Bella Ramsey’s Bold Move: A Reported $8 Million Donation to the LGBTQ+ Community

Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old British actor who captivated audiences as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, has long been a beacon of authenticity in Hollywood. Known for their fearless performances and unapologetic advocacy, Ramsey has reportedly taken their commitment to new heights with an $8 million donation to organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community, accompanied by a powerful statement: “Our future is in the hand of LGBTQ+ community.” This claim, circulating in June 2025, has sparked a wave of admiration, curiosity, and debate, positioning Ramsey as a transformative figure in both entertainment and social justice. While the donation’s specifics remain unverified, Ramsey’s history of championing queer representation and identity offers a compelling backdrop. Let’s explore this reported act of generosity, Ramsey’s journey, and what it means for the future of LGBTQ+ advocacy.

From Game of Thrones to Global Stardom

Born in Nottingham in September 2003, Isabella May Ramsey began acting at age four through Stagecoach Theatre Arts, finding solace in performance after struggling to fit in at school. Their professional debut came at 11, playing the fierce Lyanna Mormont in HBO’s Game of Thrones from 2016 to 2019. Ramsey’s commanding presence in the role earned them critical acclaim, with reviewers calling them a “standout” for their no-nonsense leadership. This early success led to roles in CBBC’s The Worst Witch, where they won a 2019 BAFTA Young Performer award, and the Netflix animated series Hilda, earning another BAFTA for Children’s Animation.

Ramsey’s career skyrocketed with The Last of Us, HBO’s 2023 adaptation of Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic video game. As Ellie, a queer teen navigating a zombie-ravaged world alongside Joel (Pedro Pascal), Ramsey delivered a performance that earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The series, HBO’s highest-rated premiere since Game of Thrones, drew 40 million viewers for its first episode and became a cultural phenomenon in Europe. Season 2, which premiered in April 2025, further elevated Ramsey’s profile, especially after a pivotal plot twist left them as the show’s sole lead. Their ability to embody Ellie’s blend of vulnerability, rage, and wisdom has cemented their status as a generational talent.

A Voice for the LGBTQ+ Community

Ramsey’s advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community is deeply personal. In January 2023, they came out as nonbinary, describing their gender as “fluid” and expressing comfort with any pronouns, though they often use they/them for authenticity. This revelation, shared during The Last of Us promotion, resonated with fans, particularly younger audiences seeking representation. Ramsey’s openness about wearing a chest binder for 90% of filming to focus on Ellie’s character, and their lighthearted discussions about gender with Pascal, whose sister is trans, underscored their commitment to living authentically.

The Last of Us itself became a lightning rod for queer representation. The series’ third episode, a love story between Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), drew widespread praise but faced review-bombing from a vocal minority on IMDb and Metacritic. Ramsey responded defiantly, asserting that those opposed to gay or trans storylines were “missing out” and would “have to get used to it.” Their defense extended to Season 2, which explores Ellie’s romance with Dina (Isabela Merced) and introduces Lev, a trans teenager from the game. Ramsey’s excitement for these arcs, rooted in the game’s narrative, highlighted their belief in the power of queer stories to challenge norms and foster empathy.

Ramsey’s advocacy goes beyond words. They signed a 2023 Queer Artists for Palestine letter calling for a Gaza ceasefire and condemning “pinkwashing,” pledging solidarity with Palestinians. In April 2025, they joined over 400 film professionals in an open letter supporting trans, nonbinary, and intersex communities after a UK Supreme Court ruling on gender definitions. These actions reflect Ramsey’s broader commitment to marginalized groups, aligning with their reported $8 million donation to LGBTQ+ causes.

The Reported $8 Million Donation

The claim that Ramsey donated $8 million to LGBTQ+ organizations surfaced in June 2025, accompanied by their statement, “Our future is in the hand of LGBTQ+ community.” While no official confirmation has emerged, the report aligns with Ramsey’s outspoken support for queer rights. The donation, if true, would rank among the largest individual contributions to LGBTQ+ causes by a young celebrity, potentially supporting organizations like The Trevor Project, Stonewall, or local UK charities focused on queer youth, mental health, and advocacy.

The statement suggests Ramsey sees the LGBTQ+ community as pivotal to societal progress, a bold assertion for a 21-year-old navigating fame. It echoes their defiance against backlash to The Last of Us, framing queer individuals as leaders in shaping a more inclusive future. The donation’s reported scale—equivalent to a significant portion of Ramsey’s estimated net worth, boosted by The Last of Us and endorsements—implies a deliberate choice to leverage their wealth for impact. Possible recipients could include groups aiding trans youth, given Ramsey’s support for nonbinary representation, or global initiatives addressing queer persecution, reflecting their Palestinian advocacy.

