We’re still waiting for LGBTQ representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — though the G and the B rep are reportedly on the way — but the comics aren’t holding back.
A relatively new, but important, character in the Immortal Hulk series has just come out as trans in a recent issue.
Dr. Charlene McGowan opened up to another character, Doc Samson, about her trans identity and how she’s worried the current big bad’s plan to alter the memories of the world will undo all the soul-searching she did earlier in life to get to where she is today.
“The realization of [being trans]…it was the start of this long process of…self-examination, I guess,” she says. “Or self-discovery. I spent a lot of time working out what was me, and what wasn’t. What was a story told about me, to me, by the world.
“And now, this…thing…it can force its own narratives onto me, even into my head…and…and I’ve had enough of that. Who I am belongs to me.”
McGowan being trans was hinted at pretty heavily a previous issue, having her explain that she had helped move black-market HRT that she synthesized herself, while holding onto a mug sporting a pink, white, and blue version of the Captain America emblem, aka the colors of the trans flag.
\u201cTurns out she is Trans. And also @MTFIII informed me that she's drinking out of a Captain America mug that has the Trans flag colors. Immortal Hulk is the best book on the stands.\u201d— #FreeBlonsky (@#FreeBlonsky) 1583793985
The confirmation of McGowan’s identity comes shortly after Marvel announced a line-up including new queer and non-binary heroes that didn’t really sit well with fans.
\u201cImmortal Hulk *makes a great trans woman character, doesn't use her to promote its comics, makes her important*\n\nMarvel "lmao we made a non-binary character with blue hair, look how cool and open-minded we are! Also they're called S N O W F L A K E"\u201d— Lirhya \u2022 The\u03b3-Hulk Artist \ud83e\udd8e\u270f\ud83c\udfaf (@Lirhya \u2022 The\u03b3-Hulk Artist \ud83e\udd8e\u270f\ud83c\udfaf) 1584530421
There’s still no word on when a trans hero might come to the MCU films, but we’ll keep hoping every step is a move in the right direction.
