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Actors from the Netflix series Heartstopper have transformed their queer visibility campaign into a powerful charity, raising significant funds for displaced LGBTQIA+ refugees worldwide through their ‘Queer Past’ merchandise and collaborations with organisations like Choose Love and Rainbow Railroad.<\/p>\n
Actors Sebastian Croft and Connor Jessup, known from the Netflix series “Heartstopper,” have turned their passion for queer visibility into a tangible force for LGBTQIA+ support through their charity, Queer Was Always Here (QWAH). Founded in 2022, the charity began with a striking symbolic design: a T-shirt featuring two kissing dinosaurs named Dylan and Derek. This image serves as a playful yet poignant reminder of the enduring presence of queerness throughout history. The initiative partnered with Choose Love, a charity dedicated to refugee support, particularly focusing on LGBTQIA+ individuals displaced worldwide.<\/p>\n
This year marked a significant milestone for QWAH, as Croft and Jessup brought their charity\u2019s message directly to London Pride in 2025. Fans and supporters could find them selling exclusive “Queer Past” merchandise from a converted horse trailer on Greek Street, Soho, which was unmistakably branded with artist Jack Taylor Lovatt’s signature lettering. The merchandise line, including T-shirts, caps, and jumpers carrying the “Queer Past” slogan, has already caught the attention of notable figures such as Troye Sivan, David Tennant, and Jessie Ware, turning these items into symbolic status pieces within the Pride community.<\/p>\n
QWAH’s influence extends beyond fashion statements. Since its inception, the charity has raised over \u00a3250,000, facilitating support for more than 1,700 refugees through collaborations with organisations like Rainbow Railroad and the Say It Loud Club. The funds go toward vital grassroots efforts that provide aid and safety for LGBTQIA+ refugees globally. The re-release of the original dinosaur T-shirt, co-designed with artist Kieran Blakey, exemplifies the charity\u2019s ongoing commitment to fundraising, having previously raised \u00a3150,000 for organizations including Choose Love and Rainbow Railroad.<\/p>\n
Queer Was Always Here is more than a charity; it is a community dedicated to celebrating queer joy, history, and art while directly impacting those in need. The collaboration with Choose Love extends QWAH\u2019s reach, linking financial support to tangible grassroots projects aiding displaced LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide. The charity\u2019s continued success hinges not only on its artistic and cultural appeal but also on its impactful humanitarian mission, merging visibility with meaningful activism.<\/p>\n