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Can you be a fan of Never Have I Ever without wondering about Jaren Lewison’s gender and sexuality? The lead actor who plays Ben Gross, the overachieving nemesis turned potential love interest of the show’s protagonist Devi, has sparked curiosity and speculation among viewers. Some have assumed he is gay based on his character’s traits and moments, while others have assumed he is straight based on his personality and real-life relationship status. Meanwhile, some have recognized the flaw of such assumptions and respect Lewison’s privacy and identity beyond labels. So, what is the truth about Lewison’s gender and sexuality? Let’s explore some key points and myths together.
1. Jaren Lewison is a male actor who uses he/him pronouns. Despite occasional misgendering and confusion by some fans, Lewison has confirmed his masculinity and preferred pronouns in interviews and social media.
2. Ben Gross is a fictional character written and directed by Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher, and their team. Lewison portrays Ben as the privileged and competitive classmate of Devi and as the son of a struggling businessman and a therapist. While Ben shows some signs of vulnerability and depth, such as his father’s emotional neglect and his crush on Devi, he also displays some problematic behavior, such as his entitlement, arrogance, and microaggressions toward his peers and his ex-girlfriend.
3. Lewison’s dating history and status are private and not necessarily representative of his sexual orientation. In October 2020, he posted a picture on Instagram with his girlfriend, who is not a public figure. Some fans took this as evidence that Lewison is straight, while others pointed out that having a girlfriend does not confirm or negate anyone’s sexual identity, as people can be bi, pan, or queer and still have romantic or sexual relationships with different genders.
4. Sexual orientation is a spectrum that includes different attractions and expressions. While society often categorizes people into binary and limited labels of gay or straight, there are many other ways of identifying and understanding oneself. For example, some people may be asexual, demisexual, graysexual, or questioning their sexual orientation. Moreover, people’s orientation can change or evolve over time, depending on their experiences, education, and feelings.
5. Lewison has not publicly disclosed his sexual orientation, nor is he obligated to do so. Despite some fans’ curiosity and demand for explicit answers, Lewison has the right to keep his private life private and respected. Coming out as LGBTQ+ can be challenging and risky, especially for celebrities who might face discrimination, harassment, or rejection from some of their fans, employers, or family. Conversely, not coming out does not necessarily mean one is hiding, ashamed, or deceiving anyone, as it can also be a valid choice of privacy, safety, or identity.
6. Some viewers have attributed Ben’s mannerisms and interests to indicating his homosexuality. While some gay men might share some stereotypical traits, such as having a good fashion sense or liking musical theater, it is reductive and offensive to assume that all or most gay men adhere to such generalizations or that they cannot have other traits or interests. Moreover, many straight men have similar mannerisms and interests, and being gay or straight does not depend on external markers but on the individual’s attraction to the same or different gender.
7. Some viewers have interpreted some scenes or lines in the show as implying Ben’s gayness. For instance, his reaction to Paxton’s shirtless selfie, his sensitivity to compliments from Devi, or his support for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. However, all these moments can also have other interpretations and meanings. For example, Ben may be envious or curious about Paxton’s body without being attracted to him, or he may value Devi’s opinion of him without being romantically interested in her, or he may simply believe in human rights and dignity without being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Therefore, reading too much into such scenes or lines can lead to the imposition of one’s assumptions or desires onto the characters or the actors.
8. LGBTQ+ representation in media is important but not easy. While some shows and movies have made progress in depicting diverse and complex LGBTQ+ characters and stories, many others still rely on stereotypes, tokenism, or invisibility. Moreover, many LGBTQ+ actors still face discrimination, underrepresentation, or typecasting in Hollywood and beyond. Therefore, audiences should support and celebrate LGBTQ+ creators and actors and demand more authentic and respectful representation in media.
In conclusion, Jaren Lewison’s gender and sexuality are not public information and should not be the focus of fans’ attention or speculation. Instead, we should appreciate his talent and contribution to the show as an actor and a human being. We should also recognize the diversity and complexity of sexual orientation and gender identity and avoid stereotyping, erasure, or fetishization of any group or individual. Let’s continue to watch and enjoy Never Have I Ever with an open mind and an empathetic heart.
FAQs:
1. Is Jaren Lewison gay or straight?
A: Jaren Lewison has not publicly disclosed his sexual orientation, and it is not relevant to his acting skills or job.
2. Is Ben Gross gay or straight?
A: Ben Gross is a fictional character whose sexual orientation is not explicitly revealed or crucial to the story.
3. Why do some fans assume that Jaren Lewison is gay?
A: Some fans might assume that Jaren Lewison is gay based on his character’s personality, mannerisms, or preferences, or based on their own projection or wishful thinking. However, such assumptions are unfair and inaccurate without clear evidence or confirmation.
4. Why is LGBTQ+ representation important in media?
A: LGBTQ+ representation is important in media because it reflects and influences people’s perceptions and attitudes toward queer people and issues, and can provide solace, validation, or inspiration to LGBTQ+ individuals who often lack visibility and acceptance in their daily lives.
5. Can someone be in a relationship with a woman and still be gay?
A: Yes, someone can be in a relationship with a woman and still be gay if they are primarily attracted to the same gender and have a limited or absent sexual or romantic attraction to the opposite gender. Sexual orientation is about one’s internal feelings, not just one’s external actions or labels.