PRIDE & PREJUDICE: An LGBTQ+ History of DC Comics | Watchtower Database

[@dannybuckle3763]

I related to this video a lot. I don't really feel comfortable going into too many details as to why this was relatable to me (I think that you can piece that together easily enough), so instead I'll just thank you for talking about this topic, & for highlighting the Doom Patrol in particular. As an English person I can't legally watch the show, but I found a clip of that song a while ago and immediately fell in-love with it. It's a moment of pure empowerment, and I love that DC, the company that indirectly inspired the creation of the Comics Code because "Batman & Robin are totally gay for each-other", was able to give us something so inspirational and empowering. Honestly though, this entire video was an emotional rollarcoaster for me - in the span of 26 minutes I felt inspired, joyful, angry, optimistic, pessimistic, proud, and a range of other emotions that fit somewhere into those other categories. The dominating thing I felt though was chills. I got chills when you talked about your history, I got chills when you talked about Rick Foley, I got chills when the People Like Us clip was mentioned & I got chills when you rightly pointed out how much representation matters. Thank you for everything you've done today; hopefully this video will prove to be helpful for other closeted people who need to hear these messages.

[@karkatvantas9557]

@@RealKull No one cares, jackass.

[@chinyereugwu9431]

are you aware of midnighter and Apollo DC's married hero couple? There's also a gay batman. The batman [Damian Wayne] from Multiversity The Just is in love with his world's Superman Chris Kent. They are both a bit in the closet but they are inlove.

[@chinyereugwu9431]

Yj has Harper Row who is gay in the comics and Cass Cain who recently came out as bi in the comics just join their cast

[@ryancarson6962]

Danny Buckle I’m honestly uncomfortable with the implication that Batman and Robin might be gay for each other. Mostly because the identity of Robin is for Bruce’s surrogate children, it would just be really creepy if he went in a relationship with any of his Robins, I just find that to be a pairing that is an immediate turnoff to me.

[@dannybuckle3763]

@@ryancarson6962 Agreed. In my opinion Batman shouldn't date any of his sidekicks because it would feel like an abuse of his authority, but the Robins are a particularly uncomfortable case for the reasons you've already described. However, the idea that Batman & Robin ever had any sort of romantic relationship is a total fabrication; a farce created by a man with a firm agenda against both comic books & the LGBT+ community who happened to have enough clout to effectively spin innocently-intended, out-of-context pieces of comic book media & fear-monger the public until the farce became an accepted fact. No sane writer has thought or ever will think that pairing Bruce with one of his adopted sons is a good idea.

[@toganium4175]

Renee Montoya, a GCPD member that was introduced is Batman: TAS, was also a lesbian, but this wasn't confirmed until 2003 when Two-Face wouldn't leave her alone.

[@dcauwatchtower]

Yep, brought this up in the video

[@thattypicalslimy8548]

(starts the video) "I lived in the Bible belt." Oh I think I know what's going happen.

[@spencersholden]

We don’t all think that way. I myself have changed my views. Others can do the same.

[@Hanmerhack]

Some just occurred to me. The original 1960's Batwoman was brought into the Bat-Family to help alleviate the "Batman is gay" rumors that was going about at the time, and today Batwoman is gay. I wonder if the creators had that in the back of their minds when creating her. Sort of a subtle tolling of the haters.

[@spencersholden]

They totally did.

[@Gundam_JAY]

Idk maybe

[@alucardprinceofgayvampires8526]

Grant Morrison came up with that so odds are they know what they're doing

[@COOLERthenU]

I fucking hope so because that's awsome

[@lynnerose7891]

No they didn’t. She had a “niece” who was supposed to be Robin’s girlfriend, too. She was pursuing him for decades even after COIE. Bette Kane was the first “Bat-Girl” and then she changed her name to “Flamebird,” who was Nightwing’s partner in Kandor.

[@MChedderbeef]

I know this video is 4 years old but after the tragic passing of Kevin Conroy, I feel the need to remind us all that Kevin Conroy, our Batman, *THE* Batman, was a gay man. He was survived by his partner, and honestly, it kind of brings me some form of happiness knowing he had someone to love, and someone to love him, and someone to be by his side, as I had never heard of him having a spouse as I grew up.

[@dcauwatchtower]

You should check out our follow-up video from 2021!

[@jude-zd9ms]

The part of the conversation that never seems to be discussed is this discussion over 'kid shows' was that many of us WERE the kids that these critics supposedly care so much about. We saw no one like us and all we did see was that our feelings were treated like a punchline at best, and at worst we were treated as something horrible and unwanted. Everything that was said and shown to us was telling us NOT to be gay, but we were. So, to be clear, you cannot 'turn' straight kids gay, particularly by showing them that homosexuality exists, just as they were not able to stop us from being gay. All you do by taking away proper representation and hiding us away like something shameful, is tell us from a very early age that we are something shameful and unwanted...and that's something many of us have had to still struggle with feeling into adulthood as a result.

[@arempy5836]

Yeah, that's the point. They want any kids that might be queer to feel so ashamed and scared that they never explore that part of themselves and never come out. These people "protect" children from loving themselves.

[@YunierViada]

JLU “She is Brazilian” is the only other hint I can think of 😅When Flash was about to hit on Fire and HawkGirl tells him he is not her type.

[@The_Old_Soul_Artist]

Yunier Viada She kisses him at the end of the episode

[@YunierViada]

BigBlkSuperman 1985 She does? Is been a while, still the line is there for a reason

[@The_Old_Soul_Artist]

@@YunierViada I think in the comics, there's something going on with her and Ice.

[@YunierViada]

BigBlkSuperman 1985 Steam lol

[@YunierViada]

White-Van Helsing Wink Wink

[@toma8283]

While I'm straight and not a part of the LGBT community my heart goes out to all of you. Hopefully we can have forge a better future of incivility and diversity.

