Major Character On The Simpsons To Finally Come Out As Gay

One of Springfield's worst kept secrets, apart from Who Shot Mr. Burns?, is the running issue of Waylon Smithers' sexuality. But fear not, after 26 years, 27 seasons, and more questions than a nosey grandmother, Waylon Smithers is officially coming out of the closet!

The poetic saga of unrequited love could be about to come to a head in the upcoming Episode 17, "The Burns Cage," when the long time personal assistant will finally come out as gay to his tyrannical boss. This comes off the back of news last year that Season 27 would be getting two episodes to discuss Waylon Smithers's long suspected sexuality. Showrunner Al Jean told TV Line:

In Springfield now, most people know he’s gay, but obviously Burns doesn’t...We actually do a lot with Smithers this year.

Previously described as 'Burns-sexual' — is Waylon going to go the full hog and admit to liking other men too? *mmmmmmm hog*

The Simpsons has frequently tackled the issue of sexuality in several LGBT-themed episodes. Most notably when same sex marriage was allowed in Springfield and Marge's sister Patty comes out as gay, ("There's Something About Marrying") or the superb episode starring John Waters when Homer questions his own son's sexuality ("Homer's Phobia"). Whether or not Mr. Smithers will finally get to bag Mr. Burns is highly unlikely, but stranger things have happened in Springfield — yes you, Armin Tamzarian.

The synopsis for Episode 17 reads:

When Smithers is devastated by Burns' lack of affection towards him, Homer makes it his mission to find him a boyfriend. Meanwhile, after Bart orchestrates the removal of the lead in the school's stage production of Casablanca, Milhouse serves as a terrible understudy, which frustrates his co-star, Lisa.

With Smithers turning to Homer as an unlikely ally for help, we should expect plenty of awkward stereotypes and yellow-skinned humor — with gay dating app puns aplenty. "The Burns Cage" is scheduled to air on Fox on April 3rd.