Star Wars is unfortunately well known for its toxic community, though there are even times that the organization itself will take a stand against the toxicity.
To celebrate Pride month, Star Wars revealed the variant cover for Bounty #24 to celebrate Pride month, artist Jan Bazaldua, featuring the couple T’ongo and Losha.
However, in the comments of this announcement many people unfairly criticised the move. One person in particular however, attracted the rightful ire of the Star Wars twitter account.
FM posted “don’t make Star Wars political” under the comic, which prompted the Star Wars account to reply with the following:
1. Queer characters existing isn’t political
— Star Wars (@starwars) June 15, 2022
2. Star WARS is literally in our name
Star Wars is right to point out the political factor in its name, as war is a highly political act.
This has always been a political franchise, whether fans look to the prequel, sequel, original trilogy or animated affairs. Indeed, George Lucas created this universe as a way to criticise what he saw as a failing democracy in the United States.
Star Wars will be creating a number of variant comic covers, featuring LGBTQIA+ characters from the franchise, created by LGBTQIA+ artists.
Unfortunately, this is only the latest in a long line of intolerant behaviour from the fanbase.
Many fans have taken to posting racist messages to Moses Ingram, the actress who plays the Third Sister in Obi Wan Kenobi, with many directed at her via her Instagram page.
Ingram has also spoken out about the hate she has received, saying “There’s nothing anyone can do about this. There’s nothing anybody can do to stop this hate.”
Lucasfilm and Star Wars fans have rallied around Ingram, sending her messages of support. Both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen have come up in support of Ingram, with latter saying “I think she has done a good job.”
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