4 joyously queer Marvel comics moments that need to make it to the big screen

Wiccan and Hulking kissing infront of a rainbow Pride flag

There aren’t many LGBT+ superheroes in films, and fans probably wish for Marvel to include more of its queer comic moments on screen.

In recent years fans have witnessed the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) turning its focus towards inclusion and diversifying its content.

But somehow in a world of skintight and sometimes camp costumes, LGBT+ representation has been virtually nonexistent. Loki was confirmed as the first canonically bisexual MCU hero in June, 13 years after Iron Man launched the MCU and a decade after Loki’s introduction in Thor.

Loki will soon be joined by more openly queer heroes. Eternals is set to introduce the MCU’s first openly gay superhero Phastos, along with his husband and child, and next year’s Thor: Love and Thunder is set to explore Valkyrie’s bisexuality and show her finding “her queen”, actor Tessa Thompson said at a 2019 panel.

Hopefully, there’ll be more to come as the MCU continues to grow. After all, the original comic books are filled with queer characters for Marvel to pick and choose from – including these four.

Marvel celebrates its first same-sex wedding A panel where superhero Northstar kisses his husband Kyle Jinadu in Marvel's Astonishing X-Men #51

Superhero Northstar – aka Jean-Paul Beaubier – married his longtime partner Kyle Jinadu in 2012’s Astonishing X-Men #51. (Marvel/Astonishing X-Men #51)Northstar – aka Jean-Paul Beaubier – was one of the first openly gay superheroes in American comics, and he was also the first Marvel character to come out on panel in 1992.

Twenty years later, the high-flying hero returned as he wed his longtime partner Kyle Jinadu in Astonishing X-Men #51. Marvel editor-in-chief Alex Alonso told Huffington Post in 2012 that he saw the event as a natural reflection of real-world events like same-sex marriage being legalised in New York state.

“Marvel Comics are best when they respond to developments in the real world, and this is just the latest expression of that,” Alonso said.

Not only was it a gorgeous ceremony, but it was also the first same-sex wedding in comics. Can you just imagine seeing that on a big screen?

Hulking and Wiccan taking the title of arguably Marvel’s most prominent gay couple

Picture of Hulking (Teddy Altman) and Wiccan (Billy Kaplan) getting married in Marvel's Empyre 2020 #4

Young Avengers teammates and gay superheroes Teddy Altman – aka Hulking – and Billy Kaplan, Wiccan, get married in a stellar ceremony. (Marvel/Empyre 2020 #4)

Hulking (Theodore “Teddy” Altman) is a Kree and Skull hybrid who possesses shapeshifting abilities and super strength. His partner in romance and crime-fighting, Wiccan (William “Billy” Kaplan), can warp reality, teleport, astral project and is telekinetic.

According to The Last Annihilation: Wiccan and Hulkling #1, the heroes first met when they attended the same high school and began to bond over their shared love of comics, ScreenRant reported. The issue also showed Teddy and Billy taking on a team of bullies and sharing a kiss afterwards.

They are eventually recruited to the Young Avengers and get married in the pages of 2020’s Empyre #4. Fans could potentially their relationship on the big screen as Billy was introduced in Disney Plus’ WandaVision. Only time will tell if he pops up again in the MCU alongside his future husband.

America Chavez being welcomed as Marvel’s first Latin-American queer character

Miss America aka America Chavez is seen decked out in red, white and blue apparel while punching an unseen foe

America Chavez – aka Miss America – is Marvel’s first Latin-American LGBT+ superhero. (Marvel/America #1)

Speaking of Young Avengers, America Chavez made her debut as Miss America on the youthful superhero team back in 2017. She was born a princess of the all-female planet Planeta Fuertona, but her people were forced to flee to another world.

America is eventually gifted with a bevy of superhuman powers including enhanced speed and strength, and she can even punch holes through the fabric of time and space – so she’s bad**s. She ran away into the multiverse before eventually joining the Young Avengers.

America is set to make her MCU debut next year in the film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and she’ll be played by Xochitl Gomez. It’s still unknown how much she’ll appear in the Doctor Strange sequel, but here’s hoping that the lesbian hero will have a starring role and maybe even have a romantic partner. Fingers crossed.

Aneka and Ayo’s romance was so beautiful that it won an award

Panels taken from Marvel Comics' Black Panther: World of Wakanda that show Ayo and Aneka kissing

Marvel’s Black Panther: World of Wakanda tells the queer romance of Ayo and Aneka, two former Dora Milaje who fall in love. (Twitter/@sapphicfiles/Marvel/Black Panther: World of Wakanda)

Marvel’s Black Panther spin-off World of Wakanda earned a GLAAD Media Award in 2018 for the outstanding love story of Ayo and Aneka.

In World of Wakanda, Aneka is captain of the Dora Milaje, the all-female soldiers that protect the Wakandan royal family, and Ayo serves under her. After Aneka is found guilty of killing a chieftain who terrorised women in her village, she and Ayo pledge their love to each other and become vigilantes.

There is a rumour that Aneka and Ayo’s romance could be featured in the upcoming Black Panther sequel. Ayo has appeared multiple times in the MCU, most recently being in the Disney Plus series Falcon and the Winter Soldier. According to Inverse, a reputable leaker claimed I May Destroy You star Michaela Coel will play Aneka – so there could be an on-screen lesbian love story in the upcoming film.

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