Heartstopper stars Corinna Brown and Kizzy Edgell reflect on Darcy and Tara's 'unashamed' lesbian romance as the cast cover Attitude Magazine
The cast of Heartstopper have graced the cover of Attitude Magazine's September/October issue, after the second season of the acclaimed show hit Netflix on Friday.
Leading the stars posing for the edgy shoot were Corinna Brown and Kizzy Edgell, who told the publication that it's 'really important' to keeping using the word 'lesbian' as it's been ostracised and maligned in recent years.
The pair, who play girlfriends Tara and Darcy in the drama, added that the pair are 'unashamed' about their romance, after keeping it a secret during the first series.
Corinna and Kizzy posed for an artistic Attitude cover alongside stars Tobie Donovan (Isaac Henderson), Bradley Riches (James McEwan), Bel Priestley (Naomi), Ash Self (Felix), Fisayo Akinade (Nathan Ajayi) and Nima Taleghani (Youssef Farouk).
Discussing Darcy's description of herself as a lesbian, Kizzy said: 'I think it's really important to say that word - lesbian. Because you sometimes hear celebrities say, ''Oh, I don't use that word. It's ugly.''
![Important: Heartstopper stars Corinna Brown and Kizzy Edgell reflect on Darcy and Tara's 'unashamed' romance as the extended cast graced the cover of Attitude Magazine](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/09/17/74131661-12389963-image-a-1_1691598765633.jpg)
Important: Heartstopper stars Corinna Brown and Kizzy Edgell reflect on Darcy and Tara's 'unashamed' romance as the extended cast graced the cover of Attitude Magazine
'It's completely out of line. What a damaging thing to say. I like the word lesbian. I like that [Darcy and Tara are] overt about it. And I like Darcy's unashamedness. I think that she makes me want to be, like, less quiet about myself.'
Corinna added she hopes Tara and Darcy's romance will bring more eyes to LGBTQ+ shows, as so many have been axed in recent years.
She said: 'I like that Darcy (Kizzy's character) pulls Tara (Darcy's character) out of her shell. ''You're a lesbian; it's fine. We're all OK.''
Having that representation is important because [TV series are] getting cancelled, and I think it's sad. And I don't think people should be quietened or dimmed. So, to be able to present Tara and Darcy's relationship is great.'
Elsewhere Tobie admitted he felt 'pressure' to accurately depict Isaac's discovery of his asexuality.
He said: 'I really wanted to get it right. But it was also, like, a responsibility and a gratitude that I'm not personally asexual, but I felt that it was important that this story be told.
'And that I did as much research as I could into doing it authentically. Because everyone should see themselves in the media. I think it's really important and it's a shame it's taken this long.
'I think we should all be better allies to everyone in the community. I felt it was really important that I did the work and did justice to this community.'
![Candid: Elsewhere Tobie Donovan admitted he felt 'pressure' to accurately depict Isaac's discovery of his asexuality, while posing with Bradley Riches (James McEwan)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/09/17/74131657-12389963-image-a-6_1691598843261.jpg)
Candid: Elsewhere Tobie Donovan admitted he felt 'pressure' to accurately depict Isaac's discovery of his asexuality, while posing with Bradley Riches (James McEwan)
![Representation: Fisayo Akinade (Nathan Ajayi) and Nima Taleghani (Youssef Farouk) discussed their characters' growing dynamic as teachers on the show](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/09/17/74131659-12389963-image-a-7_1691598956659.jpg)
Representation: Fisayo Akinade (Nathan Ajayi) and Nima Taleghani (Youssef Farouk) discussed their characters' growing dynamic as teachers on the show
![Rising stars: Bel Priestley and Ash Self, who joined the Heartstopper cast for its second series, discussed bringing greater trans visibility to the show](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/09/17/74131655-12389963-image-a-8_1691598959331.jpg)
Rising stars: Bel Priestley and Ash Self, who joined the Heartstopper cast for its second series, discussed bringing greater trans visibility to the show
![Young love: Heartstopper's long-awaited second series finally hit Netflix on Thursday, and fans were quick to praise its second run after blitzing through its eight episodes](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/09/17/73919431-12389963-Young_love_Heartstopper_s_long_awaited_second_series_finally_hit-a-5_1691598807487.jpg)
Young love: Heartstopper's long-awaited second series finally hit Netflix on Thursday, and fans were quick to praise its second run after blitzing through its eight episodes
Fisayo, who plays teacher Mr Ajayi, said: 'I don't think being gay is particularly interesting. But desire is such a fundamental thing so many people experience that to crush it is grotesque.
'What Heartstopper does really well is that it just goes, ''Here's some teenagers who are relatively happy. There are some adults who are relatively happy. Isn't that nice to see?'' The more representation we see, the better it becomes for everybody.'
Bel has joined the show as Naomi, a transgender student at the art school Elle applies to, and the actress recalled the heartwarming moment she met a fan after joining the show.
![On sale: The Attitude September/October issue is out on Thursday 10 August](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/09/17/74131653-12389963-image-a-4_1691598785084.jpg)
On sale: The Attitude September/October issue is out on Thursday 10 August
She said: 'I met another trans girl, and she cried. That was really sweet. She said how much the show means to her and how much all of us make a massive difference in people's lives.
'Some of the stories I've read online, and DMs I've received, just make me feel really blessed.'
Heartstopper's long-awaited second series finally hit Netflix on Thursday, and fans were quick to praise its second run after blitzing through its eight episodes.
The series sees Nick's relationship with Charlie still stronger than ever, but they still have challenges to face as he is yet to come out to his older brother or father.
Tao and Elle continue to grow closer after admitting to pals they have feelings for each other, with the pair coming clean to one another during their trip to Paris.
Tara also faces challenges with Darcy, who has kept her turbulent home life a secret, casting doubt over whether she'll attend the school prom.
The Attitude September/October issue is out on Thursday 10 August.
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