Arts & Entertainment

Marvel’s first major openly gay character will be in ‘The Eternals’

‘He’s married. He’s got a family’

Published

7 years ago

August 27, 2019

**Kevin Feige.** (Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons)

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed that the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first openly gay character will appear in “The Eternals.”

“He’s married. He’s got a family. And that is just part of who he is,” Feige spilled about the character to “Good Morning America” at the D23 Expo in California.

.@Disney's EPIC surprises! From #LizzieMcGuire to @DisneyFrozen 2 to @starwars #TheRiseOfSkywalker to #BlackPanther 2 — @Ginger_Zee has ALL the highlights!

Find more on all the incredible #D23Expo announcements here: https://t.co/EutVh4kPAM pic.twitter.com/P7jo6cfhDP
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 26, 2019

Before the announcement, it was suspected Valkyrie would be the first major LGBTQ character in the MCU in “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which opens on Nov. 5, 2021. “The Eternals” will hit theatres on Nov. 6, 2020.

Possible actors portraying the gay character could be Kit Harington as Dane Whitman, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Barry Keoghan as Druig, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, and Dong-seok Ma as Gilgamesh. Angelina Jolie also stars.

“The Eternals” will also include Marvel’s first deaf character portrayed by Lauren Ridloff.

Photos

PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Durand Bernarr headlines program

Published

18 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Michael Key

Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Landon Shackelford

The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)