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New crime capers for lesbian comic character
Batwoman
Batwoman given new lease of life as 'lesbian socialite'
"Her new persona is described as a 'lesbian socialite by night and a crime fighter by later in the night'"
Batwoman, the less famous, female counterpart to Gotham City’s crime fighting Batman is to feature in a new Detective Comics series that will mark the publisher's "most high profile title starring a gay superhero."
The Batwoman of old existed alongside Batman and never had her own comic. She spent most of her time with her niece Batgirl and was overtly heterosexual, swooning over characters Batman and Robin.
The new incarnation of Batwoman has yet to be previewed, but her new persona is described as a "lesbian socialite by night and a crime fighter by later in the night."
DC Comics have revealed that her past now includes a romance with character Renee Montoya, a lesbian former police detective.
Batwoman’s first appearance as the newly revamped ‘lesbian socialite’ will be in July, ahead of twelve new issues of a comic called 52. The comic series will also feature other superheroes including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
A spokesman for LGBT pressure group Stonewall said of Batwoman’s new look:
"Anything that promotes diversity is a very good thing and we welcome the introduction of characters like this. A lot of lesbians and gay men are fans of these comics and it is good that the publishers are beginning to recognize that, and feature people who reflect the society we live in. Lesbians and gay men may also identify with the genre because comic book characters are often misfits who are left on the margins of society and have to fight to be accepted."
Although DC Comics clearly embrace diversity within their characters, the company took legal action against a New York art gallery last year when they displayed an exhibit featuring Batman and Robin in “intimate” positions.
