Non-Binary 'Yellowjackets' Star Opens Up about Fan Response

Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.

Liv Hewson, the non-binary breakout star of Showtime's hit drama "Yellowjackets," talked about being in a TV same-sex romance and cited LGTBQ+ fan response to the show, sharing that they follow fan theories online and joking that "being adored by gay people on Twitter is all I've ever wanted in my life."

The quote formed the basis of the headline in UK newspaper The Guardian in which Hewson opened up about the show's same-sex relationship and how humor, as well as romance, helps make their character a fan favorite.

The series is a drama about survival in a desperate situation. As The Guardian explained: "The show tells two stories consecutively: One set in the '90s that follows the plight of a girl's soccer team that have crash-landed in the wilderness, and the other exploring the trauma of the survivors decades later."

The article noted that Hewson's character, Van, is the team's goalkeeper, and relayed that Van has a "pretty terrible time; having being set on fire twice and mauled by wolves, among other things, she really goes through a lot even for a show about survival and cannibalism."

But Van maintains a "sardonic" sense of humor, the story noted, and Hewson credits that aspect of their character for the positive fan response.

"Van crops up a lot as a strong comedic voice," Hewson said, before adding: "I think people respond to that – not just about Van, but the show generally."

Just as notable is Van's same-sex relationship with fellow teammate Taissa (played as a teen by Jasmin Savoy Brown).

Hewson addressed being part of the drama's LGBTQ+ romance, and the way in which the show's ensemble readily accept the couple.

"First of all, they're a women's soccer team," the actor pointed out. "These girls know what lesbians are."

Moreover, Hewson noted, by the time the relationship comes to light, the team are months into their ordeal.

"Why would this be a problem to us when we have all of this going on?" Hewson asked. "Van and Taissa's relationship is a source of joy, safety and love among this terrible situation."


Hewson subsequently revisited their comment about always having wanted to be adored by LGTBQ+ fans on Twitter. Sending out a tweet – suitably enough – on the quote, they posted: "I WAS JOKING WHEN I SAID THIS but it is true".


by Kilian Melloy , EDGE Staff Reporter

Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.

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