Literature for LGBTQ+ Visibility: 'Heartstopper' in the Classroom

This thesis examines the potential role of literature in fostering LGBTQ+ acceptance and representation in educational contexts, using the graphic novel Heartstopper as a key example and didactic proposal. The study opens by exploring the historical milestones and contemporary challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ communities in the United Kingdom and Italy, emphasising the UK’s legal advancements and the ongoing struggles in Italy due to religious and political opposition. The discussion then transitions to the literary medium of graphic storytelling, outlining the appeal of graphic novels and webcomics to young readers. Heartstopper’s evolution from webcomic to book to TV series serves as a case study to illustrate the role of online communities and fan culture in its widespread popularity. Finally, this dissertation discusses the pedagogical advantages of incorporating LGBTQ+-themed graphic storytelling into educational curricula. Through a comparative analysis of Scottish and Italian schools, it argues that the use of LGBTQ+-themed graphic novels not only enhances student engagement but also plays a pivotal role in fostering acceptance and visibility. Heartstopper is ultimately presented as an effective tool for encouraging empathy, inclusion, and diversity in the classroom.