Marvel Comics to introduce first gay ‘Captain America’ ahead of pride month

Marvel Comics is all set to introduce a gay "Captain America" as part of their limited series titled The United States of Captain America. The new comic is set to hit stands in June, in time for LGBTQ Pride Month. The new gay hero is named Aaron Fischer and the writer, Joshua Trujillo, said the character was “inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life.” Marvel Comics made the announcement on Monday. The series will also feature the original Captain America, Steve Rogers, who meets Fischer while on a cross-country road trip to retrieve his stolen shield.

Fischer is described as one of the many “people from all walks of life who’ve taken up the mantle of Captain America to defend their communities." He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten, noted writer Joshua Trujillo in a press note. “I hope his story resonates with readers and helps inspire the next generation of heroes.” Marvel also gave a sneak peek into the character by sharing various sketches of the artist Jan Balzadua’s sketches of Aaron Fischer on social media. 

“I really enjoyed designing him, and, as a transgender person, as I am happy to be able to present an openly gay person who admires Captain America and fights against evil to help those who are almost invisible to society,” said Bazaldua. This is just one of many steps Marvel is taking to be more inclusive across its literary and cinematic universes over the past few years. One of Marvel's big steps towards inclusivity came back in 2012 when an openly gay hero, Northstar, married his longtime civilian boyfriend, Kyle Jinadu, in an issue of Astonishing X-Men. Around three years later, X-Men member Iceman was revealed to be gay in Uncanny X-Men #600.

Marvel Cinematic Universe will also introduce its first openly gay superhero, Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry in The Eternals that is scheduled for release later this year. Phastos is married and has a family of his own, said Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige on Good Morning America, reported The Huffington Post. Phastos' partner is an architect played by Haaz Sleiman, who in real life is “a gay, Muslim, Arab American man.” The Eternals will also feature Marvel's first gay kiss. “I’m married to the gay superhero Phastos, played by Atlanta’s Brian Tyree Henry, and we represent a gay family and have a child,” said Sleiman. The entire set on the movie was moved to tears when the pair kissed for the scene. "It’s a beautiful, very moving kiss. Everyone cried on set. For me, it’s very important to show how loving and beautiful a queer family can be,” added Sleiman.

Actor Tessa Thompson, who plays Valkyrie, an LGBTQ hero in the MCU, stressed the importance of representation. “The truth is these movies travel globally in such huge ways, and if you can represent people that are of color, if you can represent people with disabilities, if you can represent the LGBTQIA community inside of these films, it’s a pretty big deal,” said Thompson, according to The Huffington Post. Thompson is excited about all the queer comic characters that could find their way onto the screen. “I think it’s really important for everybody, but for young people especially, to be able to show up to those movies and see projections of themselves. So I’m really excited that we’re able to continue to push the bounds of that and that I’m able to do that with Valkyrie. Because there are so many cool queer characters in the comic books, and they should have a place on screen,” Thompson said.