Wonder Woman Is 'Queer,' Writer Declares

There exist fewer nooks within popular culture where one can escape reference to homosexuality. Gay characters can now be found in Star Wars, Star Trek, and even in superhero comic books. From Time:

Wonder Woman’s sexuality has long been debated among fans. Diana Prince is an Amazon born on a female-only paradise island of Themyscira. Though she has a romantic relationship with Steve Trevor—a man who accidentally washes ashore on said island—some storylines over her 75 year history have implied she’s also had relationships with women. Now, the latest writer to take on the story confirms she has, indeed, had romantic feelings for women.

The writer’s direct quote:

When you start to think about giving the concept of Themyscira its due, the answer is, ‘How can they not all be in same-sex relationships?’ Right? It makes no logical sense otherwise. It’s supposed to be paradise. You’re supposed to be able to live happily. You’re supposed to be able … to have a fulfilling, romantic and sexual relationship. And the only options are women…

Now, are we saying Diana has been in love and had relationships with other women? As Nicola and I approach it, the answer is obviously yes. And it needs to be yes for a number of reasons. But perhaps foremost among them is, if no, then she leaves paradise only because of a potential romantic relationship with Steve. And that diminishes her character. It would hurt the character and take away her heroism … She doesn’t leave because of Steve. She leaves because she wants to see the world and somebody must go and do this thing.

At least there’s a narrative justification, though that’s clearly just an excuse to pursue a social agenda.

It’s unfortunate that, as young women finally get a female superhero leading her own film next summer, they’ll see an essential aspect of the character’s femininity undermined. Wonder Woman has been lauded as a breath of fresh feminist air in a medium dominated by men. But that proves less impactful if she, like her male cohort, spends her free time chasing skirts. Regardless of the intent, making Wonder Woman gay will alienate her from the overwhelming majority of female fans who are straight, while further objectifying her to a male audience. Mission accomplished?