[@dcauwatchtower]

I think you mean “civility” but yes ✌️

[@PokeMageTech]

@@dcauwatchtower 1. I’m sorry that happened to you. 2. Fuck southern Baptists. And Bible-Thumpers in general. 3. Your father is a shitty, shitty person who is undeserving of being called your dad. 4. I would remind you that not all Christians are bad. The Catholic Church may have its problems, but American Catholics generally aren’t going to mistreat y’all. Others, such as PCUSA, actively accept the LGBTQ+ community.

[@tincat2347]

I believe you mean free of incivility

[@luke769animations]

I sure hope we don’t have a future of incivility but ok

[@jackieec]

Same here, straight myself but I hope they can be more inclusive same with characters with disabilities since I myself have one ( blindness)

[@NIDELLANEUM]

We are glad you found the courage to tell us your story, Matt.

[@killermoth9311]

@@spicyshark9202 You're a real winner, aren't ya?

[@NIDELLANEUM]

@@antoniodarcy7913 I like how that hateful comment got bypassed by my notifications. I only noticed your reply

[@SPLKIRA]

@@spicyshark9202 lol

[@KidFlash87]

@@spicyshark9202 Hay I don't know if you are joking or not but if you aren't Fuck you to you homophobic ass bitch 🖕

[@Ravierave]

I think my trepidation about more characters being bi/gay is that it’s very female dominant. It’s pretty well observed that lesbian relationships are much easier to represent, and it bothers me that some of these relationships seem to be fetishization (like you touched on with Harley and Ivy) rather than sincere want for representation

[@eldritchpumpkinghost2968]

Raven Horan same I feel like Gotham did a good job at lgbt representation. All the relationships felt real.

[@Tsukiakari-qb3tk]

@@eldritchpumpkinghost2968 Barbara and Tabitha seemed to have an open relationship which was interesting.

[@PokeMageTech]

@@Tsukiakari-qb3tk ...who’s Tabitha?

[@Tsukiakari-qb3tk]

@@PokeMageTech a character on gotham

[@hawktalon7890]

Oh, they definitely made Catwoman bisexual just for the fetish; though yes, she did very briefly have a canonical girlfriend [Eiko Hasegawa] back in 2014 or so. It's disappointing.

[@BovineDesigns]

Even if we can't fully understand how each other feels, we're all in this together and we can make it if we're willing to try

[@booploops22]

Wow, I didn't expect something as heartfelt and well-written as this. Your videos are usually great but this was excellent. Good work, Mattie.

[@humanman7368]

This comment section is so supportive and nice. There’s hard to find on KZbin.

[@vgamer11]

5:30 "She was, uh....................... lesbian in the comics" 5:42 "there are a couple of subtle nods to her, um................. orientation"

[@antidave]

I uhhhhhh.........yeah that was quite awkward

[@MysteriousTomJenkins]

"Kids play Batman and Superman a lot, if they see Batwoman they will emulate her perversions!" Yes...because when people play Batman and Superman...they emulate their love and sex lives..not their heroics. I know when I pick up a super hero comic, I am interested to know who the characters are dating and fucking, not...you know...super hero adventures. Also yeah, totally, kids always emulate what they see in fiction. I played a lot of Mortal Kombat as a kid and now I am a super powered ninja who kills people...wait, no...I am just a normal dude working for a living, I don't think I have ever emulated anything from fiction except maybe its creativity. One other thing about that stupid rant that woman had, people REALLY need to stop seeing LGBT people as just people with a kink, its not. While I am aware there are those who do push their kinks to the forefront, that still isn't what being gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc, is. Its merely liking the same gender you are, or both genders. Straight guys like women, straight women like men, gay men like men, gay women like women, bi both like both, that's literally all there is and yet some idiots act like if we let two consenting adults of the same gender marry, suddenly bestiality and pedophilia will become legal. People need to get over the idea that its a personality, or a kink, its not, its just who we like. Straight men like women, straight girls like guys, gay guys like guys, gay girls like girls, bisexual guys and gals like both, that's literally the only prerequisite involved.

[@Cobra-Commander83]

MysteriousTomJenkins You worded it perfectly.

[@Nightman221k]

I've always kind of wondered if Shriek from Batman Beyond was coded gay. He has the "gay ear" pierced and Ollie, his purple haired assistant, seems to be just hanging around more as a boytoy than any real sort of assistant. Oh, also Clayface's friend Teddy in his introductory 2-parter seemed particularly infatuated with Matt Hagen. To me it seemed particularly coded there; though they would later have Clayfacec entice a woman into helping him regain human-form so maybe he's bisexual.

[@dcauwatchtower]

Just found out about Clayface the other day, and I can totally see it with Shriek too!

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Every time I saw Shriek in this comment chain I misread it as Shrek lmao.

[@elseworldmedia9482]

I recently came out as Pansexual to my family...it didn't go too well and as a lifelong DC fan...these comics did help me really embrace who I am. Maggie Sawyer/Kate Kane is my favorite comic book relationship for a reason and Cassandra Cain is my favorite DC character PERIOD. Scouring the internet I came across Watchtower Database and found this video, honestly? I'm happy to know there are people like me within this community, seeing my favorite writer in Dwayne McDuffie being such an avid supporter of LGBTQ+ rights was an absolute gem of a moment that actually made me cry. I wanna be a comic book writer, I wanna work on my Earth-98 concept series more and really do fresh and new stuff with this universe and just...I love this community more than I could ever put into words, I love this channel more than I could ever put into words. To know there are so many creatives within this fandom that care about us and want more representation puts a true and genuine smile on my face...thank you. All of you.

