The LGBTQ+ community has some of the most talented, wise, and loving people in the world. Their experiences and lives can teach us so many beautiful things, and it’s a shame most of us don’t know who they are. Their stories of strength, ingenuity, and love have mostly fallen by the wayside because most people invalidate them because of their sexuality.
With that in mind, let us spotlight the fictional people who represent this community and what we can learn from their stories.
Harley Quinn (DC Universe) – Personal Narrative 
A colorful and funny anti-hero, a longtime member of the Suicide Squad, and the woman who stood up to the Joker, Harley Quinn shows us that taking control over your life is difficult, but it’s always worth it. After years of unrequited love, physical, and psychological trauma from one of DC’s most notorious villains, and advice from her future lover, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn fumbles, but succeeds to end the never-ending cycle of the nightmare of a relationship she found herself in.
Marceline (Adventure Time) – Valuing Relationships
Part demon, part vampire, and all parts rock-star, Marceline shows us that the right people can heal a broken heart. Starting of as rude, angry, and apathetic, because of her abandonment issues, Marceline chooses to be free of the people who hurt her in the past, so that she might be able to embrace those who love her in the present like her friend Finn, and her girlfriend, Princess Bubblegum.
Asami Sato (Legend of Korra) – Ingenuity
Owner of Future Industries, a talented engineer, and a member of her generation’s Team Avatar, Asami Sato shows us that our mind is our greatest tool. She may not be able to bend the elements to her will like her girlfriend, Avatar Korra, Asami manages to combat evil through her mastery of technology, inventiveness, and excellent strategic mind.
Raymond Holt (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) – Self-Control
The composed, focused, and hardworking police captain of the 99th Precinct, Captain Raymond Holt shows us that self-control would help us succeed. He may seem like an emotionless killjoy, but in reality, Captain Holt has managed to take full-control of his emotions. Giving him a sharp mind that has helped him make sound decisions, work well with erratic colleagues, and most importantly, make his city a better place to live.
Valkyrie (Marvel Cinematic Universe) – Bravery
A proud and noble warrior, and the current King of Asgard, Valkyrie shows us that being brave may be difficult, but it is possible. We first saw her as a broken, apathetic alcoholic in Thor Ragnarok who refuses to serve anyone but herself. But when she got an opportunity to face her terrifying past in the hands of Hela, Goddess of Death, she overcomes her fears and battles Hela for the fate of the people of Asgard.
