The MCU's X-Men Can Fix Marvels Representation Problem
The MCU has always had issues regarding LGBTQ+ representation, but the arrival of the X-Men can fix that. The franchise's critical influence over pop culture has encouraged Marvel Studios to prioritize inclusivity in the MCU. However, despite this newfound effort to make audiences feel represented, there is still an alarming lack of LGBTQ+ narratives, and with the few LGBTQ+ characters who have appeared in the MCU, their sexualities are always on the sidelines.
Avengers: Endgame featured the first explicitly LGBTQ+ character in the MCU, but they had few lines and were unnamed. Later, The Eternals introduced Phastos, the first openly gay superhero to be shown as such in the franchise. Additionally, audiences can expect to see Valkyrie search for a queen in Thor: Love and Thunder, after a scene confirming her character to be bisexual was cut from Thor: Ragnarok.
Related: DC Vs. Marvel Who Is Better At LGBTQ+ Representation In Movies?
With the planned introduction of the X-Men into the MCU, Marvel has an even greater opportunity to fix its problem with LGBTQ+ representation. The struggles of the X-Men have long been regarded as a parallel to the civil rights movement. As mutants, they are treated unfavorably by society compared to other superheroes. However, their storylines have gone on to cover a wide variety of societal issues in the comics outside of racism, ranging from ableism to homophobia. Unlike other Marvel heroes, the X-Men have centered their existence on fighting bigotry, highlighting major societal inequalities. One significant character within X-Men's stories of resilience is Iceman, who is famously gay in the comics. Therefore, Iceman's introduction into the MCU could see Marvel address their first-ever
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