So, Is Will Byers Gay? We Finally Have Our Answer!

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Stranger Things season 4, volume 2!

The answer to whether or not Will Byers is gay seemingly arrived in Stranger Things season 4, volume 2. Over the course of 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 returned to his friends to learn just how different the group dynamic had become. This especially came to 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 fought, viewers have questioned if Will is gay in Stranger Things. The discussion continued into season 4, with many fans hoping that this would be the time when the show explicitly confirms what has long been suspected. While there was never any confirmation that this would happen, Stranger Things' history with LGBTQ+ characters 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 delivering the final two episodes of Stranger Things season 4, volume 2, most viewers are focused on how Eleven and the rest of the characters 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 returned in volume 2. This is where the confirmation that Will Byers is gay in Stranger Things finally arrived.

Stranger Things 4, Volume 2 Basically Confirms Will Is Gay (& Loves Mike)

Is Will Byers Gay Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2 Answer SR

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 basically confirms it to be true while also ing 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 own feelings for Mike is totally 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.

What Does Will Being Gay Mean For Stranger Things Season 5?

Now that Stranger Things has basically confirmed that Will Byers is gay, the question about how this will impact season 5 looms large. Stranger Things season 4, volume 2's ending positions Will to have a major role in the show's final season, as his ability to sense Vecna/The Mind Flayer and what the villain is feeling will be incredibly valuable. While that will likely occupy much of Will's storyline in Stranger Things season 5, it would be disappointing if this is as far as the show went with his sexuality.

Romance will still be in the air thanks to Eleven and Mike, Joyce and Hopper, the likely love triangle of Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve, and Lucas and Max possibly rekindling their feelings. With all of these relationships at play, Stranger Things season 5 failing to develop Will as a gay character would be unfortunate. The best-case scenario might be that Will officially comes out as gay to Mike and his friends next season. But could the series push things further and have Mike reciprocate those feelings? They are last seen standing next to each other in the Stranger Things season 4, volume 2 finale, so their continued close proximity could grow into something more.