Ever since the Comics Code Authority (C.C.A.) was established in 1954, comic book creators have been limited in their ability to depict LGBT characters as well as drug use and other controversial topics. In the ’50s and ’60s, it was illegal (in the United States) to be gay, so it was considered taboo and part of the counterculture. It wasn’t until the ’70s and ’80s that comic book creators began introducing characters that could be described as having gay ‘traits’ without outright declaring them as LGBT. The C.C.A. required absolutely no mention of homosexuality until they lifted that ban in 1989, and as the country became more progressive in its understanding and acceptance of the LGBT community, creators continued to buck the system and introduce compelling characters that were relatable to more people. Here are 15 influential LGBT characters who appeared in comics before the code was finally abandoned.
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