15 Superheroes Who Are Openly Gay

Over time, superheroes have become more representative of the real world, and that now includes openly gay characters. These heroes – ranging from team captains to incredibly powerful beings – have developed compelling storylines, relationships, and achieved important milestones in comic books, allowing readers to connect with the stories on a personal level.

This list showcases fifteen LGBTQ+ superheroes who are officially and openly gay within major comic book universes. For each character, we’ve included details about their publication history, significant appearances, powers, and the specific moments when their sexual orientation was revealed in the comics.

Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier)

Northstar is a superhero who’s been a part of both Alpha Flight and the X-Men. He first appeared with Alpha Flight in 1979 and later got his own featured role when the ‘Alpha Flight’ comic series launched in 1983. Known for his incredible speed and agility, Northstar is a world-class speedster and acrobat. He can move at super-speed and, when he works with his twin sister Aurora, they can generate light.

Northstar made history in 1992 as one of the first major superhero characters to come out as gay, appearing in issue #106 of ‘Alpha Flight’. Years later, in 2012’s ‘Astonishing X-Men’ #51, he married Kyle Jinadu. Throughout his time with the X-Men, Northstar has served in various roles, including teacher, field leader, and diplomat, especially during the recent Krakoan storylines.

Iceman (Bobby Drake)

Iceman is one of the very first X-Men, first appearing in ‘The X-Men’ #1 in 1963. He has the power to create, control, and shape ice, and can even transform his body into a durable, organic-ice form. Throughout the years, he’s been a member of the X-Men, X-Factor, and various special teams.

The character Iceman came out as gay in the comics in 2015, first with a younger version of himself in ‘All-New X-Men’ #40, and then with the adult Iceman in ‘Uncanny X-Men’ #600. This led to stories focused on his relationships, family, and journey as a powerful mutant. More recently, the comics have shown him both tackling dangerous missions and guiding a new generation of mutants.

Wiccan (Billy Kaplan)

Wiccan debuted in ‘Young Avengers’ #1 in 2005. He’s a very skilled magic user who draws power from chaos magic and a cosmic force known as the Demiurge. He focuses his magic through what he says, and has been a member of teams like the Young Avengers, New Avengers, and groups that deal with cosmic threats.

Wiccan’s connection with Hulkling grew throughout the ‘Young Avengers’ series and eventually led to their marriage during the ‘Empyre’ storyline. His adventures have shown him maturing from a teenage hero into a powerful and experienced mage, taking on important positions like court sorcerer for the combined Kree and Skrull empire and fighting in battles that threatened the very fabric of reality.

Hulkling (Teddy Altman)

Hulkling first appeared in ‘Young Avengers’ #1 in 2005. He’s the son of Mar-Vell and Princess Anelle, and is a hybrid of the Kree and Skrull races. He has several powers, including the ability to shapeshift, incredible strength, and increased resistance to injury. In battles, he frequently uses his shapeshifting abilities to gain a strategic advantage.

He married Wiccan amidst the ‘Empyre’ conflict and became the leader of the newly united Kree and Skrull empires. Recent comics show him juggling the responsibilities of ruling with his continued work as a superhero, aided by his royal guard and partnerships with Earth’s heroes.

Batwoman (Kate Kane)

Kate Kane, known as Batwoman, returned to mainstream DC Comics in 2006 with issue #7 of ’52’. Operating in Gotham City, she’s a vigilante who relies on skills like detective work, military training, and technology, rather than superpowers. Her history includes being discharged from military school due to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, an experience that strongly motivates her and fuels her self-reliance.

Batwoman’s adventures typically focus on her role as a crime fighter in Gotham City, her complex relationship with the Kane family, and her connections with people like Maggie Sawyer and other helpful allies. Her individual comic book series often highlight her missions around the world, dealing with city-wide threats, and showcasing her skills as a strategic member of the Batman family.

Midnighter

Midnighter first appeared in the late 1990s as part of the WildStorm comics universe. He’s an expert in hand-to-hand combat, using a special ability that essentially lets him predict and counter his opponents’ attacks. He previously worked with the teams Stormwatch and The Authority, often dealing with dangerous missions and superhuman threats.

Midnighter is openly gay, and this has remained consistent in all his appearances, even with different publishers and story reboots. He famously married Apollo, and has been the focus of several solo comic series that delve into both his violent crime-fighting style and his personal life. Since the WildStorm universe was incorporated into the main DC continuity, he’s also teamed up with many of DC’s most popular heroes.

Apollo

Apollo, originally a character from WildStorm Comics now part of DC, gets his powers from the sun. This gives him the ability to fly, shoot energy beams, and withstand incredible damage. He frequently teams up with Midnighter, and together they make a powerful combination – Apollo provides long-range energy attacks while Midnighter excels in close combat, allowing them to tackle major dangers.

Apollo has always been openly gay, and he’s married to Midnighter. Their relationship has been a consistent part of their story, appearing in both The Authority and across the broader DC Universe. More recent storylines have shown Apollo taking on leadership positions, becoming a beacon of hope for his teammates, and pushing the boundaries of his incredible solar-powered abilities.

