Marvel Comics is home to a diverse cast of heroes from all walks of life. It only has been in recent times, however, that said diversity has expanded to include LGBTQ+ characters. Thanks to Comics Code Authority regulations banning LGBTQ+ content, Marvel has a lot of catching up to do with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. To Marvel's credit, they've managed to get better about representation after introducing characters like Hulking, Wiccan, and America Chavez. At the same time, however, there are plenty of LGBTQ+ Marvel characters who have flown under fans' radars in recent years.
From X-Men to Avengers and even the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are plenty of heroes that the fans don't know are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether the comics haven't explored those aspects or they are simply lesser-known characters, these hidden LGBTQ+ characters are worth discovering.
Yelena Belova (Asexual)
Yelena Belova is made her debut to mainstream audiences in Black Widow. What some fans may not know about Yelena, however, is that she is asexual. In an interview on the official Marvel website, writer Devin Grayson discusses the differences between Natasha and Yelena. One of his comments is that Yelena is "more likely to identify as asexual".
Aside from the comments made by her co-creator, Yelena's asexuality has never been explored in any media, comics, or otherwise. Nevertheless, many asexual fans have rallied behind Yelena as representation and hope to see her sexual orientation explored in the future.
Peter Quill (Bisexual)
Another well-known character from the MCU, planet-trotting hero Peter Quill was confirmed as bisexual when Guardians of the Galaxy #9 was released last December. Aside from the aliens who Quill falls for in that comic, artist Kris Enka also revealed concept sketches of a planned loved interest who was unfortunately scrapped.
In the MCU, Peter Quill is most known for his relationship with Gamora, and he has yet to meet any men who have made him feel the same way. It's clear, however, that Marvel has intended for Quill to be bisexual for a long time and was waiting on the perfect moment to reveal it.
Ironheart (Bisexual)
Riri Williams made a splash amongst comic fans when she was revealed in the comics as Iron Man's successor. Despite sharing a kiss with Viv Vision, writer Jim Zub alluded on his Tumblr that Marvel had vetoed the Riri Williams and Viv Vision relationship when he pitched it.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe, however, appears to have other plans. Recent leaks reveal that the MCU incarnation of Riri may be portrayed as bisexual, and fans are hopeful that if Viv Vision appears alongside her, their relationship may get a second look.
Psylocke (Bisexual)
Betsy Braddock, also known as Psylocke, is well known for her romantic tension with fellow X-Men character Angel. In the past, however, she has fallen in love with the thief Fantomex when encountering him on a mission. When Fantomex is split into three people, including one female named Cluster, Psylocke showed Cluster just as much romantic attention as the male version.
Unfortunately, Psylocke's bisexuality has not come up since it was introduced in 2013. Bisexual fans feel disappointed by Marvel's seeming ignorance towards her sexual orientation, but they hope to see Psylocke be visibly bisexual in the future.
Iceman (Gay)
While most Marvel heroes are secure in their own identities, it took Bobby Drake, aka Iceman, a long time to come into his own as a gay man. Bobby, who had previously dated women in the past, had been trapped in the closet by his own denial and internalized self-loathing. It took encouragement from Jean Gray and his younger self for Bobby to gain the confidence he needed to accept himself.
Iceman is best known for his featured roles in the Fox X-Men movies, where he had a rivalry with fellow mutant Pyro. Interestingly enough, recent issues in the comics show the two have hooked up, pleasing many X-Men fans who shipped the movie versions of Iceman and Pyro.
Viv Vision (Lesbian)
Aside from her aforementioned kiss with Riri Williams, Viv Vision has plenty of moments where she discusses her sexuality. Created by known Avengers character Vision, Viv is curious by nature and eager to explore the world around her. A major part of that includes her own sexuality.
Champions #8 has Viv come to the conclusion that although she still needs time to experiment with her own identity, she knows that she is not attracted to men. Since then, the lesbian community has accepted Viv as one of their own and look forward to seeing where her internal journey takes her.
Korg (Gay)
Korg is best known to MCU fans as the lovable soft-spoken Kronan played by director Taika Waititi who befriends Thor and helps him fight his sister Hela. It may come as a surprise to film viewers, then, that the comics version of Korg has his own love interest: a male gladiator named Hiroim, who he met on Sakaar.
Unfortunately for fans, Korg's upcoming appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder will not include any exploration of his sexuality. Taika Waititi, though, has made comments hinting that Korg was in love in the past, leaving room open for Hiroim to exist in the MCU.
Speed (Bisexual)
While his brother Wiccan is one of the most well-known gay characters in Marvel, Speed himself is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community. In Young Avengers Volume 2 #6, Speed meets the superhero Prodigy, an openly bisexual man, and begins going out with him. By the time of Lords of Empyre, the two heroes are officially dating.
Speed has dated both men and women in the past, but it appears that he and Prodigy will be an official item for the current time being. With the Young Avengers expected to assemble in the MCU, fans wonder whether or not Speed will be depicted as bisexual in the movies.
Mystique (Genderfluid/Bisexual)
Raven Darkhölme, aka Mystique, has the ability to change her cellular structure and take on any human form as she pleases. Naturally, her own personal identity has become fluid as well; Mystique is not only one of Marvel's canon bisexual characters but also their most well-known genderfluid one.
Mystique appears to be confident in both her sexuality and genderfluidity; so much so, in fact, that she was originally planned to be Nightcrawler's father via shapeshifting into a masculine form. While Marvel was not ready for that transgressive idea in the past, in the modern-day age it may be worth revisiting that story idea.
Angela of Asgard (Lesbian)
The long-lost sister of Thor, Angela of Asgard was raised by the angels of Heaven and eventually fell in love with Sera, a transgender woman who had saved her life in the past. Despite the challenges the two have faced over the years, Angela and Sera always manage to find their way back to each other. Not even death itself can keep them apart for long.
As a transgender woman, Sera is also a groundbreaking Marvel character. She and Angela as a couple have broken through many barriers previously set by the Comics Code Authority and have paved the way for other LGBTQ+ heroes to come.