Trans Heartstopper star Ash Self is reminding people that disabled isn’t a ‘dirty word’
Actor Ash Self has issued a reminder that disabled is not a “dirty word” as he prepares to bring some vital trans and disabled representation to Heartstopper season two.
The British performer, 22, is set appear in the upcoming second series of Netflix’s hit TV adaptation of Alice Oseman’s beloved LGBTQ+ graphic novels, which arrives on 3 August.
Self plays Felix, an original character for the TV show who is introduced as a new friend of Elle Argent (Yasmin Finney) alongside another new character, Naomi, played by TikTok star Bel Priestley.
Ahead of the Heartstopper season two premiere, Self – who lives with chronic complex illnesses including asthma, respiratory problems, a neurological condition and a gastrointestinal condition – has issued a “gentle reminder” about how they prefer to be referred to a disabled person.
*Ash Self is providing vital transgender and disabled representation in Heartstopper season two*
Ash Self, who is a trans man, has stated that they are “so excited to be bringing some disabled rep[resentation]” to the Heartstopper universe as Felix when the show returns for more uplifting scenes of LGBTQ+ friendship and romance.
And when Self says disabled, he means disabled – and nothing else.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday (23 July), Self clarified that he doesn’t like being described by “euphemisms” for disability such as “handicapped” or “differently abled”.
In the same thread, he also confirmed that Felix will be portrayed as disabled in Heartstopper, appearing on screen with mobility aids and medical devices that are Self’s 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
I know that other disabled people may prefer these terms but I don’t.
Felix’s mobility aids and medical devices are also mine, I did not change or switch them to play the role and Felix is also disabled
— Ash Self (@Riversof_shadow) July 23, 2023
“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”, wrote Self. “It is not a dirty word”.
The actor and stand-up comedian continued: “I know that other disabled people may prefer these terms but I don’t. Felix’s mobility aids and medical devices are also mine, I did not change or switch them to play the role and Felix is also disabled”.
In response to a reply from a follower who stated that it “hurts sometimes” to be referred to as “disabled”, Self wrote: “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”.
When I started using a wheelchair 4 1/2 years ago, it was viewed by so many as an object of tragedy (me included) but it really gave me my life back and I would not be about to finish a degree or been able to do HS if I hadn’t accepted that I needed it #InternationalWheelchairDay pic.twitter.com/RM8A8dotYQ
— Ash Self (@Riversof_shadow) March 1, 2023
Self has previously opened up on social media about the prejudices and challenges he’s faced as a disabled person, stating on Twitter that despite initially viewing his wheelchair – which he began using in 2018 and only requires when needed – as a “object of tragedy”, he had since accepted it “gave [him his] life back”.
The actor, who was unable to finish his A-Levels at school due to illness and also wears a feeding tube, recently celebrated completing a degree in English with Creative Writing.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ash Self (@smashself)
He shared pictures of his graduation day on Instagram in July 2023 – including one of him being presented with his degree by legendary comedian and The Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French.
*Ash Self has been open about their gender identity and transition journey on social media*
Ash Self has been out and proud on social media about their experiences as a trans man undergoing gender-affirming care.