Is Gwen Trans in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
It's been lengthy speculated that Gwen Stacy is transgender, and there's evidence in 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' that confirms this concept.
Spoiler alert: This article comprises spoilers for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
After just about five years, Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) has returned to the large display screen in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse — and he or she's better than ever. The badass Spider-Woman variant is the drummer of a rock band and a member of the Spider-Society, a group consisting of Spider-People from trade universes who give protection to the Multiverse.
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Besides finding out more about her origins and life as a superhero on Earth-65, many fans have spotted clues that Gwen is also transgender. Read on for information about the idea and the proof that helps it!
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So, is Gwen trans in 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'?
Following the film's cushy release on Thursday, June 1, a fan on Twitter shared their ideas on Gwen's characterization in Across the Spider-Verse. They wrote, "Idk if this is crazy to say this but… I feel like Gwen [could] be trans… whether she actually is or isn't, doesn't make me mad, but if she is, I hope they shine more light on it."
Many took to the comments section and agreed: "Whether or not she is, her story is extremely trans-coded and could definitely be taken as an allegory for coming out," one fan replied. Another commented, "I honestly think it would be kinda cool if she was tbh, but that's just me tho."
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Others have been quick to point out the evidence in the film. At one point, Gwen is in her bedroom; in the background is a trans flag putting above her door with the phrases "protect trans kids" written on it.
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Eagle-eyed audience also spotted a trans flag pin on her father's police uniform, and plenty of noticed the colour palette of Gwen's universe is composed of the identical pinks, blues, and whites found in the trans flag.
The film doesn't outright ascertain Gwen is trans, but we need to admit — that's a large number of proof. Now, although Gwen being trans isn't canon, lovers in finding her story to be a powerful metaphor for the struggles trans youngsters face.
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I actually concept the "Gwen is trans" stuff in ATSV used to be just Twitter doing its standard factor but no it is AGGRESSIVELY loud about it
Being draped in the trans colours while giving a speech about having to hide half of yourself from the folks you love is as refined as a brick
— GROVEL, HUMANS! It's ZOE!!! (@Blankzilla) June 5, 2023For one, she lives a double existence and is too afraid to reveal her true self to her father. When she does tell him, he rejects her because he believes the lies and misconceptions about her identity. But in the finish, the two reconcile, and Gwen's father rightfully embraces her for who she is.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now in theaters.
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