When 13 Reasons Why premiered on Netflix in 2017, it quickly became a phenomenon. Based on the novel of the same name by Jay Asher, the series follows the aftermath of a high school student named Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) taking her own life. As her friends and classmates grapple with their grief and guilt, they become entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals that expose the dark underbelly of their seemingly idyllic community.
One of the show’s breakout characters is Alex Standall, played by Miles Heizer. In the first season, Alex is a member of the popular crowd and one of the reasons why Hannah feels ostracized and bullied. He is also one of the characters who receives a set of cassette tapes that explain why Hannah made the fateful decision to end her life. As the series progresses, Alex’s arc becomes increasingly complex, as he struggles with guilt, self-doubt, and a traumatic brain injury that leaves him struggling to remember the events leading up to Hannah’s death.
But it’s not until the second season of 13 Reasons Why that Alex’s sexuality comes to the fore. Here’s a closer look at the character and what it means for the show.
The Evolution of Alex Standall
In the first season of 13 Reasons Why, Alex is depicted as a cocky and privileged jock who has everything going for him. He is part of a tight-knit circle of friends that includes jock-turned-poet Montgomery de la Cruz (Timothy Granaderos), class president Marcus Cole (Steven Silver), and fellow cheerleader/best friend Justin Foley (Brandon Flynn). However, as Hannah’s story unfolds, we see glimpses of a more vulnerable and sensitive side to Alex.
In the second season, Alex’s character takes a darker turn. After attempting suicide himself, he must navigate a rocky road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. He also finds himself caught up in a web of lies and cover-ups related to the discovery of a set of polaroids that depict the sexual assault and objectification of several female students, including Hannah. It’s during this storyline that Alex’s sexuality is first hinted at.
Charlie St. George
Charlie St. George (Tyler Barnhardt) is a relatively new character introduced in the second season of 13 Reasons Why. He is the quarterback of Liberty High School’s football team and an openly gay student. Unlike other characters on the show, Charlie is comfortable in his own skin and unafraid to express his sexuality. When he first meets Alex, he is immediately drawn to him and the two begin to form a friendship.
As the season progresses, their relationship deepens and Alex begins to question his own feelings towards Charlie. There are several scenes in which Alex watches in awe as Charlie dances at a school function, or expresses admiration for his honesty and bravery. At first, Alex is reticent to admit his attraction to Charlie, possibly because he is still grappling with the aftermath of his own suicide attempt and the memory loss that has left him confused and disoriented.
The Relationship
The relationship between Alex and Charlie is one of the bright spots of 13 Reasons Why’s second season. It’s refreshing to see a portrayal of a same-sex relationship that is free from angst, turmoil, and tragedy. Instead, the show allows the characters to explore their attraction in a nuanced and authentic way. They share several tender and sweet moments, such as when Charlie helps Alex prepare for a school dance, or when Alex confides in Charlie about his struggles with memory loss.
Perhaps most importantly, the show handles their relationship with sensitivity and respect. Alex’s sexuality is not treated as a plot device or a gimmick, but as part of his journey towards self-acceptance and healing.
Conclusion
In the end, Alex’s journey is one of the most compelling and emotionally resonant in 13 Reasons Why. Through his struggles with guilt, shame, and trauma, he discovers important aspects of himself that he might not have otherwise. His relationship with Charlie offers viewers a glimpse of what it looks like to navigate the complexities of teenage sexuality and identity in a more accepting and tolerant society. Though the show has had its share of controversies and critiques, Alex’s story is an important part of its legacy.
FAQ
Is Clay in 13 Reasons Why gay?
Throughout the series “13 Reasons Why”, the character Clay Jensen is portrayed as someone who is introverted and somewhat socially awkward, which has led to some speculation about his sexual orientation. However, the show itself has never explicitly stated whether or not Clay is gay.
One factor that has contributed to the rumors about Clay’s sexuality is the fact that he is not seen dating any girls throughout the series. However, this does not necessarily mean that he is gay, as there could be other reasons for his lack of romantic involvement. For example, Clay is portrayed as being very focused on finding out the truth behind Hannah Baker’s suicide, which could be taking up a lot of his time and energy. Additionally, he is not shown attending many parties or social events, which could also limit his opportunities to meet potential romantic partners.
There are also some instances in the show where other characters allude to Clay potentially being gay. For example, in one episode, some of his classmates are heard spreading rumors about him being gay, although these rumors seem to have died down by the time the show takes place. There is also a scene in which Clay is dancing with another male character, Tony, which some viewers interpreted as having romantic undertones. However, while this scene could be seen as suggestive, it is ultimately left open to interpretation and does not provide any concrete evidence about Clay’s sexual orientation.
It is up to the viewer to decide whether they believe Clay is gay or not. While there are some subtle hints and rumors that suggest he might be, there is no conclusive evidence one way or the other. Regardless of his sexual orientation, Clay is a complex and interesting character who is central to the plot of “13 Reasons Why”.
Does Tony and Clay kiss?
In the popular TV series “13 Reasons Why,” Tony and Clay’s relationship is often the subject of speculation and intrigue. Viewers are captivated by the undeniable chemistry between the two characters, and this leads to frequent questions about whether Tony and Clay ever kiss.
The answer to this question is yes – Tony and Clay do kiss, albeit in a brief and fleeting moment during one of the episodes of the show. In the scene in question, the two boys are in a car together and are having a heart-to-heart conversation. They look at each other for a few seconds, and then Clay leans in to press a gentle kiss to Tony’s lips.
The kiss itself is not particularly long or passionate, and it is clear that the two boys are still working out their feelings for each other. However, the moment is still significant for its representation of LGBTQ+ relationships on screen. Moments like these are important for normalizing same-sex relationships in television and movies, and for giving LGBTQ+ viewers representation and visibility.
The kiss between Tony and Clay is a brief but powerful moment in the show. It represents a step forward in terms of LGBTQ+ representation in media and helps to normalize same-sex relationships on screen.
