A Brief History of Gay Action Figures

Is Mayor Pete the first gay action figure?

Since we released the Mayor Pete Action Figure, one of the most common questions we've been getting is whether he is the first gay action figure ever. As it turns out, he's not even our first gay action figure, as you'll see in a moment. But we loved the topic and decided to do a little deep dive on it. 

Most of the time, toy companies don't really get specific about the sexual orientation of their products, because they don't really have to (we're looking at you, Ken!)

But plenty of action figure have well known backstory's and it turns out there's actually a surprising amount of LGBTQ+ representation in the action figure world. 
Let's take a look at some of the best ones, starting with...

1. Billie Jean King Action Figure (FCTRY)

Yep, that's right. Our first openly gay action figure was actually tennis champion and feminist icon Billie Jean King (hardcore fans will remember). Mayor Pete really wanted that accolade...sorry, Pete! You're the first to do a lot of other things.

2. Northstar (Marvel)

Northstar is one of the first openly gay superheroes in mainstream American comic books. An action figure of Northstar has been released as part of Marvel’s toy lines.

3. Deadpool (Marvel)

Deadpool's queer identity is characterized by his fluid and nonconforming approach to gender and sexuality, and this beautiful model totally caught our eye. 

4. Batwoman (DC)

DC's beloved Batwoman is openly lesbian, and several action figures of her character have been released.

5. Poison Ivy (DC)

While primarily depicted as bisexual, Poison Ivy has been shown in relationships with both men and women, notably Harley Quinn.

6. Harley Quinn (DC)

Similar to Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn is often depicted as bisexual, particularly in her relationship with Poison Ivy. Harley Quinn has been designed in many varied styles, and many different looking Harley action figures are available.

7. Wiccan (Marvel)

Wiccan, also known as Billy Kaplan, is a gay superhero and member of the Young Avengers. 

8. Shiro (Voltron)

Shiro, a character from the animated series “Voltron: Legendary Defender,” is openly gay. 

9. Iceman (Marvel)

Iceman, a founding member of the X-Men, is depicted as gay in recent comic storylines, and makes for an awesome looking action figure.

10. Mystique (Marvel)

Mystique is often depicted as bisexual, with relationships with both men and women.

11. Daken (Marvel)

Daken, the son of Wolverine, is depicted as bisexual in the comics. 

12. Ellie (The Last of Us)

Ellie, the main character from the video game “The Last of Us,” is depicted as a lesbian.

13. Korra (The Legend of Korra)

Korra, the protagonist of the animated series “The Legend of Korra,” is bisexual.

14. Asami Sato (The Legend of Korra)

Asami, another main character from “The Legend of Korra,” is bisexual and is in a relationship with Korra. 

15. Ian Gallagher (Shameless)

Ian Gallagher, a character from the TV show “Shameless,” is openly gay. There are action figures of Ian available, particularly through custom or niche collectible markets.

16. Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus (Sailor Moon)

These characters are depicted as a lesbian couple in the “Sailor Moon” series. Their relationship is so popular, that there is even a collectible of them together, honoring their love.

17. Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully (The X-Files)

Although not openly depicted as LGBTQ+ in the series, Gillian Anderson, who plays Dana Scully, is openly bisexual. 

18. Ruby Rose as Batwoman (DC)

Ruby Rose, who portrayed Batwoman in the TV series, is openly genderfluid and queer. 

19. George Takei as Sulu (Star Trek)

Best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original “Star Trek” series, George Takei is a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and openly gay. 

20. RuPaul 

RuPaul, the famous drag queen and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has had several collectible figures and dolls made in his likeness, celebrating his impact on popular culture and the LGBTQ+ community.

21. David Bowie

While David Bowie identified as bisexual earlier in his career, he later said he was a “closet heterosexual.” Nevertheless, he is often celebrated for his fluid gender expression and his impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

22. Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal TV Series)

The TV series “Hannibal” depicts a complex relationship between Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham that has been interpreted by many as having homoerotic elements.

23. Willow Rosenberg (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Willow is a lesbian character from the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Do you have a favorite Queer collectible? Besides Mayor Pete of course...If so, who is it?