How I Met Your Mother is a highly popular American sitcom known for its ensemble cast and unique humor. A significant character in this show is Barney Stinson, prominently portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris. Barney is recognized as a ladies' man who loves to bed women but despises long-term relationships. For this fanfic, I have created an alternate universe where Barney is a homosexual.

This speculation isn't groundless, considering Neil Patrick Harris himself is a proud, openly gay man. Additionally, despite Barney's established womanizer persona, certain subtexts within the series point towards Barney suppressing his sexual orientation. This fanfic explores that possibility, entering an uncharted territory within the canon while keeping the essence of the characters intact.

2. The Possible 'Signs'

The first aspect this fanfic explores is the possible 'signs' of Barney's concealed sexuality. Barney is a flashy and highly detailed person whose elaborate scheming could be traced back to his need for control and affirmation, characteristic attributes often exhibited by those harboring a secret about themselves. The theory of him being gay hence seems plausible.

Moreover, Barney's fixation with suits and owning an impressive closet full of them almost exhibits a stereotype associated with the gay community - caring deeply about one's dressing sense. Again, it could merely be a character trait but makes for a compelling argument.

3. How He 'Met Their Father'

The name of this fanfic, 'How He Met Their Father,' alludes to the original series' title and recounts how Barney meets his future partner (or their 'father' in this case). It theoretically replaces Ted's narrative of meeting the mother with Barney's journey of meeting a man who changes his life.

The setup for this is Barney meeting a man at his regular bar haunt, who is highly unlike the characters Barney usually interacts with. He has unassuming looks, is neither rich nor dynamic but evokes a certain kind of charm Barney finds himself drawn to.

4. Barney's Acceptance

An important aspect this fanfic delves into is how Barney begins accepting his sexuality. Barney, known for his bravado, may have suppressed his true orientation out of fear of being rejected by society. The narrative becomes poignant and tender whilst portraying Barney's internal battle.

When he finally comes to terms with his feelings towards the man he met, it causes a significant shift in his behavior. Experiencing emotions that weren’t part of his plan forces Barney to undergo a heavy introspection, leading to his acceptance.

5. Coming Out

As the story progresses, Barney makes the decision to come out to his friends - the closest he has to a family. Their reactions ranging from shock to understanding form a crucial part of this fanfic, emphasizing the importance of support and acceptance.

How Barney's coming out is received by characters like Ted and Robin who have known him as a womanizer is interesting to speculate. A strong understanding between friends, even when met with unexpected truths, holds the potential for dramatic literature.

6. Romancing the Ordinary Man

In his new realization, Barney finds himself pursuing the man he met at the bar. Their budding romance stands utterly contrasted to Barney's past flings. Struggling with dating norms alien to him due to his previous lifestyle, Barney navigates the unfamiliar landscape.

Barney learning to be more vulnerable and sharing emotions is an essential part of his romantic journey. The man he courts, while mundane in comparison to Barney’s flamboyance, helps him look beyond superficialities, understanding the values of a committed relationship.

7. Future and Further Developments

The fanfic goes further into their relationship, detailing their serious commitment towards each other. Barney’s character development from a playboy to a devoted partner serves to highlight his evolution.

Included within this plotline are gauges into Barney's reactions towards the outside world. It captures his resilience towards societal stigmas and prejudice, asserting his bravery that was hitherto veiled beneath his nonchalant exterior.

8. Conclusion

As an essentially ‘what-if�exploration into the iconic character that is Barney, this fanfic should be intriguing to any How I Met Your Mother fan. It provides a fresh perspective upon Barney’s character while upholding the spirit of the original show. An LGBT+ exploration of Barney stands to serve as a respectful nod towards Neil Patrick Harris too.

Although this tale of Barney is purely speculative, it takes care not to belittle or stereotype the LGBTQ+ community. It normalizes the essence of being gay instead, painting it as just another facet of a person's identity rather than an aberration.

Q&A

Q: Is this fanfic in any way intended to deride Barney's character?
A: Absolutely not. This is a loving reinterpretation of Barney's character.

Q: Does this story project stereotypes about the gay community?
A: No, it tries to break them instead. The story normalizes being gay and focuses on aspects like acceptance and coming out.

Q: Does this twist affect Barney's established character traits?
A: This fanfic tries to show that the persona Barney built was merely a façade. His womanizing attitude is considered a defense mechanism to hide his true feelings.

References

This fanfic is purely speculative and not based on any specific references or sources, other than the content of the How I Met Your Mother TV series.

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