[@brenics1993]

You’re so brave and I hope you get cured soon! Stay positive.

[@MChedderbeef]

Oh trust me, Young Justice season 3 definitely got more LGBT representation, they made a lot of progress.

[@tgtcc]

Wait really? When? I stopped watching after season 2-

[@KnightVision68]

Oh yes! After they got free from the (I assume) constraints CN had on them at the time, they put it out there. The thing I like is that it felt natural. Not just for diversity sake.

[@KnightVision68]

@Rain Smith 1) not everyone was LGBT+.Unless I'm mistaken it was 2 main characters and a couple of side ones. 2) I said it felt natural because said characters were (spoilers ahead) A teenager who grew up and discovered his sexuality and a teenager (actually an alien force) who experimented with the concept of sexuality. And those were just the main characters. 3) As for the side characters, it wasn't forced at all. It was treated as just a part of life. Ya know, kind of like the real world 4) There will always be haters. I say to you and all of them... you don't have to watch.

[@willnutland5772]

@@tgtcc only hinted at but I think Bart Allen is with Eduardo. Static remarks at being a 7th wheel when there is blue + 13, beast boy + perdita and impulse and Eduardo. There is also a scene where violet kisses a girl called harper and Aqualad is also with Garth, which would make them both bisexual because of the connection to Tula. Kaldur also leads the justice league at this time but it’s unclear if the relationship was public until after he steps down and is with Garth in the diner scene at very end of season 3

[@CLDJ227]

@@willnutland5772 Kaldur is with someone named Wyde not Garth. Also, if Bart and Ed were together I think they would be more blatant about it.

[@mujiescomedy279]

Cartoon Network allowed gay relationships in Steven universe, but not young justice?

[@A-Certified-Dumbass]

travesty

[@MateoAbadia]

Different times, but... Watch season 3.

[@ravenfrancis1476]

@@MateoAbadia Nah, season 3's LGBT+ "rep" was fucking awful.

[@Douglas_Props]

Joe Francis Um what?

[@MateoAbadia]

@@ravenfrancis1476 i mean, you are wrong, but that's okay, everyone can be.

[@ramble4395]

Young Justice’s character Halo, aka Violet Harper, is non-binary and I’m so happy to find a character like me in comics. Like, I almost cried.

[@CMan-x7k]

That is so stupid.

[@DayOldMeat]

@@CMan-x7k Eat shit, you intolerant fool.

[@CMan-x7k]

@@DayOldMeat Wow triggered much?

[@CMan-x7k]

@@DayOldMeat Given the fact you told me to eat shit, call me an intolerant fool, and a silly bill with the mental age of a 12 year old, I would say you are more triggered than I am for thinking that non-binary is a stupid made up concept.

[@knucklejoe26]

@@CMan-x7k Who cares whether it's 'made up' or not? It harms exactly no one and affects you in exactly 0 ways. Maybe go do something else with your time bro. Like play your favorite videogame or read an old favorite comic.

[@Juan_x_Pedro]

Batwoman was created because people thaugh that Batman and Robin were gay, then she came back as a lesbian and is a way better character now. This is now one of my favorite videos on the channel.

[@AvatarTheLastPodcasters]

The irony is overwhelming.

[@InoMercy]

Irony's a bitch, ain't it?

[@mikewilhelm2977]

The name batwoman came back. It was technically a different character.

[@Juan_x_Pedro]

Mike Wilhelm I know but sitll

[@mushfiqrahman4557]

Let’s agree that if Batman and Robin were in a relationship with each other, it would be creepy for VERY different reasons.

[@theoncomingstorm8009]

Thanks team! I really appreciated your analysis of the lack of inclusion still in the animated universe. I was glad to see Citizen Cold and The Ray in live action. But I was really glad to watch the animated retelling of that same relationship.

[@angelicaeagles9627]

I understand, I was raised in Italy, the most Catholic country out there, I have been living away from my Catholic family and not talking too them anymore, I am now living in London as a transgender woman and I haven't been happier

[@QUINOVIN]

5:11 no joke, that's meant to be a younger version of Joel Schumacher

[@Ben10man2]

🤣

[@Legoskateboardskeleton]

I was so afraid of reading this comment section because there's usually at least one person in every comment section about an lgbt topic who is just an intolerant ass. Also, great video. I love the representation DC is giving us these days. Especially between the Ray and Citizen Cold. It touched my heart finally getting to see Wentworth Miller get to be himself on screen after the past decade of forced straightness in Prison Break. Honestly it just saddens me that it's taken this long to get here. I would have loved a childhood full of genuinely relatable characters to look up to

[@hermionesvillage]

chef cringe Same

[@josesanchez5981]

I also grew up in the bible belt, and being pansexual wasn't a cake walk. Thank you for sharing your past.

[@stevencooper564]

Amen

[@querayne6788]

Lexington was gay? OMG that's why he was my fave!

[@SuperLumianaire]

Please tell me you're joking.

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

@@SuperLumianaire why?

[@SuperLumianaire]

@@sebastienvondoom8615 gay being a reason their your favorite? That's stupid. That's like saying Long Shadow would be my favorite just because he's Native American.

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

@@SuperLumianaire It's not like Lexington being gay is the only reason why he's his favourite... Y'know since he didn't know about it until watching this video.

[@SuperLumianaire]

@@sebastienvondoom8615 "OMG that's why he's my fave!" As in, him being gay is why he finds him favorable.

[@Pook-xr6dy]

Years ago on CN: No showing gay couples sorry fam CN now: *Steven Universe has entered the chat*

[@nikkiholdmeier7678]

What are talking about

[@hermionesvillage]

depression. png And now Adventure Time! I am so happy that Bubbline is officially canon!

[@SuperLumianaire]

For the worse.

