HBO's The Last of Us is the latest show to come under fire for its inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters, with the critically-acclaimed third episode, "Long, Long Time," repeatedly review-bombed on IMDB for its depiction of a gay love story between supporting players Bill and Frank.
It's a common occurrence these days, with a lot of people seemingly taking issue with changes being made to the source material solely for the sake of diversity.
Even if you happen to agree, those complaints really shouldn't apply to The Last of Us, since both games feature quite a few queer and trans protagonists (and yes, Bill and Frank are supposed to be lovers in the first game - it's just a bit more subtle).
During a new interview with GQ, star Bella Ramsey - who self-defines as non-binary - was asked about the backlash the show has received, and gave a very matter-of-fact response.
“I’m not particularly anxious about it,” said the former Game of Thrones alum. “I know people will think what they want to think. But they’re gonna have to get used to it. 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. It isn’t gonna make me afraid. I think that comes from a place of defiance.”
As Ramsey alludes to, if these guys have a problem with season 1, they're really going to blow a gasket once season 2 comes out!
In The Last of Us Part II video game, Ellie embarks on a relationship with another young woman, Dina, and a trans character is introduced when Abby - the story's controversial new deuteragonist - encounters a wayward Seraphite named Lev who is being hunted by his people for switching gender.
Episode 6 of The Last of Us is set to premiere this Sunday, so be sure to keep an eye out for our recap as soon as the episode airs.