Bella Ramsey has discussed why picking pronouns was a tough experience.

Ramsey, who is non-binary, spoke up to Louis Theroux on season five of The Louis Theroux Podcast about why they decided to alter their pronouns after season one of The Last of Us. The post-apocalyptic HBO series, which also stars Pedro Pascal, has premiered its second season.

“I never gave pronouns any attention until the first season of The Last of Us came out.” Suddenly, I had to decide which pronoun I wanted people to use when writing about me,” Bella explained.

“I was so worried about it because I had no idea, and I didn’t care. Nonetheless, I found the entire situation unsettling. On Last of Us this season, there was a discussion over what people should call me on set. And as I have stated, my current preference is to be addressed as you perceive me.

“I’m so conscious that when I get into a cab, the driver will address me as ‘she. It’s just a natural thing that occurs in your brain, which I entirely understand.

“I have never been stringent about ‘they/them’ because I believe I don’t care. I’m also quite comfortable with who I am. I understand how essential it is for others, but it is not as important to me right now.”

Louis also mentioned Bella’s nomination for an Emmy Award in the female category for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.

The Emmy Awards were heavily criticized at the time, with several fans expressing disappointment with the selection.

“There was a little bit of a ruckus when you were nominated in the female category for acting; was it for an Emmy?” Some people took that as an insult to you,” explained Louis.

Bella stated that they did not find it offensive and that they believed it was necessary for women in the profession to be safeguarded.

“I think it’s crucial to continue recognizing women in the profession. I believe the gendered categories issue is incredibly intriguing, and I don’t have a solution. I wish there was a simple way around it, but I think it’s extremely vital that we have a female and a male category,” they added.

“But how do non-binary or gender nonconforming persons fit into that? I do not know. I’ve thought about it; I’ve genuinely sat down and tried to think my way to an answer, and I still haven’t gotten there.”

Bella, who was 19 years old at the time, stated that they were non-binary during The Last of Us marketing in January 2023.

Bella has recently revealed that they did not want it to ‘make a headline.’

“Part of me looks back, and I wish that I didn’t, because I didn’t want it to become a headline and a big thing,” they told the newspaper.

“And it was obviously going to, but I didn’t realize it at the time.” At that moment, I was not truly prepared for it. People have told me, however, that seeing some representation has been quite beneficial to them.

“So it’s been a mixed bag, but overall, I think it was a good thing, just for me living more freely, without feeling like I’m keeping a secret.”