The lead actors from Netflix queer drama Heartstopper were among those to lead the Pride in London parade in the UK on Saturday.
Video footage has emerged of some of the cast members flipping the finger, and dancing, in front of anti-LGBTQ religious zealots. The protestors stood with placards behind a barrier. One can be heard shouting about God’s condemnation via a megaphone.
The stars of Heartstopper absolutely loving it as anti-LGBT protesters are challenged by a young Pride supporter #Pride pic.twitter.com/7uUwaG9MXW
— Scott Beasley (@SkyScottBeasley) July 2, 2022
One Pride-goer, not believed to be part of the Heartstopper cast, can be seen trying to wrestle one of the protestor’s signs from their hands, but police intervene and he gives up.
Related: ‘Heartstopper’ star Kit Connor addresses gay rumors on Twitter
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In the video, lead actor Joe Locke, wrapped in a Pride flag, can be seen bouncing up and down while showing his middle finger to the protestors. Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ plays loudly in the background from a parade float.
It was shared by Pink News, who praised Locke’s actions and energy. Locke reshared the clip and caption on his own Twitter, saying, “Had to do my job properly”. His tweet has had over 165,000 likes and prompted thousands of comments.
Had to do my job properly 🤷♀️ https://t.co/wqIazo4yJ1
— Joe Locke (@joelocke03) July 2, 2022
Co-star Kit Connor, who plays Locke’s love interest in the teen drama, also re-shared footage. He points out that he’s not in the video because he was busy taking video himself. Still, he was “screaming at them but please don’t be mistaken, it wasn’t ’Kit Connor and the rest of the cast’, it was @joelocke03 and @SebastianCroft front and centre. Please give them the credit for doing something so powerful.”
uhhh I was videoing and screaming at them but please don’t be mistaken, it wasn’t ’Kit Connor and the rest of the cast’, it was @joelocke03 and @SebastianCroft front and centre. Please give them the credit for doing something so powerful. https://t.co/SjvJFCHwKD
— Kit Connor (@kit_connor) July 2, 2022
WE LOVE U SO MUCHHHHHH pic.twitter.com/hYRH7VXaxI
— angie (@KlTSNELSON) July 2, 2022
heartstopper cast at the london pride : a thread pic.twitter.com/gqEsjpq6Vy
— anna 🎧 (@kitscrush) July 2, 2022
Heartstopper actor Sebastian Croft caught footage from a slightly different angle.
Love always wins💖🏳️🌈🥳🏳️⚧️ #Pride pic.twitter.com/HIKAI2vY3n
— Sebastian Croft (@SebastianCroft) July 2, 2022
Related: Kit Connor is “perfectly confident” with his sexuality and he’s not here for anyone’s assumptions
Saturday’s event in the UK capital is believed to have attracted over 1million people. Besides the Heartstopper stars, veteran members of the Gay Liberation Front, who organized the first Gay Pride March in London in 1972, also had a prominent position at the front of the event.
Heartstopper has proved a hit with audiences since it made its debut in April. Netflix has since confirmed it has commissioned two further seasons of the show.
Vince
This is why I have faith in the future. The old bigots will eventually die off.
CatholicXXX
The US begs to differ.
Chrisk
The country is getting more diverse and less religious. However, the old guard isn’t going down without a fight. I expect them to ramp up the hate and do everything in their power to stop it and so far they’re succeeding.
LumpyPillows
If only bigoted people were old. If all young people were really as right as they imagine they are. Reminds me of the 1960s.
quantum
Good for Sebastian Croft! Every gay boy in the world has had a boyfriend like his vile villain character.
DCFarmboy
London Pride, a corporate event where gay men perform for the entertainment of straight women.
bachy
Thanks to this site and comments on the show from various people, I got turned on to Heartstopper. What a terrific show! I loved every moment of it.
But I think it’s depressing to see these encounters with religious extremists so frequently featured in the media. It gives a couple of cretins waving asinine placards at the parade an international platform for their hateful views.
LumpyPillows
I think these two guys are great. This really seems like a genuine participation in the parade as opposed to a PR stunt most celebs do.
Jack
Hear that ventilator? It’s the white “Christians” on life support. And they are not going down without a fight. 30.6M 18-24 year olds in the US. Y’ALL GET YOUR ASSES OUT AND VOTE! It won’t pull the plug on these old bastards but it will ensure that they don’t keep getting local, state and federal seats to create laws that oppress us all.
Jack
As someone once said….”You would rather be in the dark age. Just making that sign. Must’ve taken all night”. Bitch.
scotty
such nice boys.