Marvel confirms that Loki is gender-fluid: “It’s always been there”

Marvel Studios confirmed what fans (especially comic book fans) have long known: Loki is gender-fluid. The revelation came about in a new teaser ahead of tomorrow’s premiere of Loki on Disney+.

A person identifying as gender-fluid is someone who does not identify with a fixed gender. As someone who can shape-shift at will, Loki’s identity has always been fluid, but it was made explicit in the 2014 issue of Marvel Comics Original Sin #5.5. Odin refers to his kids as “my son and my daughter, and my child who is both,” confirming that the God of Mischief does not conform to one gender over another.

Loki being gender-fluid in the Disney+ series was a given

The trickster god has often alternated between male and female in Marvel Comics. In Norse mythology Loki, has appeared in many forms and genders. In one instance, he appears as a mare and gives birth to an 8-legged foal that becomes Odin’s steed. As a shapeshifting god, Loki can take any form they wish, animal or human, and can take on the form of different genders as well.

In other words, being gender-fluid is kind of a given. The character has always been that way, in comics and in the mythology from which they evolved.

Inverse spoke about the confirmation with Loki head writer Michael Waldron, who talked about the show’s dedication to representation and the commitment to confirm Loki’s gender identity. “I know how many people identify with Loki in particular and are eager for that representation, especially with this character. We worked really hard.”

Tom Hiddleston agreed. “It’s always been there in the comics for some time and in the history of the character for hundreds, if not thousands of years,” he said.

Though this news is only confirmation of what fans already knew, it’s a big deal for Marvel Studios as they work to introduce even more diversity into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. November’s Eternals will introduce an incredibly diverse team of heroes, including Lauren Ridley making her debut as the MCU’s first deaf superhero.

As for Loki’s show, you can watch the first episode tomorrow!

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h/t NME