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Tobie Donovan | Source: Getty Images
Tobie Donovan | Source: Getty Images

Is Tobie Donovan Gay? The Actor Confirmed He Is Part of the LGBTQ+ Community

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Aug 08, 2023
07:45 A.M.

Actor Tobie Donovan is queer and part of the LGBTQ+ community, though he does not exclusively identify as gay. Taking his own pace in disclosing his sexuality, he is committed to portraying an often underrepresented LGBTQ+ subgroup on screen.

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Tobie Donovan shines as one of the main stars in the Netflix show "Heartstopper," captivating fans with his role as Isaac Henderson. In the show, his character is not only the best friend of Joe Locke's character, Charlie Spring, but also a uniquely charming character in his own right.

Like his fellow cast members, Tobie Donovan is deeply committed to promoting LGBTQ+ representation. He consistently expresses this support by speaking up about the community's significant potential in entertainment.

Tobie Donovan at the EE British Academy Film Awards 2023 Vanity Fair Rising Star BAFTAs pre-party on February 2, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Tobie Donovan at the EE British Academy Film Awards 2023 Vanity Fair Rising Star BAFTAs pre-party on February 2, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Tobie Donovan Is Part of the LGBTQ+ Community

On Instagram, Donovan expressed immense excitement about his role in the Netflix series "Heartstopper." He shared that being part of the show is a dream come true and a thrilling experience. His post read in part:

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"I feel so privileged to be telling his story in this show and to be representing my community on such a huge platform like Netflix! 🙌🏼🏳️‍🌈"

Donovan stated he is part of the queer community but did not confirm which alphabet he represents. He conveyed his gratitude to the series creators and cast and eagerly anticipated sharing the story with the world.

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From the moment Donovan joined the series, he started sharing behind-the-scenes from the show. He documented his experiences on his YouTube channel. His first video tells how he got chosen after an audition.

Henderson's storyline, including his asexual and aromantic coming out, will continue to develop in future seasons.

He excitedly informed his family and friends about making it onto the show and looked into his interactions with the cast and behind-the-scenes rehearsal moments.

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After captivating audiences with its charm, "Heartstopper" spread its magic as a number of the show's beloved characters made a heartwarming appearance during the 2021 Pride Parade at Trafalgar Square, London.

Among the crowd favorites were Donovan, Joe Locke, Sebastian Croft, and Kit Connor, who not only participated but also managed to warm the hearts of onlookers with their presence. Donovan remarked that it was the "most magical day."

The event saw other series cast members, such as Kizzy Edgell, Rhea Norwood, Corinna Brownall, and Yasmin Finney, grace the stage and join the motorcade. This gave them the perfect opportunity to connect with fans.

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Tobie Donovan Reflected on His Character in 'Heartstopper'

Donovan plays Charlie Spring's best friend, Isaac Henderson, in "Hearstopper." Reflecting on his character, the actor acknowledged the significance of asexual representation in mainstream media.

He also highlighted the current absence of this type of representation, emphasizing the importance of showing diverse queer identities as natural and normal parts of life.

Donovan believes the series is striving to depict teenage characters with multifaceted struggles beyond their sexual orientation, and he thinks it would be highly beneficial to include asexual representation on screen.

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Show creator Alice Oseman earlier revealed that Donovan's character would have an asexual and aromantic storyline in the second season, which reflects the broader commitment to diversity and representation in "Heartstopper."

Oseman also mentioned that Henderson's storyline, including his asexual and aromantic coming out, will continue to develop in future show seasons.

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Tobie Donovan Shared His Views on Queer Inclusivity & Representation On-screen

Donovan once shared his thoughts on queer representation not only in television but also in films. He recalled Marvel's "Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness," where actress Xochitl Gomez portrays a queer character America Chavez.

He said he found it "beautiful" to see queer representation on the big screen and was touched by the inclusivity. The actor felt this representation was significant and impactful for many kids, including his younger self.

He expressed a personal connection to the idea that he, too, could be a superhero. He also credited Marvel for taking the lead in showcasing diverse characters and relationships on screen.

Donovan is one of several celebrities who proudly identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community in show business, including Joshua Bassett, Elliot Page, Amandla Stenberg, and Noah Schnapp.

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