Is Noah Schnapp Gay? Stranger Things Star Breaks Silence as Will Byers’ Coming-Out Scene Mirrors Real Life

Entertainment
Micheal Olaleye
December 26, 2025
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Noah Schnapp. Image Credit: Variety / Variety via Getty Images

The question “Is Noah Schnapp gay?” has surged to the top of search trends following the release of Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 7, where Will Byers finally comes out to his friends and family in one of the series’ most emotional scenes. The moment resonated deeply with fans, not only because of Will’s long-awaited character arc, but also because it closely mirrors Noah Schnapp’s real-life journey.

Schnapp, now 21, publicly came out in 2023, and his reflections on portraying Will’s coming-out scene have renewed interest in his identity, his career, and the impact of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television.

Noah Schnapp Has Publicly Come Out

Yes, Noah Schnapp is gay. The actor confirmed his sexuality in a TikTok post in 2023, where he candidly shared that coming out to his friends and family was easier than expected. The post went viral and was widely praised for its honesty and relatability, especially among young fans navigating similar experiences.

Since then, Schnapp has spoken openly about how his personal journey is closely intertwined with the character of Will Byers, whom he has portrayed since the debut of Stranger Things in 2016.

Will Byers’ Coming-Out Scene in Stranger Things Season 5

In Episode 7 of Stranger Things 5, Will realizes that the only way to break free from Vecna’s control is to confront the truth he has been hiding. In a nearly five-minute scene, Will gathers his loved ones and reveals that he is gay, admitting he has been afraid of being seen differently.

The scene, described by fans as one of the most powerful moments in the series, ends with Will being embraced by his mother Joyce, his brother Jonathan, and his friends, symbolizing acceptance, love, and emotional release.

Why the Scene Meant So Much to Noah Schnapp

Schnapp revealed that he cried when he first read the script, calling the scene “therapeutic and cathartic.” He explained that the Duffer Brothers’ decision to let Will come out in front of everyone, not just privately, made the moment even more impactful.

“I read it alone in my room, and I was crying,” Schnapp said. “It really resonated with me.”

He also noted that, unlike Will, he never formally sat his entire friend group down to come out in real life. Acting out that moment on screen allowed him to process emotions he had carried quietly for years.

How Will Byers Helped Schnapp Come Out

Schnapp credits Will Byers with giving him the confidence to live openly.

“Will definitely gave me confidence in my own life,” he said. “Seeing how audiences reacted to his character made me proud of who I am publicly.”

According to the actor, the overlap between his life and Will’s story made the Season 5 coming-out scene feel authentic rather than performative, a key reason it has resonated so strongly with viewers worldwide.

The Duffer Brothers on Will’s Identity

Series co-creator Ross Duffer confirmed that Will’s coming-out arc had been years in the making.

“It’s important that he comes to terms with this,” Duffer said, adding that accepting his identity gives Will the confidence needed for the final battle.

The moment reinforces one of the show’s central themes: what makes you different is your strength.

Why Fans Are Still Asking ‘Is Noah Schnapp Gay?’

Despite Schnapp’s public coming out, the question continues trending due to:

The release of Stranger Things 5
Increased attention on Will Byers’ storyline
New interviews linking Schnapp’s real life to the character
Younger fans discovering earlier seasons for the first time

Search interest reflects curiosity, admiration, and a desire for clarity, not speculation.

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