Trans actor Ash Self has reminded people that “disabled is not a dirty word” as he gears up for trans and disabled representation with his character Felix in ‘Heartstopper.’
In a tweet on July 23, the 22-year-old actor clarified that he would like to be referred to as “disabled” and not by other euphemisms such as “handicapped” or “differently abled,” claiming that while he knows that a lot of other disabled people may prefer those terms, he does not.
Self lives with chronic complex illnesses including asthma, respiratory problems, a neurological condition, and a gastrointestinal condition.
In the same thread, the trans actor also confirmed that his character, Felix, will be portrayed as disabled and that the mobility aids and medical devices used during filming are his own.
Heartstopper comes out in less than 2 weeks and I’m so excited to be bringing some disabled rep to the show, but gentle reminder that I am disabled and I do not wish to be referred to as handicapped, differently abled or any other euphemism for disabled. It is not a dirty word xx
— Ash Self (@Riversof_shadow) July 23, 2023
