In a surprising twist during an interview with The Guardian, Joe Locke, the breakout star of Netflix’s acclaimed young adult series "Heartstopper," expressed his desire to receive “hate-tweets” from none other than former President Donald Trump. This quirky aspiration comes as Locke reflects on the cultural impact of the show, which centers around a beautiful, heartwarming love story between two young men, Nick and Charlie.

Locke has emerged as a significant figure in LGBTQ representation thanks to his portrayal of Charlie Spring, and he noted that despite the polarized climate surrounding queer narratives, "Heartstopper" has, to his astonishment, faced minimal backlash from right-wing detractors, particularly in the United States.

The show has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also achieved astounding popularity, recently entering its third season and solidifying Locke and co-star Kit Connor as household names. Locke remarked, "This world is a very scary place sometimes... it feels a bit weird that 'Heartstopper' has almost been immune to that. A lot of queer shows get a lot of hate from right-wing groups, and 'Heartstopper' doesn’t, and I don’t really understand why."

His comments reflect a broader discussion about the visibility and acceptance of queer narratives in media. Addressing Trump supporters specifically, Locke quipped, "You’ll often hear Trump supporters talking about queer people and queer shows. I want to get hate-tweeted by Donald Trump!" It seems that for Locke, such attention—though negative—would symbolize the reach and relevance of what "Heartstopper" represents for the LGBTQ community.

When the conversation shifted towards representation within casting, Locke offered a thoughtful perspective. He expressed that while he understands the importance of LGBTQ actors portraying queer roles, he also believes that acting requires versatility. “I wouldn’t want to not be able to play a straight character,” he stated, emphasizing that authentic portrayals are paramount regardless of an actor’s sexual identity. “As long as you’re playing a part authentically and with the best intentions—you're not just playing a stereotype—then go for it!”

Moreover, Locke revealed his ambitions for diversifying his craft, expressing a desire to take on more varied roles. “I get a lot of auditions for more gay teenage characters, very similar parts, and while they’re great, I want to be a versatile actor, not get stamped,” he said.

As "Heartstopper" continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Locke’s comments spark a deeper conversation about representation, authenticity, and the complexities of identity in the entertainment industry. One thing is clear—whether he gets those tweets from Trump or not, Joe Locke is poised to make waves well beyond his current role!