Gay man here. Absolutely agree that there can be homosexuality included in a show without it being “pandering”. Craig and Tweek have evolved without really pandering. They’re kids, like all the others. And they happen to be gay. That was how I grew up myself, a gay kid in a relatively conservative white bread suburb. Personally, I like stories with compelling LGBTQ characters. One that don’t pander. Schitt’s Creek was a good example, too.
I think season 19 is very strong. I have just been rewatching it. All good episodes and at least three are ones I love: Tweek x Craig, Naughty Ninjas and Sponsored Content.