Is Superman Bisexual? The History of Heroes and the LGBTQIA+ Community

Superman is an American institution, beginning his life in comics as early as the 1930s, though he has taken various forms since then.

A new iteration of him in the series Superman: Son of Kal-El will not only see the hero fight crime, but also pursue a relationship with his male friend, Jay Nakamura.

This was announced by DC Comics on National Coming Out Day on October 11.

Superman is not the first hero to come from the LGBTQIA+ community and will likely not be the last, but this has been considered as a bold move given the hero's profile in the comic world.

Writer of the comics, Tom Taylor, said in a press release: "I've always said everyone needs heroes and everyone deserves to see themselves in their heroes and I'm very grateful DC and Warner Bros. share this idea.

"Superman's symbol has always stood for hope, for truth and for justice. Today, that symbol represents something more. Today, more people can see themselves in the most powerful superhero in comics."

Is Superman Bisexual?

According to the press release from DC Comics, the new Superman is bisexual.

His character, Jonathan "Jon" Kent, is the son of original Superman Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

This Superman has been far more modern in his approach to fighting crime, as he has helped put out wildfires, protested in support of refugees in Metropolis, and stopped a high school shooting from taking place.

It seems Jon Kent is a Superman for the modern age, who met Jay Nakamura, a journalist, in an earlier comic.

In a short conversation between them, Jay acknowledged Jon's frustration at walking in his father's shadow, but was more amazed to meet Jon's mother, Lois.

Speaking to the New York Times, Taylor said: "Jay could be the only person in Jon's life that he does not have to protect. I wanted to have a really equal, supportive relationship for those two."

But, as history tells us, Superman is by no means the first LGBTQIA+ superhero on the block.

LGBTQIA+ Representation in Marvel and DC comics

Northstar

One of the first gay superheroes, Northstar debuted in X-Men comics in 1979. In 2012, his marriage to Kyle Jinadu was the first depiction of a same-sex wedding in mainstream comic book history.

Captain America

To mark his 80th anniversary, a new comic series featuring Captain America is to be released: The United States of Captain America. In it, different people feature and become new Caps to protect their communities—one of whom is gay teenager Aaron Fischer.

Tim Drake, aka, Robin

Tim Drake is the third Robin, partner to Batman, debuting in 1989. He is one of the first bisexual heroes, and has become one of the most prominent in his years as a DC Comics hero.

Valkyrie

Valkyrie has been bisexual in the comics, in so became the first openly queer character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Thor: Ragnarok, she became the queen of New Asgard, but in flashback the death of her female lover was depicted, confirming her sexuality.

Loki

Loki has been confirmed as gender fluid in the MCU, which was already canon in the comics. Director of the Loki series Kate Herron said to Insider: "He's gender fluid in the Norse mythology and the comics and it felt like an important thing to, as you say, make sure it's canon."

Captain Marvel

While her sexuality in the MCU has not been confirmed, one comic book iteration of Captain Marvel is a lesbian. Her name was Phyla-Vell, and her relationship with fellow her Moondragon was hugely influential in her story.

Phastos

Brian Tyree Henry will play the first gay character in the MCU in Eternals, Phastos. His husband, an architect, will be played by Haaz Sleiman in the film.