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

When Kimberly Peirce’s biographical drama Boys don’t cry premiered in 1999 to critical acclaim and is often remembered as one of the year’s standout films. Hilary Swank’s portrayal of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was brutally murdered, won her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film’s raw and uncompromising examination of transphobia and violence has had a lasting impact on audiences and the film industry alike.

Revaluing Trans Representation

In recent years, Boys don’t cry has been critically reviewed, particularly regarding the casting of a cisgender actress in the role of a trans man. Critics have highlighted the disturbing trend of cis actors playing trans characters, often in stories that focus on trauma, violence, and tragedy. Despite these criticisms, the film remains an important work that sheds light on the harsh realities that transgender people face, and serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic transphobia that persists in society.

As the conversation about representation in media evolves, it’s crucial to understand how younger generations view such films. One notable perspective comes from Bella Ramsey, the 20-year-old star of HBO’s The last of uswho recently gave her opinion on the film.

Bella Ramsey’s perspective

In a candid Instagram post, Ramsey shared her thoughts after watching the video Boys don’t cry“I have looked Boys don’t cry recently and realized how not so long ago, the acceptance of transgender people began,” she wrote. “And it made me feel privileged to be alive in this time of change, where tolerance, learning, love and understanding are starting to come into play.”

This sentiment resonates with many young people navigating their identities in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. In 2023, Ramsey came out as non-binary, emphasizing that her gender identity “has always been very fluid.” She noted that she prefers the non-binary option when filling out forms, underscoring her commitment to embracing 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. “Someone would call me ‘she’ or ‘her’ and I would think about it, but I knew if someone called me ‘he,’ it was a little bit scary,” she shared. “I’m just a person.”

The young star added: “Gendering is not something I particularly enjoy. But when it comes to pronouns, I really don’t give a damn.” Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among many young people who value personal identity over rigid classifications.

The future of The last of us

Ramsey will reprise her role in Season 2 of the series. The last of uswhich is expected to premiere in 2025. The new season introduces Isabella Merced as Dina, Ellie’s friend who eventually becomes her love interest. 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 highlight the evolving understanding of gender identity and the importance of inclusive storytelling. While Boys don’t cry remains an important film in the history of LGBTQ+ representation. The ongoing dialogue about its implications speaks to a broader cultural shift toward acceptance and understanding.

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