The "Jack is gay" theory suggests that the Overlook Hotel represents a place of sexual liberation for Jack, who is portrayed as an outcast in the heterocentric world outside the hotel.
Here's how the theory connects to the Overlook:
- Playgirl Magazine: The presence of a Playgirl magazine in the hotel lobby is seen as a key piece of evidence. Playgirl was a magazine aimed at straight women and gay men, suggesting a space for alternative sexualities.
- All Men: Jack repeatedly calls the Overlook's manager "all men," implying that the hotel is a place for all men, regardless of their sexual orientation.
- Room 237: The scene with the naked woman in Room 237 is interpreted as a representation of Jack's struggle with his sexuality. He initially embraces the woman but is disgusted by her transformation into an ugly hag, symbolizing his internal conflict.
- Lloyd the Bartender: Lloyd's sarcastic comment about women ("can't live with them, can't live without them") is seen as a temptation for Jack, suggesting a life free from the constraints of heteronormative relationships.
- Grady's Wife: Grady's statement that his wife didn't approve of the Overlook, a place of sexual freedom, suggests that Jack should embrace his true self and break free from societal expectations.
However, the theory is challenged by the presence of pinup models in the boiler room, which contradicts the idea of a gay utopia.
