"It leaves the sensation of being on the receiving end of a solid hug." That is one critic's verdict on Heartstopper. It is the new TV show that asks: what if things are good, actually?

Based on a graphic novel by Alice OsemanA British writer who secured her first publishing deal at the age of just 17., the series follows Charlie, a teenager at an all-boys school who has been outed as gay. He is treated badly by his popular secret boyfriend. Then, he falls for Nick, a bubbly boy whom he assumes to be straighter than straight. Except, it turns out, he is not. 

Heartstopper assumes most people are basically kind, decent and tolerant, even if sometimes they do not act like it.

It does not shy away from the bullying, the homophobic "jokes" or the wider context of violence against LGBTQ+ people. But it remains optimistic in showing how its characters can bear these burdens without breaking under their weight.

It depicts people who struggle with the social implications of their sexuality, but are confident in their own LGBTQ+ identity.

For writer Owen JonesA British left-wing journalist who writes about politics and LGBTQ+ issues, mostly for the Guardian., watching Heartstopper is a mix of joy and grief. Growing up as gay in the 1990s, he writes, was a very different experience. Coming out in school would have meant "social death".

Section 28A series of laws across the UK that prevented local authorities from engaging in the "promotion of homosexuality". It resulted in self-censorship among LGBTQ+ groups. prohibited the "promotion" of homosexuality in schools, which meant it was impossible to discuss LGBTQ+ issues, let alone encourage acceptance.

Where members of the LGBTQ+ community appeared in media, they were the butt of jokes, or the victims of the HIVA virus that damages your immune system./AIDS pandemic. They were rarely shown finding acceptance and love, or simply as humans. Now, Jones says, LGBTQ+ children have a positive model. 

Heartstopper has received praise for its positive portrayal of transgender children - a bold move at a time when trans people are being thrust into the centre of the culture warsA cultural conflict between groups in a society..

For some, this is a moral panicA widespread, often irrational fear over the future of a society's values, interests or security. stirred up by bigots who want to portray trans people as dangerous. For others, it is a question of safeguarding children from ideologically-driven adults who want to make life-changing decisions on their behalf.

It is undeniable that the portrayal of trans people in this debate has taken a terrible toll on their mental health.

In Heartstopper's character Elle Argent, a trans woman of colour played by Yasmin Finney, trans children have a positive depiction of their lives. And that, Jones argues, could work wonders.

Yes: When things are bad, it is easy and tempting to sink into despair and apathy. It is much harder to find the positives and champion an upbeat view of the world. Yet it is that positivity that helps others survive and thrive.

No: Things are changing for the better, but if we are too positive we risk becoming complacent. We need to keep an eye on the negatives so we can keep fighting to improve people's lives.

Or... In the world there are things that are good and things that are bad. Living a good life means finding a balance between the two.