Bella Ramsey Opens Up About Coming Out as Nonbinary: “I’m Living More Freely”

Bella Ramsey didn’t set out to make headlines — they just wanted to live honestly.

In a candid new interview with The Guardian, The Last of Us star reflected on the experience of coming out as nonbinary, admitting it wasn’t something they initially intended to become a public moment. But once it did, Ramsey found clarity and freedom in the choice.

“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. “And obviously it was going to, and I didn’t really understand that at the time.”

Known for their breakout performance as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, Ramsey said that while the attention was overwhelming, they’ve heard from fans who were moved by the visibility.

“People have said to me that it’s been very helpful for them seeing some representation,” they said. “So it’s been a mixed bag, but overall, I think it was a good thing — just for me living more freely, without feeling like I’m keeping a secret.”

Ramsey, who prefers they/them pronouns, said they’re at peace with the decision now. “I’ll talk about it, but I don’t want it to be the focus anymore,” they added. “I guess I’m just quite chill with it. And I want everyone else to be as chill with it basically.”

Now 20, Ramsey has become a defining voice of a generation of performers reshaping what it means to be seen on and off screen. Their grounded honesty and refusal to chase celebrity headlines has only strengthened their connection with fans.

Ramsey returns in Season 2 of The Last of Us, which premiered April 13 on HBO. As Ellie’s journey grows darker and more intense, Ramsey’s own sense of self has grown more certain. And if one thing is clear, it’s that being true to who they are — on screen and off — is where their strength really shines.