Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman dismissed rumors that Daryl is gay on the Talking Dead with host Chris Hardwick. The debate began after he suggested the possibility in the letters page of the comic book. When pressed on the show about Daryl’s sexuality, Kirkman clarified that he was merely saying AMC was not against the idea.
“I can make it official Daryl Dixon is actually straight,” Kirkman confirmed. “But coming back in the next half of our season, we are going to be introducing a very prominent gay character from the comics.”
That can only be Paul Monroe, whose long hair and beard earn him the nickname Jesus. He approaches Rick after he joins a larger group of survivors in Alexandria, Virginia. Jesus enlists his help in taking down the warlord Negan, who forces every colony in the area to pay protection money. Rick is initially wary of his story and takes him prisoner until he can confirm it. He eventually agrees to release him but Jesus frees himself and reveals he was actually testing Rick. Jesus is a martial artist, who can take on multiple guys at once. Not like that. He’s basically Michonne but without the samurai sword, not that he needs it.
Jesus’ sexuality isn’t flaunted anymore than Daryl’s. It isn’t revealed he’s gay until much later in The Walking Dead #122
