Barbara Gordon and Alysia Yeoh are roommates with some serious issues. Babs is a costumed crimefighter. Yeoh made a big confession in this week’s Batgirl #19 that breaks new ground in mainstream comic books!
Before I continue let me give you a…
SPOILER WARNING!
IF YOU HAVE NOT READ BATGIRL #19 YOU MAY WANT TO STOP READING NOW
OK
HERE IT COMES
Alysia was caught in the crossfire when the Joker’s goons and the insane plans of Barbara’s own homicidal brother. After Barbara confessed her connection to the classic Batman villain Alysia shared a secret of her own – she’s transgender.
Alysia Yeoh is the first transgender character in a mainstream comic book. Acclaimed writer Gail Simone was inspired to create the groundbreaking character at a comicon talking with Greg Rucka, who rebooted the modern-day Batwoman as a lesbian crimefighter.
“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,” Simone told Wired, “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?”
Secret Six by Simone (also published by DC Comics) co-starred a lesbian couple (Scandal and Knockout) and the acclaimed writer will introduce diverse new characters in her upcoming series, The Movement.
Batgirl #19 featured a comic book milestone with Alysia’s revelation but it was an action packed issue that marks a big change for the hero. Barbara, her estranged mother, insane brother and her father (Commissioner Jim Gordon) collided in a violent showdown that turned Batgirl into Gotham City’s most wanted woman!
A brand new version of the Ventriloquist targets Batgirl in the next issue!
Gail Simone is a frequent guest at Seattle’s Emerald City Comicon and Geek Girl Con.
By Editor