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 these Marvel superheroes 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.

Escapade

A Huge Leap Forward In Marvel’s Queer Roster

Aliases

Shela Sexton, Escapade, BlasterDame

Powers
Physical switching

Team Affiliations
New Mutants, X-Corps

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 is Shela 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.

As Escapade, 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.

Jennifer Kale

A Witch With Many Secrets

Aliases
Jennifer Kale

Powers
Witchcraft, sorcery

Team Affiliations
Midnight Sons, Legion of Night

First Appearance
Fear #11 (1972)

Although Jennifer Kale is an obscure character in Marvel Comics, she’ll soon have her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Agatha 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.

Deadpool

The Merc With A Mouth And An Open Mind

Aliases
Wade Wilson, Deadpool

Powers
Super-strength, healing factor

Team Affiliations
X-Force, Thunderbolts, Heroes for Hire

First Appearance
New Mutants #98 (1990)

Deadpool isn’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 the Deadpool movies has indicated the character does have some inclinations towards being attracted to men. Aside from flirting with Wolverine in trailers for Deadpool & Wolverine, Reynolds has expressed a desire to let the character’s fluid sexuality from the comics be shown on screen, so we’ll see if his wish came true in the MCU’s upcoming take on the character.

Mystique

Marvel Finally Confirmed This Transformative Storyline

Aliases
Raven Darkhölme, Mystique, Sherlock Holmes

Powers
Metamorphosis, decelerated aging, accelerated healing

Team Affiliations
X-Men, Hellfire Club, Brotherhood of Evil Mutants

First Appearance
Ms. Marvel #18 (1978)

Mystique has had a long history in Marvel Comics, long enough for some hardcore X-Men fans 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’s capabilities, it’s a relief that her love story finally got to see the light of day.

Valkyrie

An Asgardian King Needs Her Queen

Aliases
Brunnhilde, Valkyrie

Powers
Super-strength, all-speak, teleportation

Team Affiliations
Asgardians of the Galaxy, Valkyrior, Secret Avengers, Defenders

First Appearance
Defenders #4 (1972)

One of a group of elite warrior women on Asgard, Valkyrie was introduced in the Thor comics 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 of Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: 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.

Loki

Who Wouldn’t Fall For Tom Hiddleston?

Aliases
Loki Laufeyson, God of Mischief

Powers
Godlike powers, sorcery, all-speak

Team Affiliations
Asgardians, Frost Giants, Lost Gods

First Appearance
Journey Into Mystery #85 (1962)

Asgard’s God of Mischief has 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 that Loki has 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 the Loki television show boosted his positive representation.

Shadowcat

Giving A New Meaning To Her Last Name

Aliases
Katherine Pryde, Kitty, Shadowcat,

Powers
Phasing, intangibility

Team Affiliations
X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy, Excalibur, New Mutants

First Appearance
X-Men #129 (1979)

The former Kitty Pryde is 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 the Marauders comics when she kindles a fling with a female tattoo artist.

Kate Pryde also provided representation on the big screen in the X-Men films, 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 future Shadowcat actor.

Ayo

Wakanda Has A Deadly Queer Icon In Its Army

Aliases
Ayo

Powers
N/A

Team Affiliations
Dora Milaje, Midnight Angels

First Appearance
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 in Black Panther and Black 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 of Wakanda Forever. Ayo provides a strong, loyal, and fierce role model while also being a positive representative of the LGBTQ+ community.

Hulkling And Wiccan

The Fan-Favorite Romance Of The Young Avengers

Aliases
Theodore Altman, Hulkling, Dorrek VIII, Dorrek-Vell, Teen-Hulk
William Kaplan, Wiccan, Asgardian, Billy Maximoff

Powers
Super-strength, healing factor, shape-shifting
Reality manipulation, witchcraft, flight, healing, teleportation, god-like powers

Team Affiliations
New Avengers, Young Avengers, Secret Avengers
New Avengers, Young Avengers, Secret Avengers

First Appearance
Young Avengers #1 (2005)
Young Avengers #1 (2005)

Hulkling and Wiccan were introduced as an openly gay couple in the Young 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 has no connection to Hulk but 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 in WandaVision. 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.

