The inclusion of a transgender stormtrooper in a new Star Wars book has stirred up reactions, particularly among critics who oppose progressive changes in media.
The Secrets of the Clone Troopers, published on 8 October, introduced a trans character named Sister. This character is depicted in armor that features the colors of the transgender flag: white, pink, and blue.
A quote shared on X (formerly Twitter) explains Sister’s story:
“When one of our kind expressed her gender identity differently from her fellow troopers, she thought she’d need to hide her true self. But her brothers in the 7th Sky Corps gave her the name Sister, reminding her she belongs.”
Sister’s History in Star Wars
Sister isn’t a brand-new character. She first appeared in the 2022 novel Queen’s Hope by E.K. Johnston. In that book, she meets Anakin Skywalker, who tells her, “The Jedi are all about transcending things… I don’t think we can complain if you’ve transcended gender.”
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Not everyone is happy about Sister’s inclusion. Some social media users criticized the move, calling it “virtue-signaling” or “pandering to the gender cult.”
On the other hand, many fans celebrated Sister’s character. One fan wrote on X, “The addition of Sister to canon is important to a lot of people. Seeing themselves as part of Star Wars gives them representation. More representation is always better.”
Another fan humorously responded to the backlash: “Y’all believe in space magic, planet-killer space stations, and cloning, but you draw the line at someone changing genders?”
Representation in Star Wars
Sister is not the first trans character in Star Wars. The franchise, which includes films, comics, books, and video games, features several LGBTQ+ characters. In 2021, the first trans and non-binary Jedi, Terec and Ceret, appeared in Star Wars: The High Republic. The official Star Wars Instagram account has stated that they “support trans lives” and are committed to expanding representation in the galaxy.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about Sister’s inclusion in Star Wars? Share your thoughts in the comments, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
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