13 Shocking Reasons Why The '13 Reasons Why' Gay Scene Remains Controversial

The Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which concluded its run several years ago, continues to be a lightning rod for discussion, especially concerning its handling of sensitive topics. As of December 15, 2025, retrospective analyses are focusing heavily on the show’s complex, often contradictory, and occasionally criticized portrayal of its LGBTQ+ characters and the broader high school "gay scene."

This article offers a fresh, deep dive into the show's queer narratives, exploring the character arcs of Alex Standall, Charlie St. George, Montgomery "Monty" de la Cruz, and Winston Williams. While praised for including diverse representation, the series also faced significant backlash for plot choices that many critics labeled as "queer erasure" and "contrived storytelling." This is a definitive look at the 13 reasons why the show's gay scene remains one of its most debated elements.

The Central Figures: Alex Standall and Charlie St. George

The core of the show’s later-season queer narrative revolves around Alex Standall, played by Miles Heizer, and his eventual relationship with Charlie St. George, played by Tyler Barnhardt. Their story provided a rare moment of genuine, positive queer romance amidst the show's pervasive darkness.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Alex Standall (Miles Heizer): Initially introduced as a straight character struggling with mental health, Alex’s journey included a notable exploration of his sexuality, culminating in him identifying as gay or bisexual. This arc was praised for showing fluidity but criticized for feeling sudden.
• Charlie St. George (Tyler Barnhardt): A recurring character who becomes Alex's partner, Charlie is often seen as a catalyst for Alex's growth. He is portrayed as openly bisexual and a supportive, stable partner, a positive representation in the context of Liberty High.
• Zach Dempsey (Ross Butler): Alex also has a moment with Zach, including a kiss and a surprising physical reaction after a fight in Season 2, which further hinted at Alex's developing sexuality before his relationship with Charlie.

The relationship between Alex and Charlie, affectionately dubbed "Chalex" by fans, became a highlight for many viewers, representing a healthy, low-drama queer relationship in a show defined by trauma.

13 Reasons Why The Queer Narrative Sparked Controversy and Praise

The show's attempt to weave LGBTQ+ themes into its complex web of secrets and trauma resulted in a mixed bag of critical reception. Here are the 13 key points of analysis:

1. The "Random" Coming Out of Alex Standall

Many critics argued that Alex Standall's shift in sexuality felt abrupt or "randomly made gay" in Season 4, rather than a naturally unfolding character arc. His past relationships were predominantly with women, making the sudden focus on his attraction to men feel like a narrative convenience to some.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

2. The Erasure of Monty and Winston's Relationship

One of the biggest controversies was the handling of Montgomery "Monty" de la Cruz and Winston Williams. Monty, a violent bully, had a moment where his repressed sexuality and self-loathing were linked to his rage. Season 4, however, was criticized for "skipping over" the development of his relationship with Winston, an instance labeled as "LGBTQ erasure" by some viewers.

3. The 'Bury Your Gays' Trope Subversion (or Reinforcement)

While the show avoided killing off its main queer characters (Alex and Charlie), the tragic end for Monty, whose sexuality was a driving force behind his trauma, arguably reinforced the trope that queer characters are often destined for suffering or death in media.

4. Positive Bisexual Representation in Charlie St. George

Charlie St. George’s character offered a refreshingly positive and stable portrayal of a bisexual male teenager. He was comfortable with his identity, supportive of Alex, and his sexuality wasn't the sole source of his drama, contributing to positive "bisexual representation."

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

5. Courtney Crimsen's Internalized Homophobia

Early seasons introduced Courtney Crimsen, a closeted lesbian who bullied Hannah Baker to protect her own secret. This storyline effectively highlighted the devastating impact of internalized homophobia and the fear of social exposure in a high school setting.

6. The Lack of Female Queer Relationships

Despite having a strong focus on male queer relationships (Alex/Charlie, Monty/Winston), the show was noted for its relative absence of significant, developed female LGBTQ+ relationships, which was a point of criticism for those wanting more balanced representation.

7. The Linking of Queerness to Trauma

Similar to other themes in the series, many queer storylines were intrinsically tied to intense trauma, death, and mental anguish (Monty's rage, Alex's mental health struggles). Critics noted that this pattern can be exhausting and problematic, suggesting that queer narratives should not always be synonymous with suffering.

8. The Role of Winston Williams as a Moral Compass

Winston Williams, played by Deaken Bluman, served as a moral anchor in Season 4, seeking justice for Monty. His unwavering loyalty and pursuit of the truth, despite his personal connection to Monty, made him a compelling character and a strong representative of queer justice.

9. The Inclusion of Tommy Dorfman's Character

In the early seasons, Tommy Dorfman portrayed Ryan Shaver, a gay high school magazine editor. Dorfman, who later came out as a trans woman, contributed to the show's diverse casting and representation from the beginning.

10. The Depiction of Fluid Sexuality in Teenagers

Alex's journey, messy as it was, did reflect the reality of fluid sexuality and self-discovery that many teenagers experience, where labels are not always immediate or fixed. His exploration of attraction to both Zach and Charlie, following relationships with girls, normalized this aspect of adolescent development.

11. The Lack of a Defined "Gay Scene"

Despite the title's reference, the show never truly depicted a vibrant, supportive "gay scene" or community within Liberty High or the town. Queer characters were mostly isolated or paired off, failing to show the positive impact of a strong LGBTQ+ network for struggling youth.

12. The Controversy Over the Alex/Zach Fight Scene

The Season 2 fight scene between Alex and Zach, which resulted in Alex getting an erection, was a jarring and complex moment of sexual tension and violence. It forced viewers to confront the messy intersection of aggression, trauma, and repressed desire, a choice that was highly debated for its uncomfortable nature.

13. The Show’s Legacy on LGBTQ+ Teen Media

Ultimately, 13 Reasons Why helped push mainstream teen dramas to include more explicit and central queer storylines. While flawed, its high visibility on Netflix ensured that conversations about "LGBTQ representation" and "queer stories" in media were amplified, influencing subsequent shows to follow suit.

Topical Authority: The Lasting Impact of Chalex and Winston

The lasting legacy of the show's queer scene rests primarily on two pillars: the healthy relationship of Alex and Charlie, and the tragic yet impactful arc of Monty and Winston. The "Chalex" relationship provided a necessary counterpoint to the show's misery, offering a beacon of stability and mutual support that resonated deeply with viewers.

Conversely, the story of Monty and Winston, particularly the "Monty gay kiss scene," remains a potent example of how media handles repressed sexuality and its consequences. The critique that the show erased Winston’s side of the story in favor of wrapping up the main narrative continues to be a central point of discussion among fans and critics, solidifying the idea that while the show aimed for diversity, its execution often fell short of its progressive goals. The debate over whether Alex's arc was a victory for "bisexual representation" or a rushed plot device is a conversation that continues to evolve in the landscape of queer media analysis.

In conclusion, the "13 Reasons Why gay scene" is not a single, unified narrative but a collection of complex, often contradictory storylines. It was a bold attempt at diversity that succeeded in creating beloved characters like Charlie St. George and sparking crucial conversations about homophobia, internalized self-loathing, and the need for authentic queer storytelling in the teen drama genre.