Gay Wedding In Archie Comics Sparks Global Debate

source: Gay Wedding In Archie Comics Sparks Global Debate - Tying The Knott Wedding Planning Community

In 2010 Archie comics caused a stir when they introduced their first gay character — Kevin Keller. Now, the recent announcement that Keller will get married in the January 2012 issue of the Archie comic has sparked off an international debate. While many feel the first gay wedding in Riverdale marks a milestone, there are some who think it’s an unnecessary move by the comic publishers.

“The mainstream hetero-sexual community may feel the need to debate because they don’t know much about the gay community. Yes, debating is good, but one must be willing to digest the other point of view,” says Shobhna S. Kumar, founder-director of Queer Ink, an online retail site for books on gay themes. Jatin Verma, founder of Comic Con India, says, “I don’t see any harm in introducing a gay wedding in Archie, considering it’s legal in many parts of the US. I don’t see any reason why people should get offended!”

Fans are also excited. “It’s a wonderful idea, but I’m unsure about the response from Indian readers. Archie comics, in a way, introduced concepts like dating to young ones, then why not this?,” says Deepak Chennakkadan, 18, a diehard Archie fan. Jasleen Singh, 21, a Delhi University student, says, “I think it’s a great idea. It’s a cool twist to the usual predictable stuff, I must say. I am really looking forward to reading it.” Swaha Kumar, 24, a gay rights supporter, says, “If a comic book as widely accepted and popular as Archie is promoting the concept, I am sure this will pave the way for positive change in society.”

However, there are some who disagree. “It’s unfortunate that a comic book series usually seen as depicting innocent, all-American life is now being used to advance the sexual revolution,” said Peter Spriggs, a senior fellow at the Family Research Council — a Washington DC-based lobbying organization promoting Christian views, in a Fox News interview. “I don’t know how much it will help in India. Here, we are far from the marriage topic, we're just now asking for equal rights,” says Mohnish Kabir Malhotra, gay rights activist.

More Iconic Comics Coming Out With Gay Characters Include:

Batman: Ever since the 50s, there's been speculation that Batman is gay, and possibly in a relationship with his sidekick Robin. Several female characters in the modern age Batman comic books are lesbian.

Spider-Man: A few months ago, Marvel Comics had revealed that Spider-Man has been given a makeover as an Afro-Latino. The creators said that in the future they would not rule out making him gay.

Sherlock Holmes: A new television version of Sherlock Holmes hints at a relationship between the detective and his sidekick Watson. The pair also have a meal in London’s gay district Soho.