The Pattern of their Stripes Reveals Their Sexuality

Ready for a fun visual comparison? John Watson is very frequently seen wearing plaid. Stripes that run both horizontally and vertically. Stripes that go both ways. 

He usually wears stripes that go both ways, but they’re always hidden by a neutral coat or a sweater. However, he has no problem wearing stripes loud and proud when they run only one direction. He’s comfortable with that side of himself.

Keep in mind both of those episodes focus heavily on John “I’m not gay” Watson and his growing dependency on Sherlock (ASIB and TBB). 

But What about when he openly wears plaid at Baker Street? Without a cover?

It happens when John reads about himself in the newspaper being a “confirmed bachelor” – obviously Sherlock’s gay lover. Whoa there, John, you’re talking about your sexuality? “What they hell are they implying?” That you’re a raging bisexual. That’s what they’re implying. Your freaking shirt told everyone.

How about another time he wore plain stripes at a very “I’m proving I love women VERY much” moment?

Or how about another time just like that?

Or how about one more time:

Oooooooo John “I Don’t Shave for Sherlock Holmes” Watson is trying his damn hardest for his heterosexuality not to be questioned. But we all know what will happen if he continues to closet himself:

They hinted at John being suicidal in episode one. His feelings of loss and loneliness only increased after he was forced from his home in the army and instructed to go back to “civilian life”. He felt most at home being both a soldier and a doctor. He didn’t have to ignore half of himself. He would absolutely kill himself if he has to stay closeted. It is only a matter of time. This is the subtext.

But we have hope! Obviously. Why? Because of this:

John is comfortable in his plaid. There’s no jumper. His armor is gone. 

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE

Molly Hooper has been a mirror for John this whole time. They even have the same lines at some point. This is old news. 

But the stripes/plaid subtext works for her, too.

When she talks about her “type” and falling for Sherlock’s playful banter:

But wait…. what is THAT.

Plaid hidden by a cover made of only stripes?? Lines going both ways being covered by lines as straight as an arrow? Plaid under her armor??

You heard it here, folks. Molly is a bisexual threatened by compulsory heterosexuality. It’s in the subtext. Probably why she feels most comfortable dating gay men. 

I love this fandom!

genius.

and as @actingchoices pointed out, John’s bi is a lil’ bit showing during the Sherlock is actually a girl’s name/I love you scenes.