In honor of LGBTQ history month, here are four comics by queer creators.
Tillie Walden – On a Sunbeam
Walden’s world building is a stand out. I want to explore the farthest corners of On a Sunbeam’s universe. While the setting pulls me in, the characters keep me up at night for the best reasons. I adore how they are all queer and no one questions it. It’s refreshing and heartwarming to see a story where queers don’t have to be discriminated against for who they love. That being said, Walden still addresses how non-binary people can have their identities invalidated in a queer space. She addresses these issues without stripping Elliot, the non-binary protagonist, of a loving found family. Through it all, On a Sunbeam’s main characters are always there for one another and lead with love. By the end of the comic you want to welcome them into your family as well.
Gengoroh Tagame – My Brother’s Husband
My Brother’s Husband explores how homosexuality is viewed in Japan. Mike, the husband, is a westerner and acts as a stand in for western readers. This manga allows Japanese and American readers to see how perceptions of homosexuality differs between cultures and age groups. Kana, Mike’s niece, does not questions her uncle’s sexuality. Meanwhile, Yatchi, Mike’s brother-in-law, combats the internalized homophobia he has for his dead brother. Tagame illustrates how people are not born bigoted. He also reminds readers that hate harms society at large. This innocent slice of life manga marks Tagame’s first time writing for all ages, earning him an Eisner Award. This is a much needed manga that proves love and acceptance are the key to a healthy family and self.
Marguerite Bennett – DC Bombshells
Bombshells is the perfect comic to dive into the DC universe if you are not familiar with the decades of canon. Along with exploring many of DC’s female characters, Bennet proudly puts a wide range of queer heroes in the spot light with the help of artists Marguerite Sauvage, Mirka Andolfo, Laura Braga, and Elizabeth Torque. All of these women are active and empathetic characters with complex stories. Furthermore, this comic handles societal issues like fascism and racism, as well as interpersonal issues like abuse, love, and loss. Bennet also expands on the characters’ cultural, gender, and queer identities in a comic that balances political issues with the supernatural conflicts often present in DC.
Tee Franklin – Bingo Love
It’s common for romance stories to depict young love; however, Bingo Love, art by Joy San and Jenn St-Onge, shows that it’s never too late for romance. Also the comic is inclusive of identities beyond straight and gay. This is best exemplified when Hazel, the protagonist, comes out. “I’m bisexual,” she says, “I love women. I love men, too. I love humans. I’m pansexual. I’m queer. I’m still me.” In short, Franklin writes a romance about the love between elderly black women and their acceptance of sexualities. We’re lucky to have a few signed copies still in store. I recommend picking one up, if you want some warm and fuzzy feelings.
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