Unveiling Isaac's Authenticity: Exploring His Identity in Heartstopper Season 2

Warning: Spoilers for the Heartstopper season 2 finale

Summary

Isaac's journey towards embracing his asexual and aromantic identity is a pivotal development in Heartstopper season 2.

Isaac Henderson, a significant character in Heartstopper, experiences a transformative journey after meeting an artist who shares their own experiences. This encounter allows Isaac to discover the language necessary to express their true identity and ultimately find a sense of freedom.

An avid reader, Isaac is always immersed in a novel or memoir, ranging from We Are Okay by Nina LaCour to All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. In the initial episodes of Heartstopper season 2, Isaac consistently chooses reading as his priority, even when spending time with his friends. Isaac often prefers to stay on the fringes, especially when the rest of the group pairs up. While Charlie and the others reassure their bookworm friend that he will find someone, Isaac starts to question this belief. He realizes that he may not be interested in sex or romance at all.

Is Isaac Asexual & Aromantic In Heartstopper Season 2? (What The Differences Are)

During a class trip to Paris, James McEwan (played by Bradley Riches), a student from Truham, shares a kiss with Isaac, but sadly, the feeling is not reciprocated. In a subsequent episode, Isaac confesses to James, expressing his confusion about how he should feel when experiencing a crush. Despite having read numerous books that depict various forms of love, Isaac struggles to grasp his own emotions. As he contemplates whether there is something inherently wrong with him, James offers some reassuring words, stating, "I'm certain you just haven't encountered the right person yet." Although intended to be comforting, these words only contribute to Isaac's silent frustration of being unable to articulate his true identity.

In the same episode, Isaac encounters a teenage artist who showcases the essence of asexuality and aromanticism through their unique installation piece. While these identities encompass a range of experiences, individuals who identify as asexual typically experience little to no sexual attraction to others, while those who identify as aromantic do not typically experience romantic attraction. The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project emphasizes that although a person may resonate with the labels "asexual" or "aromantic," their unique experiences may expand beyond the conventional definitions of these terms.

Both the asexual (ace) and aromantic (aro) communities encompass a diverse range of identities falling under these broad categories. As the artist shares their own experiences, Isaac has a profound moment of self-discovery. He finally finds the words to express his own identity and describes the emotions he has long felt. Isaac does not openly disclose his identity to the other characters in the Heartstopper season 2 cast or make a conventional "coming out" announcement. However, the finale suggests that Isaac may identify with the asexual portion of the sexual orientation spectrum, as he picks up a book titled Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex.

Why Isaac's Asexuality Is So Important For Heartstopper Season 2

Isaac's friends consistently tease him about kissing James despite their good intentions. This prompts Isaac to confront them, expressing his frustration that they only find his life interesting when there is romantic drama involved. Both in real life and in the show, it can be difficult for individuals who do not experience romantic or sexual attraction to navigate a society that places such high value on these attractions. When Isaac meets an artist, he discovers the terms "aromantic" and "asexual," which lead to a sense of "freedom" and "euphoria" by releasing oneself from societal pressures and expectations. For viewers of Heartstopper, encountering Isaac's rarely discussed experience is similarly liberating.