Feminist
Pro-Queer
Anti-Racist
Gaming

People are talking the internet over about Thom Creed, the new superhero coming to town. Stan Lee, of Marvel fame, is apparently creating what is being called the "world's first gay superhero." Of course, there is the orientation of Bat Girl - but this stands out because Thom Creed will take to the screen as the main character in a British T.V. series.

Super!
...probably.

And for the big surprise? Lee's efforts are being met with a lot of contempt. Bizarre! You'll have to forgive my sarcasm. Blatant bigotry against the LGBTQ community is so prevalent that it somehow still blows my mind. It's the openness of it, really.

"MCCAIN at RightPundits for example, explains what Thom's superpowers will be:
"Rumor is that Thom Creed can bend his wrist which will tastefully redecorate the interior of a building, causing momentary confusion among the bad guys while he binds them in chains and leather. Creed’s cape is by Versace, while he forgoes the usual hood for an impenetrable layer of gel. Like superman’s phone booth, Thom’s superpowers are at full strength after emerging from a closet."
Wow. Thanks for that enlightening speculation. MCCAIN follows up with, "Just kidding. You know." Oh, okay. Well, at least the humor is original and smart.

According to the Daily Mash, "Thom Creed will be a New York interior designer with incredible superpowers including an ability to pick out the perfect cushion and transform even the dullest of parties with his infectious personality." Providing this picture: he won't, they say, look as "gay as Batman."
I guess originality is forfeit when employing stereotypes of the other for humor. I'll have to take note of that.

In a more serious tone, Janet Shan of The Hinterland Gazette claims that, "The issue I have with this is why do we need to define the sexuality of our superheroes? I don't think children are wondering why we don't have a gay superhero or a Mormon superhero, for that matter. Is Warner Brothers next to unveil a gay character? Who cares if Bugs Bunny is gay because he wears dresses in some cartoons? It is sad that we have moved into an age where being politically correct means more than just letting kids be kids."

I get it. But being "politically correct" should mean being inclusive. Growing up LGBTQ in a completely heteronormative society means growing up feeling alone, isolated, and freakish or abnormal. Why is it important to identify characters sexuality? Because sexuality is constantly being defined. Namely, heterosexuality is constantly identified - families on TV and movies, superheros, video game characters, books - the whole gambit - includes heteros. It isn't as though children are allowed to learn that gay is ok in school. The education system frowns on this, parents rebel against it, and teachers are uncomfortable with it. Keeping children ignorant means teaching them hate and bigotry. They are left instead with the stereotypical and demeaning images of LGBTQ and deprived of any positive images - such as superheros. Sexuality has been thoroughly defined: Heterosexual is normal. Anything outside of that is so freakish that it shouldn't even be talked about. I just never understand what isn't obvious about that.