Ramsey, 21, first gained recognition for their powerful portrayal of Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, appearing in nine episodes from 2016 to 2019. Since then, they’ve continued to captivate audiences, most notably with their starring role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed adaptation of the popular video game. Their performance has earned widespread acclaim, helping to establish the series as a benchmark for successful video game adaptations. Despite their rising fame, Ramsey has opened up about the challenges that come with public scrutiny, particularly when it comes to navigating conversations around their gender identity.
In a recent interview with The Observer, Ramsey opened up about the aftermath of coming out publicly in 2021.
At the time, they told The New York Times, “Being gendered isn’t something I particularly like,” revealing that they identify as genderfluid and use they/them pronouns.
Now, looking back on that moment, Ramsey expressed mixed emotions.
“Part of me looks back and I wish that I didn’t,” they admitted.
“I didn’t want it to become a headline and a big thing. Obviously it was going to [but] I didn’t really understand that at the time.”
They explained that they weren’t prepared for the intensity of the public reaction.
Even so, Ramsey acknowledged that sharing their identity has had a meaningful impact: “People have said to me that it’s been very helpful for them seeing some representation.”
Despite the challenges, Ramsey has shared that the decision ultimately brought a sense of personal liberation.
“It’s been a mixed experience, but overall, I think it was positive—just being able to live more openly, without the weight of secrecy,” they said.
In an interview with Wired, Ramsey expressed a relaxed attitude toward pronouns: “[My pronouns] are whatever you fancy, really. A lot of people call me they, some people call me she, and occasionally I get a he.
“I’m sort of whatever. I’m pretty chill about it all for now. Maybe that’ll change, but for now…”
Speaking with Vogue, Ramsey reflected on how fame has complicated their process of self-discovery.
“No matter how much I try to keep things private, if someone spots me on the street and snaps a photo, then it becomes a topic of conversation,” they said.
They also spoke about the pressure actors face to have all the answers: “Part of being an actor is people expecting you to respond clearly to every question. But sometimes the honest answer is, ‘I don’t know, and I’m not ready to talk about that.’”
