The introduction of America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) in Doctor Strange 2 aka Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been a cause for concern for some countries. You’ve probably seen it on the news or heard it from a friend that there was footage, of an LGBTQ nature, in the Multiverse of Madness that certain groups or administrations wanted to be cut out of the final release.
After watching the movie, I can confirm that those 12 seconds in Doctor Strange 2 we’re absolutely essential to who Chavez is. They help flesh out her character and set the stage for something unlike many have seen but have been waiting for. That’s why I’m so glad they kept those 12 seconds and didn’t back down when push came to shove. Those moments mattered to Chavez and they matter to us in the LGBTQ community.
This comes at a time when Disney is bearing the brunt of taking a stance against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The Governor of Florida is trying all he can to destroy the rights of LGBTQ people within his state. And Disney not backing him has wrinkled his plan and made it harder for his continued attempts to take away the rights of his constituents.
This also comes at a time, or at a time that has been building up, where Marvel has been questioned about their efforts in including LGBTQ representation in their movies. Chavez is that opportunity to move the needle and I think that they as an entity recognize that actionable change is needed with absolute certainty that they have never understood before.
Ultimately, Chavez is an important step forward for representation in one of the single greatest properties in the world. Because these 12 seconds aren’t nearly enough to fill the gaps we’ve felt when it comes to LGBTQ representation in the media that we consume via the MCU. And I’m glad that Xochitl Gomez‘ America Chavez has joined that effort to expand on the stories that matter to us as a community and people.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters on May 6, 2022.
