At any given moment, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse is a whirlwind of excitement and intrigue. With its multiverse exploration, numerous Spider-Man variants, and the introduction of Mumbattan and Spider-Man 2099’s futuristic police force, there’s no shortage of details packed into each stunning frame.

However, amidst the multitude of elements, there’s one aspect that has caught the attention of a particular group of fans: Gwen Stacy’s unwavering support for transgender people. This representation is a breath of fresh air, especially considering the lack of LGBTQ+ superheroes in mainstream blockbuster movies. Gwen’s possible transness, or at the very least her allyship, holds significant meaning. In a world where queer superheroes are often addressed indirectly or as an afterthought, having Gwen portrayed as an ally or potentially trans is a monumental step forward, particularly given the current hostile climate towards trans individuals in the US.

Though I reached out to Sony to hear their thoughts on Gwen Stacy’s resonance with fans, I have yet to receive a response. Nevertheless, the impact that this character has had on fans cannot be denied. In their eyes, Gwen represents something special that cannot be taken away, regardless of any official confirmation.

Gwen Stacy’s Support for Trans People in Across the Spider-Verse

While the question of whether Gwen herself is trans remains complex, her support for the trans community is evident. In the movie, the artists deliberately included a “protect trans kids” flag in Gwen’s room. This flag signifies that in her world, trans children are targeted, and protecting them is a cause close to Gwen’s heart.

Moreover, fans have also noticed that Gwen’s father, Captain George Stacy, wears a transgender flag on his uniform. This detail is significant for a couple of reasons. In reality, trans individuals, particularly Black trans people, often face discrimination from law enforcement. This discrimination makes it difficult for trans individuals to seek help from the police. Captain Stacy’s support for trans rights stands out as an anomaly in comparison to the real world.

In terms of the story, Captain Stacy’s unwavering support raises questions about the state of Earth-65, the universe where Gwen resides. If the flag in Gwen’s room suggests that trans kids require protection, it implies that trans people still face persecution and discrimination in their society. Furthermore, Captain Stacy’s need to wear the flag on his uniform suggests that support for transgender individuals is not yet widespread within the police force.

The reason behind Captain Stacy’s support for trans rights is unclear. Is it a result of a father supporting his daughter, or has Gwen taught him the importance of supporting trans rights?

In both Spider-Verse movies, Gwen’s on-screen depiction never explicitly labels her as transgender or cisgender. However, the artists in Across the Spider-Verse use the colors of the transgender flag (light pink, light blue, and white) to represent Gwen. These colors appear in her ever-changing hair and throughout her room. These colors become especially prominent when Gwen is in her own world, where they reflect her emotions. The deliberate use of these colors, along with the inclusion of the “protect trans kids” flag, showcases the artists’ awareness of the symbolism associated with them.

In superhero stories, particularly the X-Men, characters often serve as stand-ins for outsiders, including queer individuals. Recognizing the trans and queer subtext within Gwen’s story is similar to picking up LGBTQ+ or civil rights themes in previous superhero narratives. Across the Spider-Verse leans heavily into an allegory anchored in queer subtext.

Across the Spider-Verse: An Allegory for Coming Out

Spider-Man, whether it’s Peter Parker, Miles Morales, or any other iteration, is unique compared to other Marvel superheroes. Spider-Man is compelled to keep his identity a secret. Unlike the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Captain America, who enjoy celebrity status, Spider-Man must hide in the shadows. Additionally, those heroes are adults, while Spider-Man explores the challenges of being a teenager.

When Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created the character of Peter Parker, they aimed to capture the fears and joys of adolescence. Parker’s journey differed from that of his adult counterparts in the Avengers or the X-Men. He struggled to fit in at high school, experienced first love, tried to excel academically, made friends, and endeavored to be a good nephew to Aunt May, all while navigating the pressures of being a superhero.

Spider-Man became a cultural phenomenon because his existence resonated with teens and anyone who could relate to the challenges and emotions of growing up. Canonical Spider-Man iterations have portrayed the character as straight, but his narrative identity encompasses many components of a coming-out story.

When Lee, Ditko, Jack Kirby, and the Marvel comics creators crafted their stories over 60 years ago, they likely didn’t have LGBTQ+ individuals in mind. However, they relied on allegory to express their own experiences as outsiders. This is why their superhero stories resonate with LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and countless others who have felt like they didn’t fit in.

The Spider-Verse franchise embraces and enhances this subtext, especially in its sequel.

Early in the movie, Miles’s guidance counselor informs his mother, Rio, that he is keeping a secret. As a caring mother, Rio already knows about her son’s secret and decides not to push him on it. When she discovers Miles with Gwen, she takes a moment to talk to him privately. In this heartfelt conversation, she expresses how she sees her son, acknowledges his secret, and reveals that her biggest concern is whether the world will accept him as she does.

Rio’s concerns about her son mirror the fears many parents have for their LGBTQ+ children. They worry that although their family accepts and loves them unconditionally, the world may not feel the same way.

In Across the Spider-Verse, the central idea is that anyone can be a version of Spider-Man. This concept further strengthens the LGBTQ+ allegory. The multiverse operates in a way that allows for an infinite number of Spider-People across various parallel timelines. Being a Spider-Person transcends gender, age, race, and even humanity itself. Even if the main characters in Across the Spider-Verse are not LGBTQ+, the vast multiverse ensures that there are Spider-People who identify as LGBTQ+.

Yet, a significant question arises: If Across the Spider-Verse offers limitless possibilities, why not explicitly introduce a trans or LGBTQ+ Spider-Person? The story’s logic and world-building support such a development. So why is it necessary to decipher subtext instead of making it text?

The Complexities of LGBTQ+ Representation

As evidenced by numerous movie studios’ decisions, box office revenue and profitability always influence creative choices. For example, LGBTQ+ content is regularly censored in China, a market that studios desperately want to tap into for its massive box office potential. To ensure their films can be shown in China, studios often play it safe with LGBTQ+ themes, fearing that explicit representation could jeopardize their chances.

The current political climate in the US also poses challenges. Companies like Budweiser and Target have faced boycotts from right-wing groups for featuring LGBTQ+ individuals in their advertisements. These boycotts operate under the false assumption that supporting LGBTQ+ rights is equivalent to endorsing child abuse. Consequently, including a trans character in an animated film for children could ignite large-scale boycotts.

In response, studios have attempted to incorporate small elements of LGBTQ+ diversity as marketing strategies. They highlight milestones like “the first openly gay animated character” or the “first gay superhero” to appeal to liberal and LGBTQ+ audiences while still maintaining a level of ambiguity that appeases conservative and international markets.

However, it’s important to remember that corporations prioritize their own financial interests above all else. A movie’s box office success alone won’t create meaningful change for marginalized communities. If only transforming reality were as simple as giving corporations money.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Sony hasn’t tried to use Gwen as a marketing tool or a mere publicity stunt. The organic fan movement surrounding Gwen’s representation showcases the impact that this character has had on audiences. It has brought joy to many individuals, and that alone is worth celebrating.

In conclusion, Across the Spider-Verse has sparked important discussions about LGBTQ+ representation and the allegorical power of superheroes. While the constraints of international markets and profitability may limit explicit LGBTQ+ representation, the symbolic subtext and organic fan movements demonstrate the significance of seeing oneself represented in beloved characters like Gwen Stacy.

So, if having Spider-Woman in your corner makes this universe a little more welcoming for some, then that’s something truly special.

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