D.C. is once again pushing the boundaries in comic books with the introduction of the first transgender character in comics.
This week’s issue of Batwoman finds Alysia Yeoh revealing that she is a transwoman. Written by Gail Simone in issue #19, Yeoh reveals the information to her roommate Barbara Gordon in a conversation. It’s also revealed that the character is bisexual.
Simone says she drew inspiration for the conversation and storyline from a conversation with fellow comic artist Greg Ruka. Ruka was asked at a WonderCon a couple of years ago why fewer gay male superheroes than lesbian ones. Rucka, who co-created (and rebooted) Batwoman as a lesbian character, replied that it would be a real sign of change for a gay male character to appear on a comic book cover — and an even bigger step for a transgender character to do the same.
I looked out into the audience, saw dozens of faces I knew well — LGBTQ folks, mostly — all avid comics readers and superhero fans and DC supporters,” said Simone. “And it just hit me: Why was this so impossible? Why in the world can we not do a better job of representation of not just humanity, but also our own loyal audience?”
Simone suggested the story to DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio at lunch one day, prepared to offer a passionate defense for the idea of a transgender character. ”I thought I might have to sell it, so to speak,” said Simone. “But he just paused for a moment, asked how this would affect Barbara’s story, and immediately approved it. And we went back to our excellent nachos.”
Do you agree with DC’s move?
But Barbara Gordon is Batgirl not Batwoman. Is it a crossover? I guess I’ll find out since I read Batgirl.. Also, I don’t see any reason why Batgirl’s roommate shouldn’t be transgender just part of life in Gotham. If you are lucky enough to find a good roommate, stick with ’em.
It IS in Batgirl, not Batwoman. They are two different books. Easy mistake, I’m not really up on Batwoman but she’s a different character than Batgirl.