Is Rue a lesbian in Euphoria? Exploring Zendaya’s character as she reunites with Jules

Zendaya is back as Rue Bennett in season three of Euphoria and her storyline has people dissecting everything about her, including her sexuality.

The character has been pining over Jules (Hunter Schafer) and in the second episode went to visit her.

During the time jump between seasons two and three, Jules has been living the high-life as a sugar baby for a married man. Meanwhile, Rue has been working at an exotic dancing club and trying to pay off her drug debts.

Rue and Jules’ often toxic relationship has been explored throughout the HBO show, however Rue’s sexuality has never been explicitly confirmed.

Is Rue a lesbian in Euphoria?

Rue has never been outright confirmed to be a lesbian, though many fans believe from watching that she is.

The Euphoria Fandom Wiki says: “Rue struggled with compulsory heterosexuality, and uncomfortable sexual situations with boys when she was younger before realising that she is a lesbian.”

It also states that Rue’s mother and sister “are aware of her sexuality” due to her on-off relationship with Jules.

In season three, it’s clear that Rue is into women, as she was seen getting very intimate with one of the dancers in her van.

Viewers have questioned and celebrated the exploration of Rue’s sexuality. One said on X: “Oh wow Rue is actually a lesbian, I thought she was just gay for Jules.”

Another said: “I have to confess lesbian masc Rue is making me feel things this season.”

There are numerous reports that Zendaya herself has confirmed Rue is a lesbian, though PinkNews is unable to find any direct quotes from the actress.

However, she has spoken more generally about Rue and Jules, telling Variety that it was “love at first sight for Rue” and their relationship is “about pure love”.

Is Rue non-binary in Euphoria?

Again, it has not explicitly been confirmed that Rue is non-binary, however the character hinted that is how she identified in season three.

During the second episode she said she was “basically a dude”, which at least suggests she does not completely identify as female.

Costume designer Heidi Bivens told SSENSE of Rue: “She feels non-binary to me too, in a lot of ways, which is something that’s being explored on the show.”

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