[@SuperLumianaire]

@@CaptainAmerica-ig1ys only fools actually believe that.

[@levirocha2976]

@@SuperLumianaire nah there actually are too many straights

[@jowrites]

Three years after you created this video, I'm getting teary-eyed here. Batwoman in Bad Blood and the comics were profound at a time in my life, and I really needed someone in my favourite comic universe - maybe not like me but more like me than anyone before. Thank you for being so genuine and sharing.

[@snootch2nootch]

Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to share your personal story. This was a great video. Love to see this kind of content from you guys and it really is powerful.

[@comicmonsterstudios711]

This video is great! I'm not gay I'm straight but my mom and dad are really spiteful towards gay people I read comics and love all sorts of media and ever since my childhood I've been fine with gay people in media the world is changing and "older people" lol 😂 cain't shift with the times it's really sicking when I hear my parents put gay people down and if I say anything my dad will say the exact same thing your dad said Mattie so thx for being someone else that understands the LGBTQ community

[@nickrocha1997]

512/5000 I cried watching this video. I remembered from my childhood that the only gay representation I saw on show shows were stereotyped gays who were only meant to be jokes. I am happy to see that more and more I can see myself represented in a respectful way. the episode of Doom Patrol that you mentioned is my favorite of the season, I cried so much because it meant a lot to me. it's not just an episode of a hero series, it's an episode that talks about who I am and I'm proud of it

[@ProjektTaku]

but here's the problem with gay or lesbian marriage. Who's second name do you pick? Seriously it rattle's my brain

[@JDdr86]

@@ProjektTaku haha

[@ProjektTaku]

@@JDdr86 muwa hahahaha

[@Nightman221k]

I'm gay and Static Shock was one of the cartoons that connected with me most as a kid. It's still one of my most nostalgic cartoons alongside Teen Titans (When I was growing up I had reruns of BTAS and STAS to watch, and those series are ones I'm still in love with, but something about following a series from it's premire episode to it's finale episode makes you feel extra attached). I remember being in high school, years after the show ended, when I read about Dwayne McDuffie saying that Ritchie in the cartoon was canonically gay. It really impacted me as a kid who was at the time in high school and also closeted (Coincidentally also wearing glasses). And I know that it was never an intended thing that McDuffie intended Virgil to be gay; but watching the series ever since then and still to this day now, I can't help but view Virgil and Ritchie as an ideal romantic couple since they are so loyal and comfortable with each other. I think about the episode where Ritchie's dad was being racist about Virgil's presence and it feels like it could just as easily be about a homophobic parent not wanting their kid to date guys. That and Virgil never progressed further than friendship with Frieda OR Daisy, where as Ritchie and he are still partners in the Batman Beyond future. It's just my personal headcanon, don't bash me for it.

[@futoijosei]

That would be interesting. I think their relationship is cute too.

[@BoosterGoldEarth6]

Nah Static Shock was most definitely not gay

[@j.albuquerque9274]

I think it's all a matter of what we CAN do in fiction, in sitcoms, for example, we CAN have characters like Will from "Will and Grace" and we also CAN have characters like Mike Baxter from "Last Man Standing". No restriction should be put upon us.

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Except nobody’s saying we can’t. We’re just saying we want more than JUST them.

[@chinyereugwu9431]

You left out Midnighter and Apollo. the married gay Superhero couple. You have to check them out. it's not often that we see gay men in a committed relationship in comics and their relationship is fully explored. I remember one issue where they had sex in the kitchen. the writer steve orlando a gay guy who wasn't shy or apologetic in his embrace of their lifestyle. midnighter is like a more brutal version of Batman while apollo is a literal sun god. I highly recommend their series. Midnighter and Apollo. Midnighter and the Authority. There's also from the bat family Cass cain who recently admitted her attraction to a female, harper Row and her Brother are both gay.

[@shanavalkyria3438]

Late to the party but i feel for ya. Representation really does matter. Sailor Moon's Neptune and Uranus were the first positive lgbt characters i encountered(or noticed anyway) and i was in the fourth grade then. The internet was much less helpful back then to. We have made so many strides and have so many more to go

[@zurielpanggabean5685]

doom patrol is the best at representation. spreading Mental Awareness in a good way. Giving us a balanced strong yet flawed superheroines and Heroes. and finally giving us the best LGBT Superhero to date.

[@gerbill13]

i think i'm from the town Danny the street is from. lol apparently Danny is Scottish

[@nicholasdickens2801]

God, why can’t people love people for being people. Gay, straight, white, black, Asian, tall, short, fat, thin. What the hell does it matter. Being gay, straight, transgender, bisexual, it’s all normal. Totally 100% normal. Everyone is different and everyone needs to be portrayed in media. I loved that Sulu was gay (but only in the JJverse). I’d wish Kirk was gay so he was so heterosexual as he was in conflict with it, or is bisexual. I always thought Kirk loved the Enterprise. Myself? I’d love loads of characters to be like Jack Harkness and Bill Potts in DW. :)

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

"Pluck the Thorn from your own eye, before worrying about the Splinter in your Neighbors" JESUS, THE LORD AND MESSIAH

[@Gundam_JAY]

They really missed a big opportunity with batwoman in the CW

[@Flufux]

One phrase that keep bugging me every time I see it is the 'pushing an agenda' argument that conservatives often use...as if that somehow automatically means something is inherently bad. I mean, seriously, what's so bad about pushing an agenda? Especially if that agenda is 'Don't be a jerk' or 'Respect LGBT people as people too'? Is it just the word 'agenda' that sounds bad or is 'pushing an agenda' key for something I'm not familiar with?

[@theRealPlaidRabbit]

I guess for people who desperately want to keep telling themselves that something doesn't exist, even hinting that it does feels like an attack. But, as Archie the Cockroach says, that's an explanation, not an excuse.

