“Disabled is Not a Dirty Word” — Trans ‘Heartstopper’ Actor Ash Self on Character Felix

Actor TV Series

2023-07-28
17:18

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

Felix is an original character for the TV show who will be introduced Elle Argent’s (played by trans actress Yasmin Finney) new friend, alongside another new character, Naomi, played by TikTok star Bel Priestley.

In response to a reply from a fan who expressed that it “hurts sometimes” to be referred to as “disabled” Self-claimed that he would rather be called disabled always and that despite the challenges “and not so fun times” of being one, he is “proud of it” and “wouldn’t change it for the world.”

I’d actually always rather be called disabled, I am disabled and whilst it has its (many) challenges and not so fun times, I’m proud of it and I wouldn’t change it for the world 🙂

— Ash Self (@Riversof_shadow) July 23, 2023

Self’s casting as Felix in Heartstopper was first announced in November 2022. Not much is known about the character as Felix did not appear in Alice Oseman’s graphic series.

Self is just one of the diverse actors who will be joining the hit queer Netflix series for season two. Bradley Riches, an autistic actor, will be playing Truman student James McEwan, after being upgraded from his brief appearance in season one as an unnamed student.

Aside from them, also joining the cast are Jack Barton, who will play Nick’s older brother David, and British stage actor Nima Taleghani who is set to portray Truham teacher, Mr. Farouk.

‘Heartstopper’ season two will premiere on August 3 on Netflix.

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