Star Wars Has Introduced Its First Gay Hero

They may have starships and lightsabers, but only now is the Star Wars universe getting with the times…

Yes, the beloved sci-fi franchise is getting its first lead gay character when a new book written around the saga hits shelves.

Bridging the gap between Return of the Jedi and forthcoming blockbuster The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Aftermath presents us with Sinjir Rath Velus, an Imperial traitor who works for rebellion - and who later reveals his sexuality after spurning the advances of a female character.

While fans may be quick to point out villain Moff Delian Mors came out in recent book Lords of the Sith, and so too fellow lesbian Juhani, who featured in 2003’s video game Knight of the Old Republic - well done, you - this the first openly gay major hero in the series.

It’s also something author Chuck Wendig was keen to do properly: "I don't want it to seem like a glib choice,” he told Entertainment Weekly, “I think it's fundamental to who he is, in terms of character.” 

Adding, “Especially since you don’t necessarily see it as much – not just in Star Wars but just in science-fiction… comics are just starting to figure out that that [LGBT men and women] exist in the world.”

Who knows, maybe this will be enough to make C3PO finally declare his undying love to R2-D2.

Read the full interview here