[@theRealPlaidRabbit]

@@tyrone-samathekillerofsjws4077 Problem is, every story has things to say - on the surface and beneath. What about the stories whose message does align with your (or my) own social, moral, political values? We give those a pass, maybe even applause (unless they're so clumsy about it that we feel embarrassed). *Those* stories are allowed to have an agenda. But the ones which even faintly whiff of not conforming to our own values -- those we rage against for being politicized, agenda-driven, preachy, etc. If having a black lesbian left-handed midget eskimo albino hero is "political", then so is having a straight white tall European right-handed male hero-- to the same extent, for the same reason.

[@therealivydawg]

And I always look at that and say "what's your agenda?" To conservatives.

[@ramble4395]

Kaldur was actually confirmed to be Bi in the show with an onscreen kiss and they go on a mission together.

[@lulu_TheWitchBoy]

I’m gay and like my parents are religious, they get mad when I wear makeup and is my favorite hobby to do, but they always take it away from me. And I been sexually abuse by this guy, my consulor told me tell my parents about it but it won’t go well, I already know there gonna yell at me and not actually help what I been through.

[@dcauwatchtower]

So sorry to hear this, Luis. Stay strong. You’ll make it through this.

[@mikelaw9317]

My suggestion would be go to the police. Gay or straight you was still sexually abused. Tell your parents and if they try to blame you or pull religious bs on you look them in the eye and say your son was sexually abuse." You will get through this.

[@mirandagoldstine8548]

Tell the police. What you’re going through needs to talked about by the police.

[@KidFlash87]

So sorry to hear it will be ok stay strong tell them and if they pull any of that is about gays going to hell just walk away and give the silent treatment

[@Beyondauthentichealthandbeauty]

Lulu, please be safe. The abuse is not your fault. An adult is taking advantage and you are not to blame. Please speak to an abuse hotline or similar who can advise you in your area. Also please contact an lgbtq support organisation in your area or even in the nearest big city, especially If telling your parents will or could lead to you being kicked out. Please get support and speak out but please make sure you have a safety net in place. Too many lgbtq+ kids get thrown out and end up in very real danger. Your post is a couple of years old now so I hope you are in a better place now and have sought help. X

[@MateusDrake]

Y'know, I've watched a few videos here and there due to recommendations and etc. Now I'm a subscriber. The info you brought about the characters weren't any news to me for the most part (and I'm actually more informed about the Arrowverse than you), but the WAY you presented it was really great and I did get to learn a few things (Specially since I can't legally watch Doom Patrol, as I'm Brazilian). But the personal part almost had me cry. It's been a while since I could identify myself in someone from such a different background (but somewhat similar too).

[@dcauwatchtower]

Thanks, Mateus. 😊

[@Powherkrangunch]

I'm straight myself but I've always been taught to respect gay people. I was very curious about this video and I have to say it's truly well done! Top notch! The scene with the "Anti-Gay" woman's article is also truly hilarious! This video is truly well written and very respectful! And for everyone out there who has struggled with defining themselves or being accepted I send you my compassion and respect!

[@FeliciaRondo]

This video was a really good watch for me. As a trans woman who fancies herself a fan-fiction writer, I often have to content myself with headcanons or what have you when it comes to the characters I love, as opposed to being able to really truly see someone like me very often in the media I consume. I actually grew up in a house right next to my very conservative grandfather’s baptist church in Southern California (I know! Yikes!), and while it’s not a 1:1 match for what you went through, I still found so much to relate to in this video. Thank you for making this video and publishing it.

[@KawaiiCat2]

It’s so annoying that shows like Batman Animated series is also Y7 yet they show multiple kissing scenes in there between heterosexual couples (which in my opinion is too much for Y7 rating) yet they can’t talk about Richie being gay in Static Shock because it’s Y7. That’s pretty f***** up.

[@ldiescin4108]

Watchtower database is always leavin me with a smile on my face

[@manzodance]

Just seeing this now. What a great summary of DC content's queer representation and your relationship to it. Such an honest video. As an older gay dude who had a crush on Zan in the Superfriends during a time when Jack Tripper had to pretend he was gay to be able to rent an apartment with 2 women, yet be the painful fruit of all jokes... thank you for sharing. Representation does matter.

[@TheOriginalPoon]

Every single DCAU “hint” flew completely over my head Except for Hawk and Dove in their episode of JLU. Even as a kid I felt that they were heavily gay coded.

[@dcauwatchtower]

They’re brothers, soooooooo

[@ChrisConnolly-Mr.C-Dives-In]

I am all kinds of impressed with the content and the presentation style here. I’ll say that I can see there being a benefit in playing this material, or incorporating it into a live presentation for an audience. Maybe to a comic convention kind of audience, maybe to a social workers/service organization kind of audience. A lot of different groups could benefit from the Information and insight and context you have offered here.

[@darkdemonicdomo13]

Hey, we have the same birthday! I woke up the morning after my 17th birthday and found out from one of my friends screaming "MY BEST FRIEND CAN GET MARRIED NOW!" and it was heartwarming then. Now it means so much more to me, because now it means my fiance and I can get married too.

[@wolfylover4ever]

This is the first video I’ve watched from you and I’m already in love with you/ this channel. Subscribed. It’s unfortunate you weren’t raise in a more accepting home but you’re amazing to have become a better person through your experiences.

[@ryan.a.baldwin]

I've only just found this channel recently and explored your videos, but I'm glad I did. I love seeing this strive for equality and inclusion in the comic book community. Thank you for not ending your life because if you had, we wouldn't have all this wonderful content we now have. Thank you for having the courage to share your story as well (that's enough bravery to earn a Green Lantern ring ;). Thank you for being a force for good in this world.