The lack of verified details raises questions. Ramsey’s private nature, evident in their 2025 deactivation of Instagram and Twitter to escape trolling, suggests they might avoid publicizing such a donation. The claim could stem from a misreported figure or an unannounced pledge, perhaps tied to The Last of Us Season 2’s success, which boosted HBO’s viewership. Alternatively, it may reflect speculation amplified by Ramsey’s high-profile activism. Regardless, their history lends credibility to their commitment, making the report a focal point for discussions about celebrity philanthropy.

The Context of Ramsey’s Advocacy

Ramsey’s actions occur against a backdrop of polarized reactions to The Last of Us. The show’s queer storylines, faithful to the game, have drawn both acclaim and vitriol. Episode 3’s Bill and Frank romance, praised for its tenderness, was a personal favorite for Ramsey, who admitted to near tears watching it. Season 2’s focus on Ellie and Dina, set in Seattle’s Capitol Hill, a historic gay village, has further amplified queer visibility, with Ramsey and Merced’s chemistry lauded as a highlight. Yet, online trolls, including MAGA-aligned critics, have targeted Ramsey, criticizing their appearance, nonbinary identity, and the show’s “woke” agenda. Some fans, fixated on the game’s Ellie, have campaigned for actress Cailee Spaeny to replace Ramsey, a movement Ramsey has dismissed by shutting out social media noise.

This backlash underscores the significance of Ramsey’s reported donation. By aligning their wealth with the LGBTQ+ community, they’re taking a stand against hate, particularly from right-wing commentators who’ve labeled the show’s queer elements as divisive. Ramsey’s defiance, rooted in their belief that representation is “extremely important,” positions them as a role model for young queer fans. Their Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in 2023, despite their nonbinary identity, sparked debate about gendered award categories, which Ramsey addressed thoughtfully, advocating for women’s recognition while supporting nonbinary inclusion.

The Broader Implications

If confirmed, Ramsey’s $8 million donation could have far-reaching effects. It might fund mental health services for queer youth, a pressing need given rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation globally. In the UK, where Ramsey signed the 2025 trans solidarity letter, such funds could bolster charities like Mermaids, supporting trans and nonbinary youth amid contentious gender debates. Globally, the donation could aid groups in regions where queer rights are suppressed, aligning with Ramsey’s Palestinian advocacy and their vegan-ish lifestyle, which reflects a broader ethic of compassion.

The donation also challenges celebrity philanthropy norms. At 21, Ramsey’s reported contribution outstrips many established stars, signaling a generational shift toward impactful giving. Their statement about the LGBTQ+ community’s role in the future suggests a vision of queer leadership in culture, politics, and social change, a message that resonates with Gen Z’s progressive values. However, the claim’s unverified status risks fueling skepticism, especially among those who view celebrity activism as performative. Ramsey’s private nature and focus on “small changes” for global impact, like reducing plastic use, counter this narrative, grounding their advocacy in sincerity.

The Personal Cost of Fame

Ramsey’s journey hasn’t been without sacrifice. Diagnosed with autism during The Last of Us filming, they’ve navigated fame’s pressures while staying true to themselves. The loss of Pedro Pascal’s character in Season 2 made filming “lonelier,” a sentiment Ramsey shared candidly. Online trolling, targeting their appearance and identity, led them to deactivate social media in 2025, a move they described as liberating. Despite this, Ramsey remains grounded, enjoying rock climbing, playing guitar, and living modestly in Leicestershire when not on set.

Their advocacy, including the reported donation, comes at a time when The Last of Us Season 2 faces scrutiny for its bold narrative choices. The show’s exploration of complex morality, as creator Craig Mazin noted, challenges traditional hero-villain tropes, mirroring Ramsey’s real-world defiance of binary norms. Their performance, described as “transcending acting” by director Mark Mylod, has silenced many critics, yet the donation claim amplifies their off-screen impact, making them a lightning rod for both praise and controversy.

What’s Next for Ramsey and the Cause?

The veracity of the $8 million donation remains uncertain, but Ramsey’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is undeniable. As The Last of Us approaches its third or fourth season, Ramsey is contemplating new roles that differ from Ellie, seeking to diversify their portfolio. Their advocacy, from Palestine to trans rights, suggests they’ll continue using their platform for change, potentially clarifying the donation’s details in future interviews.

For the LGBTQ+ community, Ramsey’s reported gift could inspire other young celebrities to act. It also highlights the need for visibility, especially as shows like The Last of Us push boundaries. Ramsey’s statement about the community’s future is a call to action, urging society to embrace queer voices as leaders. Whether through funding or defiance, they’re shaping a world where authenticity triumphs over hate.

Follow Ramsey’s journey via HBO’s The Last of Us, airing Sundays on Max, or check their rare public appearances for updates. Engage on platforms like X, but beware of trolling. The truth behind the donation may emerge, but Ramsey’s impact is already profound. Don’t miss the next chapter in this inspiring saga!