LGBT
Related: About this forumDC Introduces First Transgender Character in Mainstream Comics
Once banned from the world of mainstream comic books by the infamous Comics Code Authority, LGBT characters now have a stronger presence in the world of superhero comics than ever before, with gay and lesbian heroes like Batwoman, Northstar and Green Lantern Alan Scott openly declaring who they are and even getting married. Today, DC Comics told Wired that it will continue to expand the LGBT diversity of its superhero universe by introducing the first openly transgender character in a mainstream superhero comic.
In Batgirl #19, on sale today in both print and digital formats, the character Alysia Yeoh will reveal that she is a transwoman in a conversation with her roommate, Barbara Gordon (aka Batgirl). Taking care to distinguish Yeohs sexual orientation from her gender identity, Batgirl writer Gail Simone noted that the character is also bisexual.
Simone attributed the inspiration for the character to a conversation she had with fellow comic book writer Greg Rucka several years ago at the Wondercon convention, after a fan asked why there were fewer gay male superheroes than lesbian ones. Rucka, who co-created (and rebooted) Batwoman as a lesbian character, replied that it would be a real sign of change for a gay male character to appear on a comic book cover and an even bigger step for a transgender character to do the same.
I looked out into the audience, saw dozens of faces I knew well LGBTQ folks, mostly all avid comics readers and superhero fans and DC supporters, said Simone. And it just hit me: Why was this so impossible? Why in the world can we not do a better job of representation of not just humanity, but also our own loyal audience?
Simone suggested the story to DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio at lunch one day, prepared to offer a passionate defense for the idea of a transgender character. I thought I might have to sell it, so to speak, said Simone. But he just paused for a moment, asked how this would affect Barbaras story, and immediately approved it. And we went back to our excellent nachos.
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http://www.wired.com/underwire/2013/04/transgender-dc-comics-batgirl/
William769
(55,145 posts)Glad to see this.
The Philosopher
(895 posts)Alan Scott is gay? When did that happen?
villager
(26,001 posts)n/t
The Philosopher
(895 posts)I just hope the decision to make this GL gay isn't a play on his weakness.
tonekat
(1,814 posts)There is a difference. Looking forward to the costume.