[@AlienIOIandroktone]

Always love your videos, and I've known a lot of people in similar situations to Mattie, and definitely appreciate bringing it to your audience's attention. Super well made, and informative

[@KawaiiCat2]

People and studios are afarid of backlash and controversy. Arthur had an episode which turned out Mr. Ratburn was gay and the controversy is actually really sad. Lots of stations refuse to air that episode. Parents complained that they have to explain to the kids difficult topics. War induced. Which is very sad because society should be more inclusive towards everyone. Parents and society can either be the best or the worst. There is no in between which sucks.

[@joanna4754]

Gr8 video i can really relate to your past. Growing up i remember specific moments of realizing my gender identity. Im almost at the verge of tears. In short Happy Pride Month

[@estebangutierrez160]

I would say Beast Boy is an LGBT character, mostly because he can transform into any animals and no animal has a distinct orientation and some frogs can actually change their gender.

[@COOLERthenU]

And 300 somthing ither animal species are naturally basiclly bisexual as they engage in both hetro and homo behavior species wide

[@reidcunningham5906]

What i dont like is if being gay is a character's main trait. I personally dont like batwomans standalone stuff because i feel it focuses too much on it. But when her marriage was canceled i was very disappointed.

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Then you should also have a problem when straight heroes do the same thing. I mean, almost every story about Spider-Man at least heavily features his relationship with Gwen Stacy/MJ/Black Cat. Same with Batman and his “will they won’t they?” routine with Catwoman

[@unknownuser8967]

@@ravenfrancis1476 they "feature" but didnt focus on it entirely. I think thats the problem when people say certain Lgbt characters are bad, not because of homophobic, but only focusing on that trait

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Unknown User Nah they’re homophobic.

[@unknownuser8967]

@@ravenfrancis1476 but still, its a problem when characters only having Lgbt as their trait. While characters like Spidey and Batman like your example having complexity, and their relationship isnt the only thing that defines them.

[@ravenfrancis1476]

Unknown User The thing is though, to a lot of people, us existing *at all* is shoving it down their throat or focusing on it entirely. There’s no way you can critique something for featuring LGBT+ characters and themes prominently without looking like a horrible asshole

[@ZeroFighter]

The reason I never gave this much thought despite being like 80% lesbian (80/20 bi) is probably because I don't care about things like a character's race, gender, or sexuality UNLESS it plays a roll in the story. For example, Sons of the Fathers is one of the most powerful episodes of Static Shock BECAUSE the story of that episode was to bring up the issue of racism to the children who were watching it on TV, and I think that it handled that pretty well. However, with the Static in Africa episode, the inclusion of the question of if how Virgil felt while in Africa was how Richie felt all the time back in Dakota just felt out of place, and like a waste of run time, and when Anansi said that race doesn't matter, that was a really good message that felt like it really should have been in a better, more themed episode. It's one thing to say that the episode was there to bring attention to how black people feel in the US, but the problem was that it was a background thing that was only briefly touched upon in idle conversation, not a central theme. Likewise, if there's a story that's themed around LGBT issues, then yes, the characters' genders / orientations DO matter. You're not going to tell the struggles of a lesbian with a straight dude any better than you'll tell the struggles of a white dude with black woman. But then, if you're making a show for children, sexuality doesn't really need to be a primary theme. Saying it's okay to be gay, and having a same-sex couple on screen is fine, but regardless orientation, if you're making a show for children, then ALL of the more explicit content should be kept out of frame, not just gay content. When it comes to the gender or orientation of characters, it's either all okay- straight, gay, bi, men, women...- or NONE of it is okay. Children's shows, none of it's okay. Tween / young teen, it's all okay with scene cuts / fade to black. That's how I feel, but I also feel that it has to be relevant to the story first and foremost. If it's not important to the story, it doesn't need to be shown.

[@ZoraCrowley]

I grew up in a pentacostal Christian home but i watched DCU as a kid and i loved the Batman Animated Show Most of all. Course i Always Wanted to be Robin, im 24 now and at 18 i came out as trans and pansexual my family won't talk to me but i don't regret my decision. I do wish there was more representation when i was little but I'm so glad there's more now and i hope to continue to see more. Also growing up i both had a crush on and wanted to be Richie and Virgil in Static shock. I even insisted in wearing a blue hoodie like Richie's as a 6th grader.

[@RossPitSharkHunter]

I nearly spat my drink out when I saw the representation in Superman TAS, I didn't even know they were allowed to hint at it that much back in those days... And it's depressing that THAT'S what caused such a reaction

[@grahamisme]

My friend and I love the watchtower database's video's and last year he came out and when he saw this video it meant a lot to him

[@grahamisme]

so thank you for this video

[@dcauwatchtower]

That’s awesome to hear! Love these kinds of comments. Tell your friend we love them too!

[@RobertJWilson]

This video hit me where I live, and I’m grateful for it. When I think of myself, I think first of being a huge DC Comics nerd, and not the gay man I also am. It hurts my soul when others reduce my humanity to the types of sex I may or may not be having with my husband. It’s endlessly telling that ostensibly straight people think so deeply about my gay sexual activity. Be you, darlin - no matter what that is!! I’m here for you, buddy.

[@battleupsaber462]

Always wanted to see Batwoman in the DCAU. And I mean Kathy Kane, not those posers from Mystery of the Batwoman.

[@mttylerdurden9]

Do you mean Kate Kane the current BATWOMAN? Cause I don't think she was created until after the DCAU ended.

[@xanderm6090]

@@mttylerdurden9 Honestly would love to see her in one of these reunion films. Imagine Kevin Conroy's Batman interacting with Kate Kane. Along with the original Maggie.

