Arts & Entertainment
‘Star Wars’ screenwriter says Lando is pansexual
Fans both rejoiced and criticized the revelation
Donald Glover as Lando in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ (Screenshot via YouTube)
According to “Solo: A Star Wars Story” writer Jonathan Kasdan, Lando Calrissian is pansexual.
The revelation comes after Lando (Donald Glover) appears to have a flirty interaction with Han Solo in the trailer calling him “baby.” In another scene, his female droid L3-37 (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) says “I’m sure you noticed that Lando has feelings for me.”
In an interview with the Huffington Post, Kasdan says he believes Lando is pansexual.
“I would say yes,” Kasdan says. “He doesn’t make any hard and fast rules.”
“There’s a fluidity to Donald and Billy Dee’s (portrayal of Lando’s) sexuality,” he continued. “I mean, I would have loved to have gotten a more explicitly LGBT character into this movie. I think it’s time, certainly, for that, and I love the fluidity ― sort of the spectrum of sexuality that Donald appeals to and that droids are a part of.”
Some fans were excited for some LGBT representation in the film.
All the people asking “Why does it matter? Who cares?” re: Lando being confirmed as pan: GO TALK TO A PAN PERSON ABOUT IT. Especially any pansexual black men out there. They get to see themselves in the 2nd highest grossing media franchise in the world.
— Coryl Reef; she/they (@corylwrites) May 17, 2018
coworker: oh, lando is pansexual
me: duh
coworker: duh? was it obvious?
me: there’s no way a man like lando would ever be straight— Dawnya ?? (@pinkishdawnya) May 17, 2018
lando is PANSEXUAL, deadpool is PANSEXUAL
it is our time
— grace (@HUGGERSECTlON) May 17, 2018
lando calrissian is a canon pansexual fashion and space icon??? he’s really out there doing the MOST???? i love a legend
— arfa (@roguesanakin) May 17, 2018
Other fans weren’t pleased that Lando’s sexuality would only be addressed off-screen.
Make your characters textually queer, or keep it out your goddamn mouth. This whole “Oh, BTW Dumbledore is gay, Lando Calrissian is pansexual, Frodo Baggins was actually one of the founding members of the House of LaBeija…” Put it in the FUCKING movie or shut up, you coward.
— [kie.ran] (@danblackroyd) May 17, 2018
So this news on Lando’s sexuality- we gotta stop with this queer baiting. Stop saying these characters are queer/fluid and not show it. This is lazy storytelling and doing the bare minimum. pic.twitter.com/qgXytbAD96
— ReBecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) May 17, 2018
“Solo: A Star Wars Story” opens in theatres on May 25.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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