"Nobody Felt Comfortable Telling You" - Gaten Matarazzo Champions Queer Allyship

As Netflix's "Stranger Things" launches into its fifth and final season, actor Gaten Matarazzo has become an important voice advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility and allyship. Speaking to Attitude magazine ahead of the UK release of the series, the 23-year-old actor, who plays the beloved character Dustin Henderson, addressed a persistent misconception about queer life in the 1980s—the era in which the series is set.

Matarazzo's comments come at a crucial moment for the series, as "Stranger Things" has increasingly centered LGBTQ+ narratives and characters throughout its run. The actor's thoughtful perspective on historical queer visibility serves as both a defense of the show's creative choices and an educational statement for viewers who may not fully understand the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in previous decades.

One of Matarazzo's most powerful contributions to the conversation centers on directly addressing those who deny or minimize the existence of queer people in the 1980s. In his interview, Matarazzo stated: "It didn't happen to you because nobody felt comfortable telling you." This succinct but profound statement encapsulates a crucial historical reality—that queer culture and out gay individuals existed during the '80s, but many people remained unaware of their presence due to widespread social stigma and the lack of safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to live openly.

Matarazzo expanded on this point by emphasizing the historical context of the era. "There were out gay people constantly in the '80s… queer culture existed in the '80s," he explained, adding that the invisibility many people perceive is not evidence of absence but rather a reflection of the social conditions of the time. "You didn't happen to be a part of it, because there wasn't an opportunity for it to be vocal," he continued, highlighting how societal restrictions prevented LGBTQ+ communities from achieving the visibility they deserved.

The actor's comments are particularly relevant given the historical context of the 1980s in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. Section 28, a controversial law enacted in the UK in 1988, specifically prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools and had a chilling effect on LGBTQ+ visibility and discourse during this period. Matarazzo's acknowledgment of this historical reality demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the systemic barriers that forced many LGBTQ+ people into silence during this era.

Throughout the series, "Stranger Things" has made deliberate choices to include LGBTQ+ characters and storylines that resonate with viewers. Matarazzo highlighted the show's portrayal of Robin Buckley, a queer character played by Maya Hawke, and her meaningful friendship with Steve Harrington, portrayed by Joe Keery. This relationship has become one of the most celebrated aspects of the series among LGBTQ+ audiences.

What makes this dynamic particularly significant is how it portrays allyship in action. Matarazzo expressed his pride in how the show depicts Steve's evolution into a safe space for Robin. "Steve is like the last person people would think would be a safe space. And he turns out to be. And that's really cool and really fun," Matarazzo said. This characterization reflects a broader message that allyship can come from unexpected places and that people can grow and evolve in their understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The actor also emphasized the importance of these representations for viewers who lived through the 1980s themselves. "It's cool to see people who are older, who grew up in that time, kind of grapple with that and learn," he noted, suggesting that "Stranger Things" serves not only as entertainment but as a tool for reflection and education.

Matarazzo's co-star Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Lucas Sinclair, contributed to the discussion by drawing parallels between LGBTQ+ invisibility and his own experiences as a Black man. McLaughlin emphasized the importance of friendship in the show and how the series portrays characters learning to understand and accept those who are different from them.

The conversation also touched on Will Byers, the character portrayed by Noah Schnapp, whose storyline has included hints at queerness. Matarazzo noted that the show's portrayal of Will's journey and his friends' evolving understanding of his identity demonstrates the value of depicting male friendships that transcend traditional boundaries. "There's hints at Will being queer and everything, and I think it's a great dynamic to have," Matarazzo said, adding that the show effectively illustrates how friends can support one another even when they may not fully understand each other's identities.