The DC Extended Universe is about to get even more queer
Batgirl. Even better: she’ll play the first openly transgender character in the DCEU.Deadline reports that Aquino, who is openly-trans herself, will step into the role of bartender Alysia Yeoh, a close friend of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, played by Leslie Grace.
She joins a cast roster that also includes JK Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, Michael Keaton as Batman, and Brendan Fraser as the villainous Firefly.Related: Angelina Jolie lambasts audiences that can’t handle queer superheroesDetails on the plot itself remain secret, though the film is rumored to feature Batman in a mentor role and will have a continuity connection to the two Batman films directed by Tim Burton.
Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah will direct from a script written by Christina Hodson.Aquino gained previous attention for her roles in When We Rise, When They See Us, and Tales of the City.
She is just the latest addition to an ever-growing list of major queer superhero characters in film and television. Here are five of our favorites…Street smart lesbian Ryan Wilder took on the mantle of Gotham’s queer crimefighter following the disappearance of original Batwoman, Kate Kane.
