Bella Ramsey, the actress who plays Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us HAS COME OUT that she is a Lesbian. This further clarifies that HBO is trying to send a message to fans
On March 25, 2025, Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old actress known for her role as Ellie in HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Last of Us, made headlines with a personal revelation that has sparked widespread conversation. In an interview with British Vogue, Ramsey announced that she identifies as a lesbian, a statement that has added a new layer of significance to her portrayal of Ellie, a character whose own queer identity is central to the narrative of the show’s upcoming second season. This announcement, coming just weeks before the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 on April 13, has led many to speculate that HBO is intentionally sending a message to its audience about representation and authenticity in storytelling.
Ramsey’s journey to this moment has been one of gradual self-discovery, much of which has unfolded in the public eye. The actress, who uses they/them pronouns and has previously identified as nonbinary, has been open about the challenges of exploring their gender and sexuality under the scrutiny of fame. In the same Vogue interview, Ramsey shared that they were “properly in love” while filming Season 2, a sentiment that coincided with rumors of a romance with actress Maisy Stella. While Ramsey did not confirm the relationship, their candidness about their feelings and identity marks a significant step in their personal narrative. This revelation comes on the heels of another recent disclosure: Ramsey was diagnosed with autism during the filming of the first season of The Last of Us, a diagnosis that they said allowed them to “unmask immediately” and navigate the world more authentically.
The timing of Ramsey’s announcement is particularly noteworthy given the context of The Last of Us Season 2. The new season, set to explore the events of The Last of Us Part II video game, will delve deeper into Ellie’s story, including her lesbian romance with the character Dina, played by Isabela Merced. Fans of the game have long celebrated Ellie’s queer identity as a groundbreaking moment in mainstream gaming, and HBO’s adaptation has been praised for its commitment to preserving this aspect of her character. Ramsey’s own coming out as a lesbian adds a layer of authenticity to the role, as they now share a lived experience with the character they portray. This alignment has led many to believe that HBO is making a deliberate statement about the importance of representation, not just in the stories it tells but in the casting choices it makes.
HBO has a history of championing diverse narratives, and The Last of Us has been a flagship example of this commitment. The first season included significant queer storylines, such as the love story between Bill and Frank, which earned critical acclaim and an Emmy win for guest actors Nick Offerman and Storm Reid. Ramsey themselves has previously spoken about the importance of queer storytelling, noting in 2023 that such narratives are “integral” and “organically done” in the show. The decision to cast Ramsey, an openly queer actor, in the role of Ellie—a character whose queerness is a defining trait—feels like a natural extension of HBO’s broader mission to reflect the diversity of the real world in its programming. By doing so, the network is signaling to fans that it values authenticity and is willing to take risks to ensure that marginalized voices are heard.
However, this move has not been without its challenges. Ramsey has faced significant backlash over the years, both for their casting as Ellie and for the show’s inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters. Posts found on X reveal a polarized fanbase, with some praising the show’s progressive approach while others have criticized it, with comments ranging from dismissive to outright hostile. Ramsey addressed this backlash in 2023, stating, “If you don’t want to watch the show because it has gay storylines, because it has a trans character, that’s on you, and you’re missing out.” Their recent announcement is likely to reignite these debates, but it also underscores their resilience in the face of adversity. By coming out, Ramsey is not only embracing their truth but also reinforcing the importance of visibility for queer individuals in the entertainment industry.
As The Last of Us Season 2 approaches, Ramsey’s announcement has added an emotional depth to the anticipation. The season promises to be darker and more intense, with Ellie’s relationship with Dina at its heart. For Ramsey, playing a queer character while navigating their own journey of self-discovery has been a profound experience, one that they hope will resonate with viewers. HBO’s decision to stand by Ramsey and amplify queer stories through The Last of Us sends a powerful message: representation matters, and the stories we tell should reflect the full spectrum of human experience.
