Bella Ramsey, best known for their powerful performance as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, has recently opened up about the complex emotions they’ve experienced since publicly coming out as non-binary. At just 19, Ramsey made headlines when they shared their gender identity with the world, a move that was both empowering and unexpectedly overwhelming. In a candid interview, Ramsey admitted to having some regrets—not because of who they are, but because of the way their personal truth became a headline rather than a quiet act of self-expression.
“Part of me looks back and I wish that I didn’t, because I didn’t want it to become a headline and a big thing,” Ramsey said. Their words reflect a desire for privacy, for authenticity without the spotlight’s glare. Coming out publicly was never intended to be a statement or spectacle, but in the age of instant news and social media commentary, it became just that.
Ramsey has expressed that while they’re proud of their identity and grateful for the support they’ve received, the attention surrounding their announcement was emotionally taxing. They didn’t anticipate how widely their words would be shared or how much focus would shift from their work to their gender. Rather than being known for their acting craft, they were suddenly being discussed in headlines centered on identity—something they never sought to be the defining feature of their public persona.
At the same time, Ramsey acknowledges that being open about their identity has allowed them to live more freely. “I’ve felt a lot more myself since coming out,” they shared, recognizing that truth brings a kind of peace, even when it also invites public scrutiny. It’s a duality that many in the LGBTQ+ community can relate to: the tension between personal liberation and public exposure.
They also stressed the importance of having nuanced conversations around gender, noting that their own experience is constantly evolving. “I still don’t know exactly what I am,” they said. “And that’s okay.” Ramsey’s honesty highlights the fluidity of identity and the pressure society places on people—especially public figures—to define themselves clearly and permanently.
Bella Ramsey’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder that coming out is not a one-size-fits-all experience. For some, it’s joyful and affirming. For others, it can be complicated and heavy. Ramsey’s courage in speaking about their regrets doesn’t undermine their truth—it adds depth to it. It reminds us that visibility can be both a gift and a burden.
As they continue their career, Ramsey hopes the conversation will shift toward their artistry rather than their identity. They want to be recognized for their work, their characters, their voice—not simply the label attached to them. Their journey is a testament to the strength it takes not only to be oneself, but to do so in a world that often demands definition over understanding.
