When someone opens up about who they are, the world only becomes a better place. You’ve heard the news, Superman is trending on all social media sites. DC Comics has decided to make an impact and significant moment as we receive our first confirmed LGBTQ+ Kryptonian.
In a recent tweet by Tom Taylor, writer of DCeased and the Injustice series, as well as the current writer of Nightwing and Superman: Son of Kal-El, he shares: “I’ve always said everyone needs heroes and everyone deserves to see themselves in their heroes. Today, #Superman, the strongest superhero on the planet, comes out as bisexual. I chatted to @georgegustines at the @nytimes about what’s coming for Jon Kent.”
I’ve always said everyone needs heroes and everyone deserves to see themselves in their heroes. Today, #Superman, the strongest superhero on the planet, comes out as bisexual. I chatted to @georgegustines at the @nytimes about what’s coming for Jon Kent.https://t.co/rcIYLXl7FB
— Tom Taylor (@TomTaylorMade) October 11, 2021
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Tom Taylor has been a great support for LGTBQ+ characters in comics, in fact, in his upcoming series Dark Knights of Steels, he mentions it will be “It’s queer as heck, my friend.” His support in representation has been bringing a lot of life and light into comic book heroes we love and adore. What a lovely surprise on National Coming Out day.
The Impact of Having a Bisexual Superman
We have several characters in DC Comics who are gay, bisexual, and/or queer. For example we have Wonder Woman, Catwoman, Batwoman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Midnighter, Apollo, and more recently Tim Drake. These are phenomenal, iconic characters and have been given the spotlight several times, but something sure does stand out about Jonathan Kent coming out.
Many LGTBQ+ characters come from traumatic lives. Carrying a rough upbringing, without parents or without a proper home. Although this is a common narrative for many superheroes, and an important one as surviving the worst makes you so much stronger, it is also a common story-line for many queer children and adults, unfortunately. That’s why comics are so captivating for the queer and trans community, we can relate.
However, there is something so positive and kind of having the new Superman come out as bisexual. Number 1: the most powerful, famous symbol in comics, be a representation for Pride. Number 2: a character coming from a loving, supportive home. Jon Kent has two exceptionally loving and successful parents, who have had their hardships fighting the good fight, but in general are pretty happy, healthy and kind. They love him unconditionally, and we know very well Clark Kent is going to support the heck out of his son.
Not only that, but he will have the support from the Justice League themselves, as his father is one of the main founders, along with Batman, who also has a bisexual son, and Wonder Woman, who is queer herself. It is easy to imagine the immense support. This move just shows that things do get better, and for future generations it will get better.
In addition, Jon Kent appears to be a very happy child. There are some difficult challenges in life he has to coordinate through as a Superman and being the son to the world’s most famous man, but generally, he’s a positive kid. In Super Sons, he was the light, uplifting and always looking on the brighter side. It’s so wonderful to see a queer character with self confidence, we don’t see it enough. Not someone hiding in the shadows, or behind a tragic backstory, but full of sunlight and hope.
Meeting Jay Nakamura
And his soon-to-be love interest is a unique character himself. They meet at a riot, so we know they’re both passionate about human rights. Not only that, he’s a journalist too. Kryptonians love their story-tellers. His character design is liberating, if you’re quite familiar with the community, Jay appears quite coded. The arrows on his outfit might represent breaking something out of the conservative norms, his hair style is eye-catching, there are speculations that he may be non-binary-coded or trans-coded, and honestly, we’ve been given a bisexual Superman, what gift, but in a relationship with someone coded like Jay is wondrous.
The meaning behind this action is huge, and many communities are celebrating it with open arms.
I have begun collecting the Superman: Son of Kal-El series, and it’s such a beautiful read. I am excited to see what DC Comics brings out next! Highly recommended.
