LGBTQ+ superheroes and iconic WLW characters in comics
The biggest movie franchises- the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU)- have yet to step up their game in terms of queer representation, but luckily the same cannot be said about their source material.
LGBTQ+ superheroes are thriving in comics, and we are seeing more non-heterosexual super-powered characters coming out as both Marvel and DC comic book writers push boundaries.
A brief history of LGBTQ+ superheroes in comics
While queer superheroes seem to be enjoying their heyday now, it was not so long ago that depictions of homosexuality were not allowed in comics.
The Comics Code Authority, a government body that regulated comic book content, banned “illicit sex relations” and “sexual abnormalities”.
There was no specific wording, however, as to what those terms actually referred to. The vague rule allowed Comics Code Authority administrators to censor just about anything that can be perceived as gay.
It was not until 1989 that the regulating body underwent major revisions. Finally, in 1992’s Alpha Flight #106, Northstar became the first openly gay superhero.
LGBTQ+ superheroes: WLW characters in Marvel
Since Marvel’s Northstar came out in the early ’90s, many other superheroes have been officially confirmed as belonging to the LGBTQ+ community and more queer superheroes have been created.
It is certainly most encouraging that there are now more WLW (“Woman Loving Women”) superheroes in comics than ever before.
Queer X-Men fans rejoiced when Kitty Pryde’s bisexuality was confirmed in 2020’s Marauders #12. The beloved superhero shared a kiss with a female tattoo artist, ending years of speculation about her sexuality.
More recently, America Chavez, Marvel’s first-ever queer Latinx superhero also appeared as a central character in the MCU’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
In the comics, the character hails from another dimension called the Utopian Parallel, where she was raised by lesbian parents.
LGBTQ+ superheroes: WLW characters in DC
Over at DC, Wonder Woman has been officially confirmed as bisexual. As one of DC’s legacy superheroes, Diana Prince’s status as a queer character had always been contentious.
There have been hints over the years that point to Diana’s queerness, but all of it came to a head in 2016 when comic book writer Greg Rucka said: “Nobody at DC Comics has ever said, [Wonder Woman] gotta be straight. Nobody. Ever.”
Kate Kane, better known as Batwoman, is another confirmed WLW crime fighter and is perhaps the most popular lesbian superhero in the DC universe.
The relationship between Kate Kane and GCPD Detective Renee Montoya (before the launch of the New 52) was a nuanced and well-written portrayal of a gay relationship, and their visibility helped open up doors for many other queer characters.
LGBTQ+ superheroes’ impact on society
The way LGBTQ+ superheroes are written can shape and influence society’s values, beliefs about, and attitudes towards queer people.
Increased visibility, more representation, and positive portrayals of gay superheroes in comics- and in other media- go a long way in creating a more inclusive and safer world for everyone.