In an interview with GQ published on February 14, 2023, Bella Ramsey discussed her gender identity and chest binding while filming “The Last of Us.” Here are some key points from the interview and related studies.
Ramsey’s nonbinary gender identity was first revealed in a January 2023 interview with the New York Times. She described her gender identity as fluid and that she “couldn’t care less” about pronouns. Ramsey said that her “The Last of Us” co-star, Pedro Pascal, who has a trans sister, was supportive of her identity.
Ramsey revealed in the GQ interview that she wore a chest binder for 90% of the time while filming “The Last of Us.” Chest binding involves compressing the chest to alleviate gender dysphoria. For many transgender and nonbinary people, chest binding can help reduce feelings of dysphoria and improve mental health. However, wearing a binder for too long can cause back pain, shortness of breath, and other severe side effects such as musculoskeletal and neurological issues.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, homemade alternatives such as elastic bandages and duct tape are considered unsafe. The safest way to bind is to use a garment specifically designed for chest binding, such as the brand GC2B. GC2B chest binders provide an even compression and are designed to be worn for up to 8 hours.
Ramsey’s nonbinary identity has influenced her performance in “The Last of Us,” and she felt a connection with her character despite the post-apocalyptic landscape. Although she enjoys experimenting with different feminine roles, Ramsey emphasized that her on-screen wardrobe doesn’t give others the right to misgender her.
Ramsey also talked about the meaningful conversations she had with Pedro Pascal about identity. Pascal has been an advocate for transgender rights and was supportive of his co-star’s gender identity. Ramsey said that their conversations could be funny or humorous, but they were always open and honest.
“The Last of Us” has received some criticism for deviating from the original game plot to highlight more queer storylines. Ramsey isn’t bothered by this and stated that those who don’t want to watch the show because it includes gay storylines and trans characters are missing out.
In summary, Bella Ramsey’s revelation about her gender identity and chest binding highlights the importance of respecting an individual’s gender identity and using safe methods for chest binding. Her experience also emphasizes the need for greater representation of queer and trans stories in mainstream media.