America Chavez

America Chavez first appeared in ‘Vengeance’ #1 in 2011. She’s an incredibly powerful and almost invulnerable hero with the unique ability to create star-shaped portals that let her travel between different dimensions. She’s teamed up with groups like the Young Avengers, the Ultimates, and the West Coast Avengers throughout her career.

She’s a proud Latina lesbian and a powerful hero. Her stories delve into her background, revealing she comes from a perfect parallel world and was raised by two mothers there. Both her solo adventures and team-ups have showcased her strong leadership, her dedication to her community, and the significant effect her unique, multiverse-spanning powers have on the world.

Karolina Dean

Karolina Dean was one of the original members of the Runaways, first appearing in ‘Runaways’ #1 in 2003. She’s an alien from the planet Majesdan, with the power to absorb sunlight and release it as energy, often glowing with rainbow colors when using her abilities.

Karolina is openly gay, and her romantic relationships, particularly with Nico Minoru, have been a significant part of her story. The comics have explored her challenges with accepting her alien background, maintaining a public identity, and balancing her loyalty to friends with the difficulties arising from their parents’ pasts.

Alan Scott (Green Lantern)

Alan Scott debuted in ‘All-American Comics’ #16 in 1940 as the very first Green Lantern. His power ring worked using magic, which is different from the later idea of Green Lanterns as space police. He also helped create the Justice Society of America and has been an important part of DC Comics’ history since its Golden Age.

Alan Scott, a classic superhero, was established as gay in modern comic book storylines. This began with a revised version of his origin on Earth-2 and has continued in the main timeline through various stories and special issues. Recent comics have explored his past, his relationships, and how keeping his sexuality a secret affected his long career as a hero, while also highlighting his ongoing role as a guide for the younger members of the JSA.

The Ray (Ray Terrill)

Ray Terrill first became The Ray in 1992. He has the power to transform his body into light, allowing him to fly, become intangible, project energy, and create solid objects made of light. He often uses these abilities while working alone or alongside the Freedom Fighters.

As a critic, I’ve been following the evolution of this character, and it’s been great to see him fully realized as a gay man in recent comics, especially in ‘The Ray: Rebirth.’ What really stands out is how the writers haven’t shied away from exploring all facets of his life – not just his superheroics. We’ve seen him navigate the public eye, deal with the media, and even delve into the science behind his powers. But it’s not *all* action and exposition; they’ve also beautifully woven in his personal relationships, making him a truly well-rounded and relatable character. And, of course, he’s become a valuable member of the Justice League, putting those powers to work on a global scale.

Bunker (Miguel Barragan)

Bunker debuted in ‘Teen Titans’ #1 in 2011. He’s a teenage hero of Mexican descent with the power to create telekinetic constructs – essentially psychic ‘bricks’ – that he uses to attack, defend, and move around. These constructs appear as purple, glowing structures and can be formed into shields, platforms, or even restraints.

From the start of his career, Bunker has been openly gay, and his stories have always highlighted his strong family, community involvement, and healthy relationships. As a key member of the Titans, he’s been involved in large-scale team-ups and consistently mentors new members.

Anole (Victor Borkowski)

Anole debuted in ‘New Mutants’ #2 (2003) and is a mutant with abilities based on reptiles. He can climb walls, camouflage himself, and regenerate limbs – with the new growth being even stronger than before. At the Xavier Institute, he often takes on a leadership role within student groups.

He is openly gay, and his writing often explores themes of guidance, friendships, and the emotional aftermath of difficult experiences. He’s written about the everyday lives of characters on campus, as well as their involvement in action-packed situations when the X-Men face challenges.

Rictor (Julio Richter)

Rictor first appeared in ‘X-Factor’ #17 in 1987. He has the power to control vibrations in the ground, allowing him to create shockwaves, tremors, and even manipulate the earth itself. Over time, he’s been part of several teams, including X-Factor and X-Force, and more recently, he’s joined magical groups after learning druidic magic.

Rictor publicly came out as gay in the comic ‘X-Factor’ #45 (2009). Since then, the comics have explored his ongoing relationship with Shatterstar and his growth as a hero, moving from smaller missions to more specialized work. His abilities have also been involved in larger storylines about creating nations, responding to disasters, and the complex issues surrounding mutant independence.

Phyla-Vell

Phyla-Vell debuted in Marvel comics in the early 2000s as a powerful Kree character with ties to Captain Marvel. She’s known by the names Quasar and Martyr, and uses special bands called the Quantum Bands. These bands give her the ability to create energy constructs, fly, and have a heightened sense of the universe around her.

She is a lesbian who has been with Moondragon for a long time. Their relationship is a constant presence in her adventures throughout the cosmos and with various teams connected to the Guardians of the Galaxy. She’s been involved in important stories focused on fighting Annihilus’s army, leading teams in space, and protecting the culture of the Kree people.

Share your favorite picks and any heroes we should spotlight next in the comments!

2025-09-16 16:02