Change doesn't happen overnight. Rather, it evolves slowly, painfully, with casualties along the way. Harvey Milk said that only when all gay and gender queer folks come out to those close to them will we "break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions." Likewise, each time a television show features a gay character who isn't a walking, talking, lisping stereotype or a public figure comes out as either gay or a supporter of gay rights (thanks, Mr. President!), it unsettles our culture's heteronormative attitudes and brings queerness out of "the other" and into the mainstream. (This is what PrideFest is all about.)
Enter the world of mainstream superhero comics, which to the casual onlooker appear to foster sexist ideas (men are men, women are ass, tits and pouty lips, et cetera). But the once heavily-censored pages have been filling with gay characters for more than two decades, and their appearances have become more pronounced and more frequent in recent years. But it wasn't until today that two men* in Marvel Comics tied the knot.
To celebrate, Star Clipper (6392 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-725-9110 or starclipper.com) is hosting a "wedding reception" for Northstar and Kyle, who married today in Astonishing X-Men #51. Kyle worked for Northstar (a Flash-like mutant and professional skier), managing his skiing career. Love bloomed on the pages via so many ink blots, speech bubbles and frames.
The reception began this afternoon with the delivery of a multi-tiered, gluten-free, vegan wedding cake. Be sure to sign the guestbook, which will be shipped off to One Million Moms as a friendly reminder that love's a whole lot more powerful than hate. And just like a live action wedding, the highlight of the party comes at 6 p.m. when the members of Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship! man the mixer for a celebratory, reception-style dance party.
Christopher Eilers of SFYYR! advises guests to "bring your awkward slow-dancin' shoes" and come armed with requests. When asked if they've prepared any special selections to commemorate this event, Eilers quipped: "Our songs will be based on love, not sexual preference -- the way marriage should be." Well played. sir.
*Well, one man and one mutant.
