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DC Comics Introduces First Openly Transgender Character In Batgirl Comic (PICTURES)

LOOK: DC Comics Reveals First Openly Transgender Character
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DC Comics has introduced a new lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual (LGBT) friendly character: Alysia Yeoh, the transgender roommate of Batgirl.

Comic fans were introduced to Alysia in "Batgirl" #19, which hit shelves on Wednesday, according to Wired. She is the first transgender character in mainstream comics, and she reveals that she is trans during a conversation with Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) in the pages of the new issue. The character is also bisexual.

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Writer Gail Simone told Wired she was inspired by the fans to develop a character like Alysia. "Why was this so impossible?" she asked herself at the time. "Why in the world can we not do a better job of representation of not just humanity, but also our own loyal audience?”

Simone explained to Wired that breaking down barriers in the comic book world is a process. "[A]lmost all the tentpoles we build our industry upon were created over a half century ago… at a time where the characters were almost without exception white, cis-gendered, straight, on and on," she said. "It’s fine — it’s great that people love those characters. But if we only build around them, then we look like an episode of 'The Andy Griffith Show' for all eternity.”

After the big reveal, some questioned if Alysia is in fact the first openly transgender character in comics.

Comic blog Bleeding Cool notes that there have been multiple transgender characters in the past -- like Masquerade from 1993's "Blood Syndicate" or Marisa Rahm from "Death Wish" -- but many of these were either not outwardly identified as transgender or the issues themselves were labeled mature content/alternative, as opposed to mainstream.

DC's inclusion of LGBT characters has been moving ahead at full steam recently.

In February, Batwoman proposed to her girlfriend, Captain Maggie Sawyer, in the first-ever lesbian marriage proposal in comic history.

All of this comes on the heels of controversy surrounding DC tapping anti-gay writer Orson Scott Card to co-author the "Adventures of Superman" #1 digital short. A petition to get Card booted from the project has since gathered over 17,000 signatures. However, DC stood by the Ender's Game author, and the issue is set to be released on May 29.

PHOTOS, Courtesy of DC Comics:

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Before You Go

13 LGBT Comic Book Characters
Shatterstar(01 of13)
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Hm, another gay mutant who's inspired by astronomy? Alright. When he's not slicing baddies down, he's cuddling up with X-Factor teammate and boyfriend, Rictor. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Batwoman(02 of13)
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Much to the dismay of DC Comics' testosterone-driven heroes, Batwoman proudly plays for the other team. A victim of "don't ask, don't tell," this marine-turned-vigilante's sexuality is just one layer of her increasingly rich narrative. Batwoman's mature approach to gay super heroics resulted in her very own solo series. (credit:DC Comics)
Midnighter and Apollo(03 of13)
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The happily married members of Stormwatch -- a secretive, peacekeeping organization that's protected the world for centuries -- have saved the world more times than Superman and Batman combined. Now there's a power couple. (credit:DC Comics)
Rawhide Kid(04 of13)
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This cowboy knows sure can wrangle up controversy. After spending more than half a century as a straight guy, the western hero was infamously reimaged by as a stereotypically prissy gay man by Marvel Comics. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Xavin(05 of13)
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Switching between male and female form at a moment's notice, playing with gender is no sweat for the shape-shifting alien. "Changing our gender is no different than changing our hair color." Amen to that. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Kevin Keller(06 of13)
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As Archie Comics' one and only gay character, army brat Kevin Keller helped thrust Riverdale in the 21st century. Kevin actually beat Northstar to the altar earlier this year, when he got married in Life with Archie #16. (credit:Archie Comics)
Daken(07 of13)
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There's no one Daken loves more than himself. But that doesn't stop Wolverine's son from seducing any man or woman if it helps him get what he wants. "He's bisexual," said former Daken: Dark Wolverine scribe Marjorie Liu, in a interview with Newsarama.com. "And he uses sex as a tool, as a weapon." (credit:Marvel Comics)
Karolina(08 of13)
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After absorbing enough solar energy, this lesbian super-teen transforms into a living rainbow. 'Nuff said. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Bunker(09 of13)
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Though we don't know much about him, Bunker is the latest addition to DC Comic's small pantheon of gay heroes. Said costume designer Brett Booth on his blog last year, "I wanted you to know he might be gay as soon as you see him. Our [Teen Titans] is partly about diversity of ANY kind." (credit:DC Comics)
Voodoo(10 of13)
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Part human. Part alien. Part clone? When the bisexual heroine isn't busy figuring out her true identity, she's off hunting parasitic aliens. But that doesn't seem half as fun as her other job -- as an exotic dancer. (credit:DC Comics)
Hulkling And Wiccan(11 of13)
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Diversity reaches all corners of the Marvel universe, including their teenaged Young Avengers. Young, in-love, and capable of kicking Dr. Doom's teeth in, this rock solid relationship is an inspiration for young and old readers alike. (credit:Marvel Comics)
Starman(12 of13)
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OK, seriously? Another star-based superhero? The rouge alien-turned Justice League MVP defies the DC Universe's glass ceiling, showing a limitless potential for all gay crime fighters. Plus, he hangs out with a talking gorilla -- that must count for something. (credit:DC Comics)
The Question(13 of13)
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Batwoman's former lover forgoes the super heroics for scrappy, Dick Tracy-in-drag street justice. One of Batman's most trusted allies, she has the social stock most straight characters would kill for. (credit:DC Comics)
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