Days of Our Lives update: Will Horton accepts himself, tells grandmother Marlena: “I’m a gay man”

This is a big day in the life of our young Will Horton.

He’s becoming a man in so many ways – standing uo for himself, setting boundaries for his parents and grandparents and, most importantly, accepting himself as a gay man.

It is so fitting that Will would first make the statement about being a gay man to his grandmother Marlena. But before he does, she has a bit of a showdown with EJ over his motives when it comes to her grandson.

EJ tells her: “I want William to have the opportunity to be who he is without any fear of judgment. … I think we both know what I’m talking about. If I were going to take advantage of that situation, I already would have. But I haven’t and I won’t.”

Marlena feels she has no choice but to give EJ the benefit of the doubt but warns her former son-in-law to watch his step when it comes to her flesh and blood.

Over coffee, Will very politely but firmly tells Marlena to “back off and give me a little space” when it comes to EJ and his working for him.

His grandmother apologizes “for treating you like a 12 year old.” Will said he’s the one who’s sorry for being “rude” and adds: “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings. I think we both know that you’re the only person I can rely on. I don’t want that to change.”

Will shares with Marlena that he has been feeling “claustrophobic” with everyone from his grandma Kate to his father, his mother and EJ “lining up trying to tell me how to live my life.”

“When people are telling you how you should be comfortable with who you are, it makes it hard to be comfortable with who you are. The thing is though, I do know who I am and I’ve figured out what I want to be. I’m just not ready to broadcast that to the world yet.”

Marlena lets him know she will always love him and support him “no matter what.”

Asks Will: “Even if I’m a gay man?”

Marlena: “No matter what.”

Will, sips his coffee, smiles a bit and says: “Did you notice? I said I’m gay.”