Supergay: A Queer Analysis of the CW’s "Supergirl"

An analysis of queer representation and allusions in superhero narratives has been a subject for debate in the both the queer and feminist fields. Throughout history, many scholars have focused on the storyline of superheroes who have “come out” as part of the LGBTQA+ community in comics and in media. However, my paper addresses how a presumed heterosexual character’s introduction into the community as a superhero can be seen as a direct retelling of a queer “coming out” experience in the CW’s show Supergirl (2015). I will discuss Kara Zor-El Danvers’ “coming out” story as Supergirl, as well as how she interacts in society as an alien in a human dominated world, in order to reveal how this can be seen as a direct parallel of a queer narrative. I will also compare how Supergirl portrays a canon homosexual relationship with how the show specifically depicts Supergirl’s interactions with Lena Luthor through camera angles and acting cues that alludes to a veiled homosexual relationship. I will apply Tom Boellstorf’s essay, The Gay Archipelago, to address Supergirl’s narrative as queer. As well as Susan Bordo’s novel Unbearable Weight, to describe Supergirl not only as a feminist icon, but also how society views her as an ‘other’ figure that confirms her queerness. In conclusion, by closely examining how Kara is portrayed in the show, both as a superhero as well as her interactions with other characters, we can conclude that Kara’s transformation into Supergirl is a queer depiction of the superhero narrative.