Entertainment
LGBTQ Superheroes Who Should Join 'Arrow's The Black Canary on TV
Wednesday night's episode of Arrow introduced not only a new character, but a new relationship: Ra's al Ghul's daughter, Nyssa, who was revealed to be Sara's (aka the Black Canary's) girlfriend. Show writers Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim said that they've been planning this move since the beginning of the season. The writers were careful not to label her bisexual, though, to focus more on the relationship rather than on her sexuality. "We really wanted to approach it like not be salacious and be sensitive and be realistic," said Guggenheim.
With the popularity of superhero movies and shows, it's surprising that this is the first time an LGBTQ relationship has happened on screen. After all, there's already a number of great, iconic LGBTQ superheroes who have been portrayed in comics by Marvel and DC alike. Here's just a few that we'd love to see on television...
Batwoman
Batwoman’s history is somewhat ironic, as she was introduced to allay accusations of Batman and Robin’s relationship promoting homosexuality in the ’50s. But the modern incarnation of Batwoman is out and proud and engaged to girlfriend Maggie Sawyer… although DC Comics won’t let them tie the knot. Still, Batwoman is a kickass superhero, and a wealthy ex-military Jewish crimefighter with killer style.
Northstar
Northstar is one of the first openly gay superheroes to appear in comics. A Canadian member of the X-Men team, Northstar has the ability to fly at superhuman speeds. Unlike DC, Marvel lets their superheroes get married, so Northstar married his partner, civilian Kyle Jinadu, in 2012.
Image: Flickr/Freedom to Marry
Apollo and Midnighter
Yes, Apollo and Midnighter are widely known as “gay Batman and Superman.” It’s easy to see why: like Superman, Apollo has the powers of strength, flight, near invulnerability and laser vision, and Midnighter’s costume is eerily similar to Batman’s (although unlike Batman, he has supernatural powers). But both characters have been given interesting stories and real depth. Oh, and because it’s Marvel, they’re married and they have an adopted daughter.
Image: Flickr/Joel Kramer
Green Lantern
The newest version, that is. See, along with a relaunch of many of their superhero titles, DC decided to have Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, identify as gay. The new Scott is very comfortable with his sexuality; in fact, he’s planning to propose in his boyfriend in the second issue, before the train they’re riding on together crashes and kills him. Poor superheroes… even when they can finally fall in love, it’s always tragic.
Image: Flickr/jdhancock
Karolina Dean and Xavin
Karolina Dean and Xavin are two young superheroes from Marvel’s Runaways series. Karolina Dean is a lesbian vegan who belongs to an alien race and Xavin is the shape-shifting alien to whom she is betrothed. Xavin is introduced in the comics in the form of a young African-American male, but when he realizes Xavin’s orientation, he shape shifts into the form of a woman. Because really, who cares about gender when you can shape shift?
Image: Tumblr/speaking-penguinese
