Stranger Things has long been celebrated for its nostalgic 1980s setting, thrilling mysteries, and deeply layered characters. Yet, as the series continues to evolve, it is not without controversy. Recently, following the finale season’s second installment, discussions around Will Byers’ character sparked heated debates online. 

In Stranger Things season 5, episode 7, The Bridge, Will Byers finally comes out, telling his friends he does not like girls. The heartfelt monologue delivers a poignant and emotional exploration of his identity, marking a key moment in the series. The scene, however, drew backlash online when a user named Jon Root claimed Netflix had ruined the sci-fi saga with woke propaganda. Many fans quickly pushed back, defending both Will and the show’s bold storytelling.

Stranger Things 5, for those unversed, is in the middle of its rollout, with volume one, comprising episodes one to four, having been released on November 26, and volume two, comprising episodes five to seven, arriving on Christmas Day, December 25. Volume 3, notably, is set to debut on New Year’s Eve, December 31, closing out the IP’s nearly decade-long journey. Before the conclusion, however, as one can see, the show has a significant case to make, but thankfully, it has the support of its loyal audiences.

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Debate over Stranger Things and Will Byers’ coming out ranged from fans supporting the character’s journey to reminders that his sexuality had been established earlier in the series, leaving critics at fault for only noticing it now.

Stranger Things fans on X are voicing that Will Byers’ revelation takes nothing away from the show. They argue that while it is okay to dislike parts of a show, claiming it ruins everything does not make sense, especially since Will’s sexuality had been hinted at for a while. Many also pointed to the show’s huge popularity and record-breaking streams as proof that his story resonates with viewers.

A person, presumably belonging to the LGBTQ community, took his defense of the character and the show a step further, sarcastically pointing out how heterosexual content in showbiz disgusts him. Another, meanwhile, added that the LGBTQ population exists and there is nothing anyone can do about it, so it is better to accept it sooner rather than later. 

As Stranger Things moves toward its final episode, ultimately, the reactions to Will Byers’ story show just how much a character can connect with people. Fans defending him prove that representation can matter without taking away from the story, while critics show that they still have strong opinions. In the end, Will’s journey is sparking real conversations and bringing people together, proving that even after so many years, the show can still make an impact and touch hearts.

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What do you think of fans’ defense of Will Byers and Stranger Things amid the LGBTQ arc? Let us know in the comments.