Best LGBTQ+ Marvel Characters

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.

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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.

Updated June 10th, 2024 by Blaise Santi: Although it was a tough battle getting them approved at times, there have been plenty of LGBTQ+ characters in both Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From franchise mascots to supporting team players, there are lots of different varieties of queer superheroes (and villains) that have been confirmed by comic book writers. While it took a long time for some characters to be confirmed as members of the LGBTQ+ community, others were only recently introduced to the comics in order to showcase all the colors of the rainbow flag. In honor of Pride Month, learn more about some of Marvel's best LGBTQ+ characters below, including some new entries added in its latest update.

15 Escapade

A Huge Leap Forward In Marvel's Queer Roster

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.

14 Jennifer Kale

A Witch With Many Secrets

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.

13 Deadpool

The Merc With A Mouth And An Open Mind

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.

12 Mystique

Marvel Finally Confirmed This Transformative Storyline

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.

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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.

11 Valkyrie

An Asgardian King Needs Her Queen

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.

10 Loki

Who Wouldn't Fall For Tom Hiddleston?

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.

9 Shadowcat

Giving A New Meaning To Her Last Name

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.

8 Ayo

Wakanda Has A Deadly Queer Icon In Its Army

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.

7 Hulkling And Wiccan

The Fan-Favorite Romance Of The Young Avengers

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.

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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.

6 Speed

Wanda's Twin Sons Have A Lot In Common

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.