The Simpsons Was Nelson Secretly Gay Fan Theory Explained

The Simpsons: Was Nelson Secretly Gay? Fan Theory Explained

One Simpsons fan theory explores the possibility that school bully Nelson is secretly gay, and brings up a problematic trope in the process.

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The Simpsons Was Nelson Secretly Gay Fan Theory Explained

Legendary sitcom The Simpsons doesn’t have a lot of queer characters in its large cast, but one fan theory posits the idea that school bully Nelson Muntz was secretly gay. The anarchic animated sitcom The Simpsons has changed a lot since the series debuted in 1989 with the Christmas special “Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire.” In its early seasons, The Simpsons was a huge hit thanks to the show’s ribald sense of humor and cynical wit.

After its second season, the series began a so-called “Golden Age” that remains considered one of the most impressive pieces of seminal sitcom writing in recent history. However, cementing a place in the annals of television history doesn’t make The Simpsons immune to criticism, and in recent seasons, the show has repeatedly come under fire for areas where some fans and reviewers claim its attitude toward representation and diversity falters.

However, while The Simpsons recently recast Dr. Hibbert so the fan-favorite would be played by an actor of color after years of being voiced by a white actor, the series has not been as heavily criticized for its LGBTQ+ representation. Since Harvey Fierstein appeared as the ambiguously gay Karl in season 2’s classic fifteenth episode “Simpson and Delilah,” The Simpsons has displayed a comparatively progressive attitude toward gay representation with the show being awarded a GLAAD award for the John-Waters guest-starring “Homer’s Phobia” (season 8, episode 15). However, one Simpsons fan theory suggests that supporting character Nelson Muntz could be coded as being secretly gay, and relies on a tired trope to do so. Many Simpsons fan theories, like the belief that Homer’s death will provide an end to the series, boast an impressive amount of evidence to back up their claims. However, there are only two scenes to back up the idea that Nelson is secretly gay.

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Firstly, there’s the observation that his eyes widen on the scantily-clad Speedo man as he messes with Milhouse’s controls in “The Itchy and Scratchy And Poochie Show” (season 8, episode 14). However, given the inconsistent animation of The Simpsons circa the ‘90s, this detail may be unintentional. The second piece of evidence for this fan theory is the idea that his overly homophobic attitude could be covering up his sexuality, as seen in the “Lisa’s Date With Density” (season 8, episode 7) scene where he assumes Milhouse is coming on to him and beats him up as a result.

This Simpsons fan theory assumes that Nelson’s treatment of Milhouse in both scenes is rooted in secret homosexuality — a common trope in the late ’90s. Given his status as one of Lisa’s few boyfriends and the fact that The Simpsons has had ample opportunity to discuss the character’s sexual orientation and has chosen not to elaborate on this theory, it seems unlikely that the show would risk playing into this stereotype by confirming the theory now. At a time when LGBTQ+ characters are becoming increasingly commonplace onscreen and The Simpsons even recently confirmed that Smithers is gay in canon, the odds of the show confirming Nelson’s secret sexual orientation is at the root of his bullying could be a misstep (particularly when season 15’s third episode, “The President Wore Pearls,” saw Homer advise Lisa to spread a rumor that Nelson was gay to hurt his chance at winning an election).

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/simpsons-nelson-muntz-gay-closet-theory/

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