The epic Doctor Strange 2 trailer introduces the MCU’s latest queer hero
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is adding another LGBTQ+ superhero to its ever-expanding roster. In the brand new trailer for Doctor Strange 2, subtitled Multiverse of Madness, the title character (Benedict Cumberbatch) is aided by America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) – a teenager with superhuman strength, longevity, durability, flight, star blasts and, most importantly, the ability to travel between dimensions.
In the comics, America notably made history as Marvel’s first Latin-American LGBTQ+ character. The MCU made strides with LGBTQ+ representation last year when Loki (Tom Hiddleston) came out as bisexual in his solo series, and Eternals introduced the franchise’s first ever openly gay superhero in Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry).
In the latter, Phastos was also depicted as happily married to a human (Haaz Sleiman). The blockbuster, which also stars Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan, Kit Harrington, Kumail Nanjiani, Barry Keoghan, Lauren Ridloff, and Ma Dong-seok, was banned in several Arab countries due to the inclusion of Phastos and his husband Jack, as well as a same-sex kiss between them both.
Thankfully, Disney stood their ground and refused to remove any LGBTQ+ scenes. While it remains to be seen whether America will be out-and-proud in Doctor Strange 2, the aforementioned storylines prove that Marvel are making good on their previous commitment to diversify their heroes.
