In late May, DC Comics announced one of their major characters who was previously identified as 'straight' would officially change his sexual orientation to 'gay'. The story attracted major media buzz, but as any comic book fanboy (or girl) will tell you, LGBT themes in mainstream American comics have been prevalent for decades.

Of all the entertainment mediums, the comic book industry has arguably led the charge in bringing LGBT issues to the forefront of the public forum. Superheroes and villains like Northstar, Rawhide Kid, Colossus, Batwoman, Wiccan, Hulkling, Apollo, The Midnighter, Rictor, Shatterstar, Manhunter, Naked Justice, Pied Piper, and, yes, Sailor Uranus have either fought or committed crimes while openly gay or bi. Their stories paralleled the struggles between coming to grips with their super powers or abilities and with society's acceptance of their sexuality.

So, with Alan Scott's 'outing', we're taking a look at other comic book characters who've predominantly been 'classified' as heterosexual that could probably be gay or bi-sexual. Are we judging based on archaic stereotypes? In some cases, yes. But, it's all in good fun, so check your PC at the alternate dimension and get nerdy in the comments.

Aquaman (Arthur Curry)

DC Comics
DC Comics
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This founding member of the Justice League of America dealt with A LOT of sailors and pirates while patrolling the seas. He was often ostracized for being half-human, half-fish. Fans will cite that while King, he met and married Mera, a queen from a water-based dimension. They soon had a son, Arthur, Jr. aka Aquababy (who'd become Aqualad). However, Aquaman would have to resign from the JLA to work on his marriage with Mera.

In modern retellings of Aquaman's origins he'd met, fell in love with, and had a baby with a different girl before meeting, marrying, and having a baby with Mera. She would later blame him for their son's death, attack him, and get committed to an insane asylum.  When she left him to return to her dimension, she claimed he never really knew her. Smell like a beard to anyone else?

She-Hulk (JENNIFER WALTERS)

Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
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Bruce Banner's cousin had a rocky relationship with her father, then deduced that her interaction with Starfox had not been consensual even though he hadn't used his powers on her.

While engaged to Wyatt Wingfoot, corrupt S.H.I.E.L.D. agents forced her to get nude under the guise of precaution only to use it for personal pleasure. She later married John Jameson aka Man-Wolf, the son of 'Daily Bugle' publisher (and Peter Parker's boss) Jonah Jameson. However, that was determined to be the result of a 'love zap' from Starfox.

She's also hooked up with Iron Man and made a pass at Wolverine. There were rumors she had sex with Juggernaut, which she denied. Her crush is Hercules but he failed to meet her expectations. Men have been nothing but trouble for her, and most of them can't accept her in Hulk form. Maybe she just needs a woman who's more in touch with her feelings.

Loki

Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
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The adoptive brother and archenemy of Thor started off as the God of Lies and Mischief but quickly became the God of Evil as he wouldn't rest until Thor was vanquished and control over several worlds was his. After the 'Ragnarok' aka 'The Twilight of the Gods', in which Asgard appeared to be eradicated, Loki returned in female form. It was revealed that Loki retained his male form but hid himself inside a female body (which originally belonged to Thor's reborn lover Sif) to convince Thor he'd changed. A man who's comfortable in a woman's skin? He's like the Bugs Bunny of Asgard.

We're no fanboys, but we've rarely read anything about his interaction with or affinity for females.

Wonder WomaN (PRINCESS DIANA)

DC Comics
DC Comics
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The most popular female superhero in comics is also considered a feminist icon. Her creator,  William Moulton Marston, described her as a 'distinctly feminist role model whose mission was to bring the Amazon ideals of love, peace, and sexual equality to a world torn by the hatred of men'.  It's been reported the character is inspired by Marston's wife and Olive Byrne, who lived with the couple in a polygamous/polyamorous relationship.

Fans know that Wonder Woman's powers would be removed in accordance with "Aphrodite's Law" if she allowed herself to be bound or chained by a male. So, looks like she has to save the BDSM for the ladies.

Robin / NIGHTWING (DICK GRAYSON)

DC Comics
DC Comics
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We really don't understand why Batman - typically dressed in darker colors in an attempt to blend into the shadows - would take on an understudy that galavanted around town in bright yellow, green, and red - the three colors that catch the eye the most.

Regardless, Robin's medieval look was inspired by 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' (ironic since that character's known for robbing from the rich - like Bruce Wayne - and giving to the poor), and his creation was the result of Batman being forever alone - the Dark Knight needed someone to talk to instead of just thought bubbling all the time.

There have been five different people who've played Robin - Dick Grayson, Jason Peter Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Damian Wayne. But, it's Dick who's most closely tied to the character. The kid from an acrobat family who saw his parents killed has a close - some would say homoerotic - relationship with Batman / Bruce Wayne that goes beyond surrogate father-son or even big brother / little brother.

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