Bia, a Black trans woman, appears in the first issue of Nubia’s (pictured) comic series. (Image from DCComics.com)
The world of DC Comics became more LGBTQ inclusive this weekend as the venerable comic book franchise of “Wonder Woman” expanded with the introduction of the character of Bia, a Black trans woman, in the first issue of the series “Nubia & The Amazons.”
Earlier this month on National Coming Out Day, the canon of the Superman series changed for the life of Jon Kent, the Superman of Earth and son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, taking a bold new direction. After initially striking up a friendship with reporter Jay Nakamura, he and Jon become romantically involved, making Kent an out bisexual character.
In this latest offering, Stephanie Williams and Vita Ayala, writers and creators confirmed that Bia is a Black transgender woman. They stressed that she “isn’t a box to tick … [she] is important to her community. Just as Black trans women are important to us in real life.”
We didn’t want to make An Announcement because we wanted to introduce the character in an organic way, but it is not a secret! We are glad people picked up on it, but if y’all hadn’t we would have made sure to say it so it wasn’t hand-twaveable subtext! https://t.co/XsHp5wGBLv
— ✊🏾🇵🇷Vita ‘Emancipated Blacula’ Ayala🏳️🌈🎃 (@definitelyvita) October 21, 2021
Of special significance to the introduction of the character in the DC Comic worlds was the endorsement of actress Lynda Carter who played the title role of Wonder Woman on television based on the comic book superheroine, which aired on ABC and later on CBS from 1975 to 1979. Earlier in the week Carter tweeted her support of trans women.
Trans women are Wonder Women. End of story.
— Lynda Carter 🎃 (@RealLyndaCarter) October 19, 2021
Writing for the DC Comics website blog, co-creator Stephanie Williams said “It’s been a dream to work with the likes of Vita Ayala, a non-binary Afro-Latinx comic writer who has been making quite a name for themselves. And then there is the illustrious and widely talented and dedicated Afro-Latina artist Alitha Martinez who is already in the comic hall of fame for all-time greats. Her passion for Nubia is unmatched. It shows in every cover and panel from Nubia’s Future State story written by L.L. McKinney, her Infinite Frontier #0 story written by Becky Cloonan and Michael Conrad, and now the Nubia and the Amazons miniseries written by myself and Vita Ayala.
“I’m so excited about the history we’re creating, adding to, and remixing. The foundation has always been there, but needed some TLC. As Nubia embarks on this new journey as Queen of Themyscira, I hope her rebirth will be met with open arms and the desire to keep her always at the forefront. Nubia, now being queen, is poetic in so many ways, but one that stays on my mind is the very personal connection I feel. As I help to add to her legacy, she’s opened the door wider to my own,” Williams continued. “Long may Queen Nubia reign, forever and always.”
“Nubia and the Amazons” #1 by Stephanie Williams, Vita Ayala and Alitha Martinez is now available in print and as a digital comic book. Along with co-writing Nubia and the Amazons, Stephanie Williams writes about comics, TV and movies for DCComics.com. Check out more of her work on Den of Geek, What To Watch, Nerdist and SYFY Wire and be sure to follow her on both Twitter and Instagram at @steph_I_will.
