DC Comics, who recently brought us gay and lesbian comic book heroes Alan Scott (a.k.a., the Green Lantern) and Kathy Kane (the Batwoman), has introduced the first transgender character in a mainstream comic book series.

In the recently released Batgirl #19, Alysia Yeoh and Batgirl alter ego Barbara Gordon share a tearful exchange, where Alysia – who is also bisexual – comes out to Barbara as a transgender woman.

See below (Click on image to enlarge):

From Batgirl #19, DC Comics.

Writer Gail Simone told Wired magazine she decided to introduce the character when she realized just how many of her friends and fans were LGBTQ. “It just hit me: Why was this so impossible? Why in the world can we not do a better job of representation of not just humanity, but also our own loyal audience?”

Simone said believes that diversity isn’t just a continuing issue for superhero comics: “It’s the issue for superhero comics.”

To that end, Simone said she will add another transgender character to a different comic that she’s writing — but isn’t prepared to talk about which one.