Supergirl to feature television’s first transgender superhero
Supergirl is to become the first live-action TV series to feature a transgender superhero.
Activist and actor Nicole Maines, who is transgender herself, will play the role of Nia Nal, who becomes known as Dreamer.
Shown in the UK on Sky One, Supergirl is based on DC Comics character of the same name and is set in the same universe as other comic book characters such as The Flash and Arrow.
Nia Nal will be introduced in Supergirl’s upcoming fourth season.
The new character will be
introduced as an employee of Catco Worldwide Media.
The character has been described as “a soulful young transgender woman with a fierce drive to protect others”.
Speaking to Variety, Nicole Maines said: “It seems only fitting that we have a trans superhero for trans kids to look up to,” she said at Comic Con in San Diego, California.
“I want fans to take away an understanding of trans people. We can be anybody, we can be who we want, we can be superheroes - because in many ways we are.”
She added she wants viewers to realise that a trans character’s plotline doesn’t have to revolve around them being trans.
“Nia is so much more than just a trans superhero. She is a reporter, she is hopeful, she’s powerful, wise and such a good friend.”