Bella Ramsey, widely recognized for their role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, has opened up about the complexities of coming out as non-binary.
In a recent interview, Ramsey described the experience as a “mixed bag,” acknowledging both the liberating aspects and the difficulties that followed their public announcement in early 2023.
Bella Ramsey Is Navigating Public Identity
At 19, during the whirlwind press tour for The Last of Us, Ramsey came out as genderfluid. The decision was rooted in a desire to be honest about who they are, but it didn’t come without its challenges. While many fans applauded the actor’s openness, Ramsey also faced criticism and misgendering online, revealing that the response was more emotionally taxing than they had anticipated.
In hindsight, Ramsey admitted they sometimes question the timing of coming out, particularly in such a public space. Still, they emphasized that despite the negativity, being authentic was—and continues to be—the right choice for them.
Embracing Authenticity Amidst Backlash
The response to Ramsey’s identity wasn’t universally negative. In fact, much of the public embraced their candidness, with many praising the actor for being a role model for non-binary and gender-diverse youth. Ramsey themselves shared that they found comfort in the support, and that being open ultimately allowed them to feel more at ease in their own skin.
Even so, the weight of visibility can be heavy. Ramsey discussed the mental toll that comes with being both a young actor and a symbol of queer representation. “It’s a privilege, but it’s also a lot,” they noted, striking a balance between gratitude and honesty.
The Role of Ellie: Art Imitating Life
Interestingly, Ramsey’s character in The Last of Us mirrors some of the same themes they’ve navigated in real life. Ellie is known for her fierce independence and nuanced identity—traits that resonate with many queer fans. Ramsey said that playing Ellie helped them understand themselves better and provided an unexpected but welcome outlet for expression.
Their performance has received widespread acclaim, and fans have applauded the show for staying true to Ellie’s LGBTQ+ storyline from the video game. In many ways, Ramsey’s real-life identity has deepened the emotional impact of their portrayal.
Why Does Representation Still Matter?
Ramsey’s openness is part of a larger movement toward greater inclusivity in Hollywood. As more actors share their stories, the industry—and the audiences it serves—are being challenged to evolve. Ramsey believes that representation isn’t just about visibility, but about creating space for complexity and truth in storytelling.
Their journey is a reminder that identity isn’t always simple or easy to navigate, but the act of living truthfully can be powerful, both personally and culturally.
What’s Next for Bella Ramsey?
As they gear up for the second season of The Last of Us, Bella Ramsey is taking everything one step at a time. They remain committed to their craft and hopeful that the entertainment industry will continue making room for diverse voices. And while their coming out journey hasn’t been without its bumps, it’s clear that Ramsey’s voice is helping shape a future where authenticity is something to be celebrated, not questioned.
