Genderfluid Makes it to the MCU – Why that’s Important and What is Still Left to Be Said

Last month Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans where abuzz with the official revelation that Loki, a god of Asgard from Norse mythology and purveyor of curved and pointy hats, is genderfluid and/or non-binary. Various publications have used either or both terms. For this post I am going with genderfluid based on this interview with actor Tom Hiddleston who has brought Marvel’s Loki to life for us.

Now, as a fan of mythology more than the MCU, I could not help but think of Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse, and chuckle. Sleipnir was Loki’s son after he turned in a horse, a female horse specifically, and birthed the mighty stallion. While I am all here for it, this corner of Norse mythology is probably one too far for the MCU.

My own amusement aside, this in-canon statement is significant for many, many people. Before we get to that let’s take a look at terms in play. Gender is a socially constructed expression. It is different from sex. The World Health Organizationsummarizes gender beautifully. 

Non-binary (also spelled nonbinary) or genderqueer is an umbrella term for any gender identity that does not fall strictly into a male/female dichotomy. That is to say, a gender identity that is not strictly female or strictly male. From there the terms become more specific such as… 

·      Having two or more genders: bigender or trigender,

·      Having no gender: agender, nongendered, genderless, genderfree,

·      Having no name attached to gender: third gender or other-gendered,

·      And fluctuating along the gender spectrum: gender fluid,

This is another reason I am going with genderfluid in this post – it appears to be most specific to the character. Granted, the mythological Loki may have been more species-fluid than genderfluid but, again, that is probably pushing the MCU a little too far. So, let’s get back to MCU Loki and why his gender identity in one of the most popular and expansive cinema franchises is so important.

Loki is an extremely popular character within the MCU.  Many enjoy and identify with the trickster god of Asgard. Having such a popular character be genderfluid rather than writing him off as a shape-changing mischief maker opens many doors for fans and viewers.

For one, the validation this provides is huge. Loki is not a side character. He is not a footnote. He is so popular he has his own TV show. His gender identity is accepted and acceptable. It is a fundamental part of Loki’s identity and character just as it is for genderfluid fans. There will be viewers who are seeing themselves for the first time in Loki, have a name for their experience for the first time, or have had their experience validated for the first time.

For another, this is an entry point for difficult personal discussions. Representation always makes these conversations easier. A genderfluid individual can now use Loki as both a positive example and a jumping off point for conversations with the people in their lives.

There is, however, still much to be done. This is regrettable. Given Loki’s popularity so much could be done with and said about this character. I spent an hour with every search variation I could think of to find news articles exploring the importance of a main stream character outside of the gender binary. I was surprised that I could not find a single major or moderate publication that said anything more than “MCU Loki is genderfluid. It says so in the comics and mythology so here we are.”

I also checked with queer colleagues who are watching the show to confirm what is being done with this fact in the show. I was saddened to learn the answer is nothing, really. Loki is presenting as female but that appears to be it. This makes what was originally an exciting announcement feel more like token representation.

Tokenism is the practice of making a minimal effort or concession, particularly to a minority or oppressed group. This is regularly enacted when a company, property, etc. wants to give the appearance of being inclusive or accepting. The Guardian had two particular articles this year that highlighted companies that fund anti-LGBTQIA+ activities while also selling themed merchandise during Pride month. These articles can be found here and here. Dance Magazine also published a pointed and accurate article on tokenism earlier this year.

Tokenism is cheap. It is not a starting point so much as a throw away, and given Marvel’s justification that Loki is genderfluid in both the comics and the original mythology this new canon, while important, does not put the company at much risk. There has been nothing, so my research tells me, that cannot be edited out for foreign markets, such as China, were the MCU is also popular, as pointed out by The Federalist.

When all is said and done, Loki’s gender identity is important but as media consumers we should not stop at one-off token representation. We must continue to demand meaningful content and representation. Maybe we need to have the birth of Sleipnir in the MCU after all.

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