The Road to LGBTQ+ Representation in the Star Wars Universe

For numerous LGBTQ+ fans worldwide, the Star Wars franchise has been a source of inspiration and representation. Over the years, the franchise has grown beyond just the well-known movies, extending into novels, comic books, video games, and TV series—collectively referred to as the expanded universe. Within this expansive realm, Star Wars has made a significant effort to include characters of varying sexualities and gender identities, breaking new ground in LGBTQ+ representation.

In 2021, to celebrate Pride month, SW announced special lines of comic book covers paying homage to its LGBTQ+ characters. So it’s time to shine the spotlight on some less-known queer characters in the Star Wars universe.

The First Canonically LGBT+ Character Was a Lesbian

In a step forward for representation, Delian Mors became the first openly LGBTQ+ character in the official Star Wars canon. She was introduced in Paul S Kemp’s 2015 novel Lords of the Sith. Mors, a human female, served as a Moff — a rank held by Sector Governors of the First Galactic Empire. Mors’s depiction is particularly interesting because she’s presented as an Imperial and had a wife who died, positioning her character development in a challenging space.

Sinjir Rath Velus: The First Major Hero to be Openly Gay

The title of being SW’s first openly gay hero goes to Sinjir Rath Velus, who made his appearance in Chuck Wendig’s Star Wars: Aftermath. Velus, a human male and former Imperial officer, becomes a significant player in the Rebel Alliance’s transformation into the New Republic. His character demonstrated the franchise’s commitment to diverse sexualities by featuring the hero involved in a same-sex romantic relationship.

Doctor Chelli Aphra: A Pioneer of Visible LGBT+ Love in Star Wars

The SW universe saw its first visible LGBT+ kiss between the archaeologist Doctor Chelli Lona Aphra and her on-and-off-again romantic partner, Magna Tolvan. The passionate kiss, featured in Marvel’s Doctor Aphra #16, caused quite a stir amidst fans. Aphra, known for her versatile relationships throughout the franchise, has become an iconic representation of LGBTQ+ love in the SW universe.

Star Wars’ First Non-Binary Jedi in The High Republic Series

To mark the Trans Day of Visibility in 2021, SW introduced for the first time ever, a pair of non-binary Jedi, Terec, and Ceret. Featured in Star Wars: The High Republic series, these trailblazing characters are bond-twins, Jedi who share a linked consciousness. This decision was hailed by many fans as an incredible leap in demonstrating inclusivity within the iconic universe.

Rae Sloane: The Bisexual, Badass Black Villainess

Among the plethora of memorable characters in the SW franchise is Grand Admiral Rae Sloane—the open bisexual and highly-skilled Black villainess. She climbed the ranks to become the Grand Admiral of the Empire and even mentored Armitage Hux (portrayed by Domhnall Gleeson in the recent Star Wars films). Although she doesn’t appear in any movie, her presence is strongly seen throughout numerous novels.

These bold steps towards representation within the SW universe mirror the wider shift in global pop culture towards an authentic portrayal of diverse sexualities and gender identities. It is a testament to the franchise’s commitment to inclusivity, celebrating all forms of love in a galaxy far, far away.