Heartstopper star Kit Connor has spoken about the "shockingly low" representation of bisexual people across TV and film.
Speaking at a Critics Choice Awards panel alongside his Heartstopper co-star Joe Locke, Connor said that it is important for bisexual people to see themselves portrayed properly on screen.
"I think that the bisexual community is a community that has really a shockingly low amount of representation, especially male bisexual characters," he said (via PinkNews).
"It is shocking because a huge amount of the LGBTQIA+ community is made up of bisexual people. It’s a huge community but we really don’t get much representation."
Related: Heartstopper creator surprised by fan reaction
Connor went on to reflect on his own experience playing bisexual character Nick Nelson in the Netflix series, adding that it was a "real pleasure" to portray Nick's journey.
"Playing those kind of moments – it felt like the main arc of the character if that makes sense."
He continued: "It’s not just so much of working out whether or not you are a boy attracted to another boy. It’s also, you know, discovering whether or not everything that [Nick] sort of previously thought about his sexuality is suddenly invalid, or whether or not it’s something that he wants to still acknowledge."
Earlier this year, Connor said that he had been forced to come out as bisexual, following speculation over his sexuality and accusations of queerbaiting online.
Related: Young Royals cast support Heartstopper star
Speaking via his Twitter account, the actor wrote: "Back for a minute. I'm bi. congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye."
Following his post, Connor received messages of support from several members of the Young Royals cast as well as Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman.
"I truly don't understand how people can watch Heartstopper and then gleefully spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes," Oseman tweeted.
"I hope all those people are embarrassed as F**K. Kit you are amazing."
Heartstopper is streaming on Netflix. Seasons 2 and 3 have been confirmed.
