For those who didn’t have AWESOME shows like Heartstopper growing up, where did you see yourself represented onscreen?

As the internet continues to gush over Netflix’s marvellous LGBTQ+ coming-of-age show Heartstopper, which is based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, it has left many social media users feeling nostalgic. 

The show, which (if you haven’t caught it yet) literally is as good as everyone online is saying, tells the story of gentle Charlie and rugby-loving Nick, who meet at secondary school and quickly discover that their unlikely friendship is blossoming into an unexpected romance. 

Overwhelmingly, the response from most has been something along the lines of, ‘I wish a show like this had existed when I was growing up’.

As LGBTQ+ representation on our screen has become bolder and more visible, particularly in recent years, the majority who grew up during a different time have been reminded how rare it was in their experience.

Thankfully, gone are the days actively having to seek out LGBTQ+ content, settling for any hint of queer narrative to watch, often guiltily and alone in private. 

What began as a bit of fun, showcasing the media some LGBT+ age groups did have access to growing up, has developed into something nostalgic and pretty wonderful.  

Along with captions like ‘This was my Heartstopper’, ‘They have Heartstopper, we had…’, and ‘My Heartstopper growing up…’, fans of the show have been sharing their coming-of-age onscreen obsessions and HOLY FU*K IT MAKES US FEEL OLD BUT it’s pretty nostalgically awesome. 

Some highlights include Queer as Folk, The L Word, Skins, Eastenders, Shameless, Sugar Rush, The Bill, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and more. 

Take a browse through some below and let us know yours in the comments on Insta.