A focus on themes of coming of age and being an outsider, all while centering a person who is still figuring out their own identity, invariably aligns with the lived experiences many LGBTQ+ fans have gone through in their own lives. Going through very awkward teenage years, coming to terms with who you are as a person, and the isolation that comes with growing up different are all hallmarks of both Supergirl comics and being queer.
Supergirl goes through this relatable, deeply human drama, all while engaging in cosmic battles and helping those in need. For LGBTQ+ readers, Supergirl points to a bright future where they can beat the obstacles they face while going through incredibly isolating and turbulent times.
Characters such as Superman and Batman do indeed get to show a recognizably human side in their stories. The Death of Superman crossover comic event revealed that Superman could die just like any regular citizen in the streets of Metropolis. In Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, readers are exposed to a much darker story that takes on the corrupting influence of power while also showing an older, grittier Batman.
These are just two famous examples of stories in which superheroes step off the pedestal of unstoppable forces of good and become relatable, even if just slightly. There’s a long-running archive of these stories with many other big name characters — but none stand out quite as much as the stories about Supergirl.
Rarely do comic readers get a real coming of age story for any other character like they do for Supergirl, and few other DC characters have such a frequent emphasis on thematic elements and storylines with a close relation to queer lives. Even when she’s joining the Red Lanterns or battling galactic warlords, fans are still exposed to the parts of her that are undeniably flawed, unsure of herself, and human.
So yes, Supergirl might just swing both ways, as Alcock put it. But Supergirl also functions as a narrative capsule for stories many queer comic fans can take from the page and into their own lives. Although she’s not a perfect LGBTQ+ icon, Supergirl’s status is undoubtedly endearing with queer readers.