Gabby Rivera: The story of Marvel's first queer Latina superhero | TED

Summary

In this heartfelt and powerful talk, the speaker reflects on their journey of writing for Marvel's first Latina lesbian superhero, America Chavez. They share how growing up in the Bronx, surrounded by strong Puerto Rican women, influenced their approach to storytelling, and how they aimed to portray America’s vulnerability and humanity, alongside her strength. By weaving in themes of family, self-care, and cultural heritage, the speaker highlights the importance of compassion and community in both personal growth and superhero narratives. The speaker's personal experiences and mentorships shape America's journey, emphasizing that softness can coexist with power, and both are necessary for true healing and liberation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's childhood was filled with insecurities, feeling disconnected from superheroes who seemed larger-than-life, both physically and emotionally.
• 😀 Instead of superheroes, the speaker found heroes in their family, particularly the strong, resilient Puerto Rican women from the Bronx.
• 😀 The women in the speaker's family were storytellers who provided rich, nurturing narratives about navigating life in the Bronx, helping the speaker to connect with their own identity and creativity.
• 😀 The speaker wrote a young-adult novel, 'Juliet Takes a Breath,' which led to an opportunity to write for Marvel Comics, specifically for the character America Chavez, Marvel's first Latina lesbian superhero.
• 😀 America Chavez, a character who can punch portals into other dimensions, symbolized the strength and survival instinct that resonated deeply with the speaker's own upbringing in the Bronx.
• 😀 The speaker wanted to give America Chavez the space to explore vulnerability, something the speaker felt was absent in their own upbringing, where toughness was emphasized over self-care and emotional openness.
• 😀 In America’s story, the speaker gives her the permission to be soft, to take time for self-reflection, and to heal, embodying a balance between strength and vulnerability.
• 😀 America Chavez goes on a superhero sabbatical and attends 'Justice Sonia Sotomayor University,' where her journey of growth and self-discovery continues through challenging experiences, including her limited powers.
• 😀 Through her mentor, Storm, one of the most powerful X-Men superheroes, America learns that inner peace and vulnerability are vital to accessing true strength and wisdom.
• 😀 The speaker explores themes of ancestry, family, and cultural history, showing that deep self-reflection and connection to one's roots can help young people, especially queer kids of color, find their strength and purpose.
• 😀 Ultimately, the script emphasizes that softness and vulnerability are not signs of weakness but powerful tools for healing, connection, and justice, especially for marginalized individuals.
• 😀 The message is clear: superheroes need support, compassion, and vulnerability to fully embody their power, just as America Chavez learns that to be truly super, she must embrace both her strength and her softness.

Q & A

Why did the speaker initially feel disconnected from superheroes?

The speaker felt disconnected from superheroes because they perceived them as symbols of physical strength, good looks, and power—qualities that they didn't identify with. Instead, they described themselves as nervous and soft, which they believed superheroes and even bullies did not accommodate.

How did the speaker's family influence their perspective on strength?

The speaker's family, particularly the Puerto Rican women in their life—such as their tías, abuelas, and mother—were role models of resilience. They were hardworking, strong individuals who worked in demanding professions, and their lives and stories shaped the speaker’s view of strength as rooted in compassion, storytelling, and perseverance rather than toughness.

What was the significance of the speaker’s novel 'Juliet Takes a Breath' in their career?

'Juliet Takes a Breath,' the speaker's young-adult novel about a chubby, queer Puerto Rican girl navigating sexuality and identity, marked a significant milestone. It caught the attention of Marvel Comics, leading them to be chosen to write the solo series for America Chavez, Marvel's first Latina lesbian superhero.

How is America Chavez depicted in the Marvel Universe, and why is her story significant?

America Chavez is portrayed as a tough, Latina superhero with the ability to punch portals into other dimensions. Her story is significant because she represents both a queer and Latina identity, offering a much-needed representation in superhero comics. Her personal struggles, particularly the loss of her mothers, highlight themes of survival and strength.

What is the key theme the speaker wanted to explore in America Chavez's character?

The speaker wanted to explore the idea of vulnerability and softness within America Chavez’s character. They aimed to show that being tough doesn’t mean suppressing one's emotions or vulnerability, and that it’s important to embrace both strength and softness to grow and heal.

Why did the speaker decide to enroll America Chavez in Justice Sonia Sotomayor University?

The speaker chose to enroll America Chavez in Justice Sonia Sotomayor University because it symbolized a place where she could feel safe, represented, and liberated. The university, named after the first Puerto Rican woman nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court, offered America a space of intellectual and personal growth.

What lesson does America Chavez learn from Storm in the story?

Storm teaches America Chavez to quiet her mind and embrace vulnerability as a source of strength. Initially rejecting the idea, America eventually learns that by listening to her own inner silence, she can gain deeper insight and power, which contrasts with her usual reliance on her physical abilities.

How does the speaker use America’s connection to her ancestors in the story?

The speaker integrates America’s ancestral connection by having her experience the history of her people through her grandmother, who takes her to an ancestral plane. This journey allows America to witness both the pain and resilience of her heritage, offering her strength and perspective to face her own challenges.

What does the speaker mean by 'softness' in the context of the story?

In the context of the story, 'softness' refers to vulnerability, emotional openness, and the ability to seek help and rest. The speaker emphasizes that softness is not a sign of weakness but a vital component of strength, healing, and personal growth.

How does America Chavez’s journey reflect the speaker's own experiences?

America Chavez's journey reflects the speaker’s own experiences of growing up in the Bronx, navigating personal struggles, and discovering the importance of emotional vulnerability. The speaker parallels their own path of self-discovery with America’s need to embrace both her toughness and vulnerability, showing that it’s okay to seek support and healing from others.