#GiveCaptainAmericaABoyfriend was a major trending topic last week and now throwing more light on the lack of queer representation in the Marvel and DC cinematic universes is #LGBTSuperheroes, a trailer that was released at the MCM London Comic Con. Released on the last weekend of May, 2016, #LGBTSuperheroes was created by volunteers who want to show the big studios that there is a huge audience for queer superhero movies.
"We hope that we can demonstrate to the studios that there is a huge audience for accurate LGBT portrayal on the big screen, and it won't deter cinemaÂgoers to buy tickets," says director Mike Buonaiuto. He draws examples of superheroes like Iceman, Mystique and Catwoman, who identify as LBGT in the comic book universe, get desexualised when they cross over to the cinematic universe.
The trailer itself shows the story of a fictional superhero, who is injured and gets saved by a man. The latter's voiceover says, "What is I told you there is no such thing as coincidence? That day, that I saved you, you were meant to be saved. What would you think?"
The trailer features many tender moments between the two men, including a shot of their passionate kissing, and it looks every bit of an action superhero film as it would, if the hero was heterosexual.
The video, which has been shared on YouTube, is clearly appreciated by members of the LGBT community.
"Wow! that was great! really! Unno, I'm gay and I kind of relate with the superheroes we have today but I can't help but feel the lack of connexion they have with my reality which is the feelings I have towards men. Therefore I think if we had actual films from those trailers for example, I believe I'd feel even more connected and reflected on some characters like Bob aka iceman or Kate Kane aka Batwoman. However, for this type of change to happen in the movie industry, our ideas have to change and then come these movie trailers. So I hope whoever is doing them keeps on doing it. [sic]," commented Eduardo Augusto.
Watch the trailer for "#LGBTSuperheroes" here: