Heartstopper star Bel Priestley has shared a heartfelt and vulnerable reflection on the challenges of dating as a trans woman, admitting that she has never experienced love and often wonders whether she ever will.
Appearing on the Great Company podcast with host Jamie Laing, the 22-year-old actress and TikTok creator spoke candidly about her experiences. Known for playing Naomi in the hit queer Netflix drama Heartstopper, Priestley revealed that dating remains an uphill battle for many trans women.
“It’s still really shunned upon to date a trans woman,” she said. “I think people still think you’re gay.”
Priestley explained that while some men are open to casual encounters, they often shy away from committed relationships or even being seen with her in public. “A lot of guys are happy to have a one-night stand with me… people don’t want to date you or don’t want to be seen out with you,” she added. “I think that’s a really difficult thing.”
Despite often sharing her gender affirmation journey — including her recovery from voice feminisation surgery — Priestley admitted that she has always dreamt of a more traditional future, one that may feel increasingly out of reach.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever get married or find someone. It’s rare for us,” she said. “I always wonder what I would be like if I was born a girl. I’d probably get married really young and have kids.”
She continued, “I probably won’t have a young love situation because I’m trans… I’ve had so many situations with guys when they’ve been really cold after or not spoken to me again.”
Priestley admitted these experiences have left her questioning herself. “You always end up comparing yourself to these women who you look nothing like because of a guy who never respected you in the first place,” she said.
Having come out as trans at 13, Priestley has spoken in the past about the bullying she faced and her desire to be a positive role model for transgender youth.
“I want to be someone for the younger generation to look up to and hopefully inspire,” she told the BBC in 2023. “I hate the thought of anyone feeling so alone, like I did growing up.”
