Summary
Marvel Comics has introduced the world to a plethora of superheroes and villain characters that present a range of diversity for readers and viewers. This includes several characters that represent the LGBTQ+ community. While some haven’t made it to the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet, there is still plenty of representation in the comics.
Many of theseMarvelsuperheroes have become fan favorites for readers and viewers to see themselves in. It may have taken a while for this representation to reach the comics pages and even longer to reach movie and television screens, but these characters are now serving as an inspiration.
Updated June 10th, 2024 by Blaise Santi: Although it was a tough battle getting them approved at times, there have been plenty of LGBTQ+ characters in both Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From franchise mascots to supporting team players, there are lots of different varieties of queer superheroes (and villains) that have been confirmed by comic book writers. While it took a long time for some characters to be confirmed as members of the LGBTQ+ community, others were only recently introduced to the comics to showcase all the colors of the rainbow flag. In honor of Pride Month, learn more about some of Marvel’s best LGBTQ+ characters below, including some new entries added in its latest update.
Physical switching
First Appearance
Marvel’s Voices: Pride#1 (2022)
In the past few years, there have been some iconic new faces in Marvel’s seemingly-endless catalog of heroes. One of whom isShela Sexton, who only debuted in the comics as recently as 2022 but has become a notable figure for being a trans mutant. It’s hard enough to be a mutant in the Marvel universe, but being trans is a whole new level of difficult that makes her inspiring.
AsEscapade, Shela possesses the ability to swap places with anyone on Earth, for a few hours at a time. She mostly uses this power to become an expert thief, though it’s not long until she’s recruited for the X-Men by Emma Frost and Destiny. Surprisingly, Shela refuses, showing she’s a character who has a desire to forge her own path forward.
Witchcraft, sorcery
Fear#11 (1972)
AlthoughJennifer Kaleis an obscure character in Marvel Comics, she’ll soon have herMarvel Cinematic Universe debut inAgatha All Along, played by Sasheer Zamata. It’s unknown yet if the Disney+ series will dive into the character’s romantic history, per the comics, as the character has been confirmed to have dated both men and women in the Marvel Universe.
The character has yet to explore her queer romantic possibilities with any significant Marvel heroes, though perhaps if she eventually gets a solo series, this is certainly be something Marvel could explore.
Super-strength, healing factor
New Mutants#98 (1990)
Deadpoolisn’t often given credit for being representative of the LGBTQ+ community, though in 2013, the character was confirmed to be pansexual by Marvel writer Gerry Duggan. Even Deadpool’s co-creator, Fabian Nicieza, has weighed in on the debate over Deadpool’s sexuality by referring to the character as simultaneouslty sexless and sex-positive.
However, Ryan Reynolds' performance as the character in theDeadpoolmovies has indicated the character does have some inclinations towards being attracted to men. Aside from flirting with Wolverine in trailers forDeadpool & Wolverine, Reynolds has expressed a desire to letthe character’s fluid sexuality from the comicsbe shown on screen, so we’ll see if his wish came true in the MCU’s upcoming take on the character.
Metamorphosis, decelerated aging, accelerated healing
Ms. Marvel#18 (1978)
Mystiquehas had a long history in Marvel Comics, long enough for some hardcoreX-Menfans to be unaware of her LGBTQ+ past. While the character was first introduced in the comics in 1978, co-creator Chris Claremont intended for her to be queer early on, though this was unfortunately prevented from being shown by the Comics Code Authority.
Mystique’s sexuality was finally confirmed in 2023, revealing her romance with fellow mutant Irene Adler, a.k.a. Destiny. Their child together is actually Nightcrawler. While it raises a lot of questions about Mystique’scapabilities, it’s a relief that her love story finally got to see the light of day.
Super-strength, all-speak, teleportation
Defenders#4 (1972)
One of a group ofelite warrior womenon Asgard,Valkyriewas introduced in theThorcomics and has also appeared in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films. In the MCU, she confirmed that she had a relationship with an unnamed fellow Valkyrie soldier.
Played by openly LGBTQ+ actress Tessa Thompson, both Thompson and Taika Waititi, director ofThor: RagnarokandThor: Love and Thunder,have confirmed Valkyrie is bisexual in the films; she is also bisexual in the comics. Valkyrie is currently the King of New Asgard and is said to be looking for a Queen, with many fans shipping the character with Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers.
Godlike powers, sorcery, all-speak
Journey Into Mystery#85 (1962)
Asgard’sGod of Mischiefhas been confirmed to be gender-fluid thanks to the Disney+ Original Series,Loki. The series introduced variants as a concept connected to the multiverse, and it was revealed thatLokihas been both male and female.
It was also revealed the primary version seen in the MCU, who is male, is bisexual. Loki admitted to his Sylvie variant that he had dated both princes and princesses. He also hinted the Sylvie variant was likely the same. While Loki’s villainous side has made him a less than stellar representative at times, his move in theLokitelevision show boosted his positive representation.
Phasing, intangibility
X-Men#129 (1979)
The formerKitty Prydeis another hero who provides positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Having been known for her work with the X-Men and her relationship with Star-Lord, Kate Pryde accepts herself as bisexual in theMarauderscomics when she kindles a fling with a female tattoo artist.
Kate Pryde also provided representation on the big screen in theX-Menfilms, played by transgender actor Elliot Page before he announced his transition. Sadly, Page’s tenure in the role wasn’t long enough to explore the character’s queer identity, but hopefully that can be the job for a futureShadowcatactor.
Ultimates#1 (2015)
Ayo, played by Florence Kasumba, is an openly lesbian member of the fierce female warriors that protect Wakanda, known as the Dora Milaje. Ayo can be seen on screen inBlack PantherandBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever. The sequel film in particular highlights Ayo’s relationship with her Dora Milaje girlfriend, Aneka, played by Michaela Coel.
In the comics, the pair would create the Midnight Angels, which initially began when Ayo and Aneka were rebelling against the Dora Milaje. The Midnight Angels armor also plays a big role in the third act ofWakanda Forever. Ayo provides a strong, loyal, and fierce role model while also being a positive representative of the LGBTQ+ community.
Super-strength, healing factor, shape-shifting
Reality manipulation, witchcraft, flight, healing, teleportation, god-like powers
Young Avengers#1 (2005)
Hulkling and Wiccanwere introduced as an openly gay couple in theYoung Avengers. The pair is in a committed relationship while working with the rest of the younger superhero team to save the day whenever needed. They eventually end up getting married. Hulkling hasno connection to Hulkbut uses the name because his skin is green, while Wiccan is a younger, male version of Scarlet Witch.
While Hulkling hasn’t been introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe at this time, a version of Wiccan was teased inWandaVision. Wiccan was presented as one of Wanda’s and Vision’s twin sons inside the Hex, but his sexual orientation wasn’t explored on the show.
Super-speed, intangibility
Young Avengers#10 (2006)
Another member of the Young Avengers,Speed, is openly bisexual in the comics. He has been in relationships with both Kate Bishop and David Alleyne, better known as Prodigy. Speed, along with the previously mentioned Wiccan, are reincarnations of Wanda and Vision’s twin sons Tommy and Billy in the comics.
Much like Wiccan, Speed was teased in the Disney+ seriesWandaVision, when Wanda and Vision had twin sons inside the Hex. While Wiccan has similar abilities to Wanda, Speed actually has similar abilities to QuickSilver, Wanda’s twin brother. As of right now, there’s no evidence of Wiccan or Speed being LGBTQ+ on screen, but, as mentioned, they have provided representation in the comics.
