Every year on March 31st, we in the LGBTQ+ and trans communities celebrate what’s known as “Transgender Day of Visibility”. Created in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandell-Crocker, it’s a day celebrating the contributions of trans-people into the wider landscape, whether it be pop culture or world history. It also serves as a day to bring recognition to trans characters and people in general, challenging the status quo and bringing empowerment to us. As a transwoman myself, I would like to take the opportunity to shine a light on some of the trans-representation in media and the people who created these characters.
Coagula & Rachel Pollack
Created by Rachel Pollack in 1993, Kate Godwin, otherwise known as Coagula, was the first ever transgender superhero not just in comics, but ever. Introduced in the pages of DC’s “Doom Patrol”, she was created by Pollack, a transwoman herself, in response to the poorly written trans-characters of the past. Not only was she trans, but she was a lesbian and a former prostitute, making her an all-around “risqué” character even by ’90’s standards, yet bringing light to hardships and realities that trans people face, even today. Her power was a rather unique one, having the ability to dissolve things with one hand and coagulate them with the other.
As for Rachel Pollack herself, she’s an absolute legend in her own right. Born on August 17, 1945 to a Jewish family, she was an avid reader of Grant Morrison’s “Doom Patrol”, writing letters to the editor. Her final letter was one stating that she told her mother she got the job writing for “Doom Patrol” after Morrison. It was here that editor Tom Peyer took notice, officially giving her the job upon meeting her at a party. In her run, she would tackle such issues as menstruation and identity, topics that were barely covered in the comic medium and therefore cementing her as an icon in the industry. Passing away from cancer in 2023 at the age of 77, an age trans people rarely get to see, DC commemorated her via a one-shot the following year, released as apart of their PRIDE celebrations.
Viktor Hargreeves & Elliot Page
The character of Viktor Hargreeves from “The Umbrella Academy” is a bit of a special case. For those who don’t know, “The Umbrella Academy” is a franchise created by Gerard Way (yes, THAT Gerard Way)! HOWEVER, in the comics, Viktor isn’t trans and continues with being called what is now his deadname in the Netflix series. What makes Viktor a really cool special case is his actor, Elliot Page. Originally cast on the show pre-transition, Elliot worked with Gerard and the show’s producers to reflect his real life journey on screen, turning the White Violin into a trans-man.
Viktor’s transition started in season two, where his character was used to explore themes of identity, queerness and belonging. It wasn’t until season three where we saw the full evolution of his character, coming out to his siblings with a new name and style. In real life, Elliot Page stands as a trans icon and advocate. Within the last few years, he’s written an autobiography called “Pageboy”, founded Pageboy Productions and raised awareness for countless charities and causes.
Bon Clay & Cole Escola
While there are several characters from the iconic “One Piece” series that I could talk about, such Kiku and Yamato, I’m going to talk about another legend: Bon Clay. First introduced as an antagonist to the Straw Hats in the Arabasta Arc, they would eventually grow into being a major ally to the crew as time went on. They are depicted as being very flamboyant while declaring at one point that they are both man and woman. On the whole, “One Piece” is a franchise created by Eiichiro Oda and depicts characters of all cultures, gender representations, colors and disabilities making it one of the few franchises that wears it’s inclusiveness on it’s sleeve.
To keep in line with the character’s identity, Netflix and Oda cast non-binary actor Cole Escola in the role for season three of the live action adaptation. For those who don’t know, Escola made history by being the first non-binary actor to ever win a Tony Award. However, this wasn’t just any win; it was a win for starring in the play they themselves wrote, “Oh, Mary!” where they played Mary Todd Lincoln. In my mind, Cole Escola is the only person appropriate enough to portray Bon Clay and I’m stoked!
A Literal Call to Action
No matter how things may look right now, please remember that our community is out there making positive real world change and that you are not alone. Icons come in all shapes and sizes and just by merely existing, you are one. If you need help or are in crisis, don’t ever hesitate to call a hotline or crisis center, such as the Trans Lifeline Hotline.
Comments
Are there any other transgender or genderqueer characters that you feel deserve more attention? Has seeing that there’s positive representation out there made things easier for you? I’d love to discuss in the comments below!