Speed

Wanda’s Twin Sons Have A Lot In Common

Aliases
Tommy Shepherd, Speed

Powers
Super-speed, intangibility

Team Affiliations
Young Avengers, Secret Avengers

First Appearance
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+ series WandaVision, 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.

Phastos

He’s Invented More Than Just Representation

Aliases
Phastos, Hephaestus, Vulcan, Phillip Stoss

Powers
Super-strength, invulnerability, energy manipulation, psychic ability, teleportation, genius intellect

Team Affiliations
Eternals

First Appearance
Eternals #1 (1985)

One of the Eternals, Phastos, is a groundbreaking character for the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When the Eternals separate, Phastos feels remorse for his influence that led to the atomic bombs being dropped during World War 2 and decides to settle down, marrying a man and fathering a son.

When the Eternals are called back into action, Phastos shares a kiss with his husband before going off to save the world, which is the first same-sex kiss in a Marvel film. It’s a surprising moment of representation, considering the comic book iteration of Phastos’ sexuality is never confirmed.

America Chavez

It Means A Lot To Have A Queer Character Named “America”

Aliases
America Chavez, Miss America

Powers
Interdimensional travel, flight, super-strength, super-speed

Team Affiliations
Young Avengers, Thunderbolts, Teen Brigade, A-Force, Defenders, West Coast Avengers, Ultimates

First Appearance
Vengeance #1 (2011)

America Chavez, also known as Miss America, also broke ground as she was the first Latin American LGBTQ+ Marvel superhero. In the comics, she is a college student who is trying to balance her school life with her superhero life. She is also openly lesbian in the comics.

She made her first MCU appearance in Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Marvel executives confirmed the character is still a member of the LGBTQ+ community, even though it wasn’t addressed on screen. There is, however, a mention of her having two mothers in the film, showcasing that same-sex relationships may just come naturally to America’s family.

Moondragon

She’s Definitely Got The Style Down As A Gay Icon

Aliases
Heather Douglas, Moondragon, Dragon of the Moon

Powers
Telepathy, telekinesis, shape-shifting

Team Affiliations
Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers, Defenders

First Appearance
Daredevil #105 (1973)

While Moondragon has yet to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she is one of the most powerful heroes in the comics. Heather Douglas and her family are attacked by Thanos. Heather survives, but her parents are killed, and her father becomes Drax the Destroyer. Moondragon grows up on Titan, where she gains telekinetic powers.

Heather Douglas is also openly lesbian in the comics, and has been depicted as being in a long-term relationship with Phyla-Vell. Moondragon eventually joins the Guardians of the Galaxy, so maybe she will debut in an upcoming MCU phase.

Phyla-Vell

One Of Marvel’s Most Marvelous Lesbian Characters

Aliases
Phyla-Vell, Quasar, Martyr

Powers
Super-strength, super-speed, force field creation, energy manipulation, cosmic awareness

Team Affiliations
Guardians of the Galaxy

First Appearance
Captain Marvel #16 (2003)

Speaking of Moondragon’s other half, Phyla-Vell has already made an appearance in the MCU. She appears in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as a young girl, played by Kai Zen, who the High Evolutionary has genetically engineered to be his new perfect species. The Guardians free her, and during the film’s mid-credits scene it’s shown she is part of the new Guardians squad.

Phyla-Vell is introduced, in the comics, as the daughter of Mar-Vell, who was introduced in the MCU as the alien who gave Captain Marvel her powers. As previously mentioned, Phyla-Vell is in a committed relationship with fellow Guardians member Moondragon.

Northstar

Marvel’s First Gay Character Was A Long Time Coming

Aliases
Jean-Paul Beaubier, Northstar

Powers
Light generation, super-speed, flight

Team Affiliations
X-Men, Secret Defenders

First Appearance
X-Men #120 (1979)

Where Phastos and America Chavez broke ground in the MCU, Northstar broke ground in the Marvel Comics universe. Co-creator John Byrne introduced Northstar as the first openly gay character in Marvel Comics history, finally confirming it in 1992. In Astonishing X-Men, he and his boyfriend had Marvel’s first-ever same-sex wedding.

However, when the character debuted in 1979, Jean-Paul Beaubier’s sexuality couldn’t be revealed due to the comic code of the time. But Byrne dropped hints throughout his writing to let the readers know about Northstar and serve as inspiration and representation for others like him.