you take my canerows out, you gotta put them back in, but you’re looking at me like blink, blink”.

Reflecting on the advancements we’ve seen in TV and film representation for Black individuals, particularly in terms of hairstyles and makeup, I strongly believe it’s crucial. That’s why I’ll always advocate for more diversity, not just settling for one hairstyle, but aiming for a wide variety instead.

I like to be involved in it because I think it’s really important, and it is getting better. There’s still a way to go, but it is getting better, which is chef’s kisses.

Heartstopper season 1-3 are available to stream now on Netflix.

Read more Heartstopper news on our dedicated homepage

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2024-10-06 09:49