Top 10 LGBTQ+ Pop Culture, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Characters

Pop culture has always been at its best when it reflects the wide variety of people who love it. Over the years, comics, movies, television, video games, and science fiction have introduced memorable LGBTQ+ heroes, villains, and antiheroes whose stories have inspired fans around the world.

Here's our countdown of ten of the most iconic LGBTQ+ characters in pop culture.

10. Ellie (The Last of Us)

Long before HBO's acclaimed adaptation, Ellie became one of gaming's most beloved protagonists. Her relationship with Riley in Left Behind and later with Dina helped establish one of gaming's most authentic LGBTQ+ storylines. Ellie is courageous, flawed, and fiercely determined, making her one of modern gaming's defining heroes.

9. Mystique (Marvel)

While Mystique's sexuality has evolved through decades of storytelling, she's long been portrayed as bisexual and has one of Marvel's most enduring same-sex relationships with Destiny. Together, they've become one of the publisher's most influential couples and helped pave the way for more LGBTQ+ representation in superhero comics.

8. Harley Quinn (DC)

Harley Quinn's relationship with Poison Ivy has become one of DC's most celebrated romances. Whether in comics, animation, or television, Harley's journey from chaotic villain to antihero has resonated with fans, while her romance with Ivy has become a cornerstone of modern DC storytelling.

7. Deadpool (Marvel)

The Merc with a Mouth has often been described as pansexual by creator and writers alike. While his relationships are usually played with humor, Deadpool's openness and unpredictability have made him one of Marvel's most recognizable LGBTQ+ characters.

6. Captain Jack Harkness (Doctor Who / Torchwood)

One of science fiction's most charismatic adventurers, Captain Jack never let gender or species define who he loved. His confidence, humor, and heroism helped make him a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ character on television.

5. Poison Ivy (DC)

Brilliant, dangerous, and fiercely protective of the natural world, Poison Ivy has evolved into far more than a Batman villain. Her relationship with Harley Quinn has become one of comics' most beloved romances and has helped redefine both characters for a new generation.

4. Iceman (Marvel)

As one of the original X-Men, Bobby Drake's coming-out story decades into his publication history sparked plenty of conversation. Since then, Iceman has become one of Marvel's flagship LGBTQ+ superheroes while continuing to serve as a core member of the X-Men.

3. Korra (The Legend of Korra)

The ending of The Legend of Korra changed animated television forever. Korra and Asami's relationship broke new ground for mainstream animation and helped pave the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in family-friendly storytelling.

2. Wiccan (Marvel)

Billy Kaplan has become one of Marvel's most powerful young heroes. Alongside his husband Hulkling, Wiccan represents one of the strongest and healthiest superhero relationships in comics. Their marriage stands as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Marvel's universe.

1. Northstar (Marvel)

When discussing LGBTQ+ superheroes, it's impossible not to recognize Northstar. As one of the first openly gay superheroes from a major comic publisher, and the first to headline a same-sex wedding in mainstream superhero comics, Northstar helped open doors for countless characters who followed. His influence extends far beyond the pages of the X-Men, making him one of the most important LGBTQ+ figures in comic book history.