How Black Lightning Is Making LGBTQ+ History With This Character

Black Lightning is electrifying fans for all the right reasons. The show, which centers on a retired black superhero named Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams), is a welcome addition for people of color craving to see more heroic characters who look like them. Jefferson isn't the only one who's filling a gap in pop culture, though. Anissa Pierce is the daughter of Black Lightning and a superhero in her own right (she goes by Thunder), and the role is an important one for many of the show's young audience. She has superpowers just like her father, and will make LGBTQ+ history when she becomes the first black lesbian superhero ever portrayed on TV.

"I'm really honored," Nafessa Williams, who plays Thunder in the CW series, told The Advocate. "I'm really proud to play a role for young lesbian women to see themselves [and] to see how loving and supportive the family is. I believe that family of lesbian and gay teenagers need to see that, if they're struggling with accepting their child's sexuality."

Anissa's sexuality will definitely be explored on the show, which was created by Salim and Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane). According to IMDb, actress Chantal Thuy will appear as Grace Choi, a bartender who strikes up a romantic relationship with Anissa just like she does in DC's comic books. This wouldn't be the first time The CW has opened the door for LGBTQ+ characters in its DC superhero lineup, however. In 2016, Alex Danvers (Chyler Leigh) came out as a lesbian on Supergirl not long after then-executive producer Andrew Kreisberg revealed that one of the show's characters would come out as gay that season.

Suffice it to say, many fans are looking forward to witnessing Anissa's storyline unfold as the first live-action black lesbian superhero. Keep reading to see some of the heartfelt reactions to the news that will make you even more excited about upcoming episodes of Black Lightning.