Are you ready to learn more about this heartstopper?
BY NIC CROSARA, PHOTO BY YELLOW XBELLY
Ever since the Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s best-selling graphic novels, Heartstopper, premiered on Netflix, Yasmin Finney became a fan favourite and captured the hearts of many through her portrayal of Elle Argent.
At just 20 years old, the actor has already begun changing the world all while forging an impressive acting career. Fans of the Doctor Who franchise, are excited to see Yasmin take on the role of Rose Noble in this year’s upcoming episodes and bring much-needed trans visibility to the world of sci-fi.
It is without a doubt that Yasmin is the moment. And we can’t wait to see what she continues to do in the years to come.
Are you ready to learn more about this Heartstopper? Let’s dive in…
Even before Heartstopper, she was serving up visibility on TikTok
Yasmin started TikTok back in 2019, where she shared her experiences as a trans girl and growing up in Manchester. “I would that to sort of document my trans journey. I felt like I didn’t realise the impact it would make on so many people,” she told Teen Vogue. “I was making content, just to cheer myself up as well, [despite] how hard my life was back then.
@yazdemand #ad I felt so connected to my community more than ever at this year’s @ukblackpride With @nyxcosmetics_uk ♬ Give It to Me Funky – House Of Say
She’s well aware of the importance of Elle Argent
For our May 2022 issue, I got the chance to speak with Yasmin and her fellow cast mates, Kizzy Edgell and Corinna Brown, as well as Alice Oseman. She opened up about what she loves most about getting to play Elle. “[She] is such a sacred character and it’s about time we have this role. I wish I had Elle growing up.”
When asked about her hopes for the rest of that year with both activism and acting, she said, “Me getting this role in itself. It’s a statement/ I want to hold onto that and just milk it as much as I can. This is the beginning. The future is endless.”
Laverne Cox has greatly inspired the young actor
In the same interview, I was curious to find out when the young actor first felt seen onscreen, and she shared that it was seeing “Laverne Cox in Orange Is The New Black. I was like, ‘Wow, this beautiful, gorgeous woman is being the representation for an older generation.’ To see her doing it really inspired me at a young age.”
The Heartstopper and her character have had an impact in the world of politics
Back in 2022, Labour MP Luke Pollard praised Yasmin Finney and Elle Argent for life-saving trans representation as the House of Commons debated the government’s conversion “therapy” ban.
@yazdemand #duet with @gaytimes ♬ Positive Uplifting Corporate 125bpm(850693) – Hanadayama Music Lab
GLAAD featured Yasmin on it’s 20 Under 20 list
In 2021, non-profit LGBTQ advocacy organisation, GLAAD, released its second-annual 20 Under 20 list that honoured outstanding LGBTQIA youth. The Heartstopper was featured on the list for “quickly becoming one of the industry’s fastest rising young trans actresses” and the work she’s done to advocate for trans equality.
She’s aware that her legs are always “giving”
In a video interview with Elle UK, the actor and model talked about all things fashion and style. And yes, she’s aware that her legs are always “giving”. She said, “Whenever I have a chance to show off my legs, I wanna show them off.”
Let’s talk astrology
The talented celebrity was born on 30 August, which makes her sun sign a Virgo and her moon a Libra. This is certainly a winning combination!
She has a vision for queer and trans futures
Joining Munroe Bergdorf and Tayce on Queerpiphany, the actor addressed her vision for the future. She said, “I just see a lot more shows like Heartstopper. A lot more shows like this. A lot of queer people having a seat at the table. And yeah, queer people getting understood.”
DIVA magazine celebrates 29 years in print in 2023. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
✨linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine ✨
