The Boys spin-off Gen V delivers fresh trans representation with shapeshifting bigender superhero

With a lesbian kiss in the very first episode and some much-needed trans representation in the form of a shapeshifting bigender superhero, the universe of Prime Video’s The Boys is getting more queer than ever in the new spinoff series Gen V.

Starting off as a parody of the oversaturated superhero genre, The Boys has become well-known for its ability to find new ways to explore important topics such as right-wing extremism and sexual harassment. And while the original series wasn’t famous for its queer representation, it certainly didn’t shy away from it, with one stark example found in bisexual superhero Queen Maeve.

Now the spin-off series Gen V seems to be taking it to the next level, especially by including trans representation with one of the main characters, Jordan Li, a bigender shapeshifting superhero. As gory and graphic as the original, the new series centres around a prestigious college for superheroes, where Jordan and the main protagonist Marie are students.

Jordan has the ability to shift between male and female presenting versions of themselves, each with their own power. And while there have been instances of shapeshifting powers being used as a metaphor for transness in TV before, what makes Jordan’s character truly unique is the fact that they openly identify as bigender.

Throughout the first episodes already aired, most of the other students refer to Jordan by using they/them pronouns. However, sometimes their peers use she/her or he/him pronouns depending on whether they are presenting as femme or masc, and Jordan hasn’t corrected anyone so far. Only one scene makes some of the character’s discomfort apparent, when their parents continue to use exclusively male pronouns, even when they present in their female form.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to comment on the new series, fans shared their excitement about Jordan’s character. “Who’s the best character in Gen V and why is it jordan li?”, one person wrote.

Another user said, “Jordan Li is already one of my favourite characters in Gen V. Easily has one of the best powers and I’m interested more with their character. Marie and Jordan are definitely going to be endgame.”

“The gender envy jordan from gen v is giving is driving me INSANE”, a different comment read.

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