Bella Ramsey urged award shows to be more inclusive following their experience submitting themselves for recognition at the 2023 Emmys.
The 19-year-old The Last of Us star revealed that they identified as non-binary in January of this year.
Following award season, they admitted it was ‘uncomfortable’ registering for eligibility to recieve gongs when only male and female catagories existed.
While many shows had made moves towards more gender-neutral recognition, big fixtures such as the Oscars, Emmys and Baftas were still playing catch up during this year’s run.
Bella opened up about their stance on award show categories during a recent interview with Vanity Fair and explained how they were feeling after the Emmys in particular.
They told the publication: ‘The categories at the moment feel extremely gendered with the language around them.
‘I don’t want the limitations in terms of the language in the categories to be a reason that non-binary actors like me can’t be celebrated.
‘And it can open up a conversation about how it feels – as long as I’m aware of the fact that it’s not ideal, but also that finding alternatives is really complex.’
The Hilda star also commented on the importance of non-binary acknowledgment at award shows when they said: ‘For [nonbinary and nonconforming people] to have a say and be part of those discussions and those conversations, that’s really important.
‘I just hope there’s more space for non-binary people to be recognised within [future] categories.’
Bella’s comments came after The Crown’s Emma Corrin shared their experiences as a non-binary performer working in the industry.
While speaking to the BBC in November, they also called on award shows to become more inclusive and do away with gender specific catagories.
They explained: ‘I don’t think the categories are inclusive enough at the moment.
‘It’s difficult for me at the moment trying to justify in my head being non-binary and being nominated in female categories.’
Bella first opened up about their identity earlier this year and shared that they had also been ‘fluid’ with their gender.
They told the New York Times: ‘I guess my gender has always been very fluid.
‘Someone would call me “she” or “her” and I wouldn’t think about it. But I knew that if someone called me “he”, it was a bit exciting.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Pedro Pascal tells Bella Ramsey sweet reason why he places hand in certain position for photos
MORE : The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey thanks ‘gay army’ as she quits Twitter
Share this with