[@ericmartinelli278]

Thank you so much for your thoughts. You made me cry a lot. You should be proud of all the work you put on this video. Thank you for raising the topic and thank you for sharing your story. All of this makes me feel like I can belong in this community.

[@RadinV1]

But hey at least you have James's basement to live in (Jokes aside I'm so happy that you found the courage to share this story with us.)

[@maxii6254]

Personally speaking, I don't enjoy it when movies or TV shows or games or whatever overemphasize on a character/s' sexuality if it isn't essential or necessary to the plot. That being said, I would say that representation in a world with a goal of giving everyone an equal opportunity to go out there in the world and be themselves without discrimination or judgement. Judge a human being by who they are as a person, not the color of their skin, their sexual preference, body type, or etc. That being said, thank you for sharing your story for those people out there that need to hear this. You can be considered a hero to many the same as some of these superheroes are considered to be heroes.

[@stormRed]

June, 6, 2006 (6-6-6)!!!!

[@langbo9999]

The number Of The Devil 😈

[@stevencooper564]

Doom Patrol fucking destroyed me, really ignited my love of Grant Morrison.

[@fr19ht]

Jesus these comments, you guys are such trolls and haters. Nobody forced you to click on this video at all. The “x” button is right there.

[@peterdanior4538]

Many, many years ago I was a member of an online Marvel fan group and one of the things we did for fun was create our own characters to use in each other stories. One of the characters I created strongly hinted at being gay but I never outright stated, "This guy is gay." Those hints were picked up on & the other members of the group made him & out proud gay man. I objected to this portrayal, simply because in my experience, gay super heroes weren't portrayed like that. Although we were just an online group, not restricted by codes & censorship, I was raised, by media & society, to believe that homosexuality could only be hinted at. That was how I lived my life as well. I would make "jokes" about how hot guys were when I was attracted to them. I got married, had kids, just like men were supposed to do. It wasn't until after my divorce that I finally acted on my attraction to men, still in secret as I was worried people would find out. I'm slowly coming out, confiding in only a few people, but I'm still haunted by an upbringing that told me I had to keep it a secret. I am glad that young people today have that representation & have an easier time with coming out, & I hope that one day I'm brave enough to fully come out myself.

[@springer2226]

as a bisexal guy im happy I didn't grow up in the ''Bible Belt''

[@teoq8917]

Wait, I have an idea! Okay so since the last two DCAU movies were a lil mature in comparison to to the original series, what if we had a more mature Static Shock where Richie could be open about his sexuality like his comic counterpart was. I can see this happening a couple of ways: 1) the movie's story could be influenced by "What Are Little Boys Made Of?" or 2) he could've come out off screen, between the show and the movie, making it not a big deal, and you could have moments of casual convos about him dating, or maybe a joke scene where something kinky is found in his closet lol. Idk just an idea from a tired person.

[@shadysam8879]

I'm a straight man, but a significant amount of my friends are LQBTQ. And I'm glad that people have finally started to figure out that being gay or trans isn't a "deviant act" and that they are just people.

[@azdyarbasha112]

loved this Vid ur honesty and transparency is just pure thank u for sharing ur thoughts

[@wanderlustwarrior]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Please know that you and your siblings are loved, by others, including by those of us who are Christian (or otherwise religious) and also recognize that God's true love accepts you as you are. I recognize that many people of various faiths condemn, but that is their interpretation, not all. Many of us hope to be allies.

[@ToniBingi]

Well, it's been 4 years since this video came out, and I'm happy to report that yes, Young Justice has openly gay/bi characters in seasons 3 and 4.

[@michaelmarino334]

Wouldn't it have been wonderful to rename Lexington, Christopher?? Perhaps they should have done that during the series run

[@elijahdavila3684]

Your story hit really close to home for me, Matt. Thank you.

[@AvatarTheLastPodcasters]

I too didn't have a girlfriend until my senior in high school. Then my often drunk uncle said to me "shoot we worried about you, thought you were gay, always quiet and stuff". Like what the heck does that mean.

[@mirandagoldstine8548]

I’m in my 20s and I still don’t have a boyfriend. I want one but I’m too afraid to get myself out there. I mean how many guys are there that are Wiccan who happen to be supporters of the LGBTQAPDINB community and believe women should have equal rights? I don’t know any.

[@AvatarTheLastPodcasters]

@@mirandagoldstine8548 funny, I actually do know a male Wiccan and huge supporter of LGBTQ+ but he's gay, so may not be your type.

[@RedDeadDevilTrigger]

As a bisexual middle schooler myself it is just horrible that we couldn’t represent them for years

[@cristinaacosta8938]

Seriously man, awesome video. Thank you for your courage, I wish that you didn't have to go through that kind of stuff, specially coming from your family.

[@aaronofthefuture3424]

Listen, I’m a Christian , I also have a gay brother ,and if you don’t accept people for who they are ,your not really Christian

[@ESTComicsEvolutions]

I'm Bi and Christian, and alot of ppl are usually confused and act like its impossible.

[@aaronlisle3773]

Season 3 of Young Justice shows Kaldur with his boyfriend, briefly

[@isetmfriendsofire]

I always thought that Clayface was at least bi, if not gay. Really look at his relationship with Teddy in that first Clayface episode.

[@Nightman221k]

Same here, Teddy was in love with Matt Hagen. I think Matt Hagen might be hard to pin down and label gay/bi/straight. He kind of strikes me as opportunistically using his sexuality to have a loyal helper since he obviously didn't love Teddy or Stella and only used them. He abandoned Teddy at the end of his introductory 2-parter and he was using lines from his old films to string along Stella and he never went back to her after his deteriorating condition was resolved.

[@ItsButterBean1020]

I don’t actually think Clayface is lgbt so much as he uses people’s attraction to him as a means to manipulate them

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

a few of my Best friends are Gay, I'm Hetro and single.

