So, Is Will Byers Gay? We Eventually Have Our Answer!
The answer to whether or not Will Byers is gay seemingly arrived in Stranger Things season 4, volume 2. Throughout Netflix’s hit fantasy show’s story, viewers have become increasingly interested in Will’s sexuality. After becoming the target of the Mind Flayer in season 1, the socially awkward Hawkins teen refunded his friends to learn just how different the group dynamic had become. This especially arrived in light in Stranger Things season 3 when Will (Noah Schnapp) got frustrated with Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard) spending so much time with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown).
Ever since Will and Mike battled, viewers have questioned if Will is gay in Stranger Things. The conversation continued into season 4, with many fans hoping that this would be the time when the exhibit explicitly confirms what has long been suspected. While there was never any confirmation that this would happen, Stranger Things’ history with LGBTQ+ personalities gave hope to those waiting for such a Will reveal. After confirming that Robin (Maya Hawke) is a lesbian in season 3, her hopeful love life took on a bigger role in Stranger Things season 4. The first volume of episodes also included a few hints that Will could be gay.
With Netflix transmitting the final two episodes of Stranger Things season 4, volume 2, most viewers are focused on how Eleven and the rest of the personalities defeat Vecna, as well as on the massive character deaths included in the finale. Additionally, after they were completely absent from the Stranger Things season 4, volume 1 finale, the character group that includes Will, Mike, Jonathan, and Argyle was refunded in volume 2. This is where the confirmation that Will Byers is gay in Stranger Things finally arrived
Stranger Things 4, Volume 2 Confirms Will Is Gay (& Loves Mike)
Yes, Will Byers is gay in Stranger Things. He doesn’t formally come out as gay during Stranger Things season 4, volume 2, but the show confirms it to be true while also verifying he loves Mike. The biggest tease comes a few minutes into episode 8 as part of a conversation between Will and Mike in the back of Argyle’s pizza truck. Mike tells Will about his doubts that Eleven loves him and will need him, which gives the socially awkward Will a chance to essentially profess his feelings for Mike as a means of explaining why Eleven cares for him and that he is not a dumb nerd.
Will debuts his painting, which had been one of the mysteries of Stranger Things season 4, volume 1. The artwork depicts a group of knights fighting a three-headed dragon and features Mike as the lead of the group. Will repeatedly calls Mike the heart of the group, and as Will talks about how hard it has been for Eleven in California since she is different, it is quite clear that Will is also talking about his own experiences and feelings of missing Mike.
Will then says, “When you’re different, sometimes you feel like a mistake. But you make her feel like she’s not a mistake at all. Like she’s better for being different and that gives her the courage to fight on,” and his emotions demonstrate that he feels this way, too. The heartbreak for Will at this moment, though, is that his understanding of his feelings for Mike is lost on his best friend. Mike leaves the conversation feeling reassured that he and Eleven will not break up.
Meanwhile, Will attempts to hold back tears as he looks out the car window. It is the closest Stranger Things has come to confirming that Will Byers is gay. Viewers will likely pick up on this just as Jonathan does, which does lead to a good heartfelt conversation between the brothers in the finale. Jonathan makes it clear to Will that nothing will change the fact that he loves him. Neither of them has to say that Will is gay or in love with Mike, but there is a sense that they both know these things to be true.