The first openly LGBTQ+ hero in Marvel Comics is Northstar, a mutant with the power of super speed, who came out as gay in 1992 in Alpha Flight #106.
This was a groundbreaking moment in comic book history, as it marked the first time a major superhero publisher had featured a gay character. Northstar's coming out was handled with sensitivity and respect, and it helped to pave the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in comics.
Here are some other important milestones in LGBTQ+ representation in Marvel Comics:
- 1992: Northstar comes out as gay.
- 1995: Mystique, a shapeshifting mutant, is revealed to be bisexual.
- 2012: Wiccan, a young witch, comes out as gay.
- 2015: The first same-sex marriage in Marvel Comics takes place between Northstar and his partner, Kyle Jinadu.
- 2016: The first openly transgender character in Marvel Comics, Kelsey Leigh, is introduced.
These milestones demonstrate Marvel's growing commitment to diversity and inclusion, and they have helped to make the Marvel Universe a more welcoming and representative place for all readers.