[@FloofyCloud115]

Moonbeam 87 same here

[@malikrayshon47]

This is beautiful content. Thank you for creating this and sharing it with the people. I know folks felt seen after watching. I’m curious if there’s an update on this take considering some of the newer stories that include queerness in/around the DCAU? Thanks for taking the time to read my random ass comment. Cheers, friend! 🖤

[@dcauwatchtower]

Thank you! We have another Pride Month video as well. The thumbnail has Baby-Doll primarily featured.

[@malikrayshon47]

@@dcauwatchtower thank you! Y’all do great work on this channel. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@lt.porpoise9812]

I personally don’t give a damn who or what the character is, so long as it’s not the only thing that the characters about

[@kingcheerio8558]

I can identify so much with this, I'm 36 now, I finally came out as bisexual this year, but I'm not comfortable exploring the attraction I feel to those of the same sex, this ofcourse I strongly feel was due to the years of accusations of being gay from my elder sisters and kids from school, it just conditioned me to not be open about anything. The sadder thing is after high school my eldest sister came out as a lesbian, and my Dad came out as gay, but even to this day I'm not comfortable expressing myself at all.

[@SerumLake]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I work in the field of online safety and it always depresses me to see how frequently the word “gay” is used as an insult. On the subject of DCAU representation, I was a little surprised that there was no mention of Clayface & Teddy, seeing as Kevin Altieri said they were written as gay characters. I suppose it was a similar situation to Harley & Ivy though, in that it was a little subtle.

[@dcauwatchtower]

I don’t think we were aware of that, but that’s very cool!

[@SerumLake]

Watchtower Database oh you should definitely check out Justin Michael’s Batman The Animated Podcast then. He interviews a member of cast/crew each episode and I’ve learned lots of cool stuff from it.

[@dcauwatchtower]

Definitely have listened to all of those, just been a while! Cool catch that I didn’t remember.

[@SerumLake]

Watchtower Database I never should’ve doubted you! 👍

[@flooferderp2918]

Whoa, almost a year to the day this video came out. Happy pride month, and thanks for sharing!

[@moist6562]

I know how you feel man my dads side of the family are heavily aginst homosexuality to the point where i was cussed out for wanting ro move to California

[@mkra7769]

It's great to see LGBT representation progressing more and more with time. I just hope that we start to see more the last letter of the acronym getting involved in the discussion too

[@ideoformsun5806]

I think it should be subtle when the comics are aimed at children. It think Gay characters can be identified as gay, and Gay characters should be treated the same as non-gay. But it's not about sex, it's about adventure, heroism, bravery, and learning right from wrong, and taking action to deal with wrongs. If a comic starts showing a lot of kissing, touching, and romance, that's going to be what teens and adults are interested in, not children. There is enough open sexuality everywhere in the media already. If you have to add a lot of sex and romantic scenes to an action comic, it's a shortcut. Using sex and/violence to sell something doesn't replace creativity, good artwork, storytelling and a plot. Kids have a lot of imagination. It's more fascinating if you leave some things to the imagination.

[@user-uq6vn6yw9o]

Ideoform Sun you can have gay characters come out and be dating other gay character is totally fine. It doesn’t mean they’re going to be having graphic sex on screen. It should be the same as a straight couple being in the kids show. It’s now immediately sexual.

[@ideoformsun5806]

alexa h For children, why include dating at all? You are talking about teenagers and young adults. I'm talking about kids before puberty. Kids don't watch cartoons to see romance among older characters. They're just not there yet. And if you start to sexualize children before their hormones kick in, they can't act on it, because it will be years before they could safely have children, and even more years before they could raise them. That could be very frustrating. They can't play about it. Children love seeing things written for them, not their parents. Innocence has a purpose. Why rush things?

[@dcauwatchtower]

Every single Disney movie has a romantic subplot. One time it was with cars. Cars.

[@user-uq6vn6yw9o]

Ideoform Sun I see where you’re coming from, but movies like Disney movies and others can have romance without it being sexual and often do. If there can be a straight couple in a show and have it still be considered age appropriate there can be gay couples too

[@user-uq6vn6yw9o]

Watchtower Database haha exactly

[@valviform]

If DC's so awesome with LGBT, where's my mainstream transgender superhero or villain? Yeah, they did some good stuff, and I like how they were able to fit some subtexts into the DCAU, but while I'm not one for "we *must* have representation!", it would still be nice to see someone with the same identity as me on the big screen in DC.

[@ObiJohn]

Bravo on your courage. I know that this isn't easy for you. You have more allies than you know. We live in Birmingham, AL - and we will support you.

[@hermionesvillage]

I relate to this video so much. I live with religious and homophobic parents and sometimes I just don’t feel safe living with them. They never did anything bad to me but it always hurts me whenever they talk about the lgbt community in a negative light. I’m still living with them and it sucks that we are having a pandemic right now.

[@dcauwatchtower]

Stay strong. We’re here for you.

[@hermionesvillage]

Watchtower Database Thank you 😊. I’m even planning on creating my own superhero one day who happens to be gay and I hope people are more open then.

[@stephenjacobs5916]

Thank you for this video. Representation matters more than anyone can know. It's my hope that someday it won't even be a question as to whether lgbtq people are among the cast of characters in media. That it will be looked at as just another normal thing about life. LGBTQ people exist. We aren't perverts. We aren't out to "corrupt" young minds. We just want to be represented along with everyone else. Is that really so much to ask for?

[@th3envyp238]

Representation does not matter and neither donyou

[@stephenjacobs5916]

@@th3envyp238 Someone piss in your Cheerios this morning? Or are you always triggered like this?

[@joshuaignacius9765]

It’s mad what us Christians used to be saying gays burn in hell I cannot believe it we should be how u want to be