Pansexuality is defined as having an attraction to people regardless of their sex, as in equally attracted to males and females alike. It is a sexual orientation that isn't discussed as much as it probably should be, at least in my opinion, as I find it rather fascinating and potentially universal. The best example of this particular orientation is embodied in the warm-hearted spark of joy from D.C. Comics, Starfire.
I should preface this blog entry with a disclaimer: Much of what I intend to discuss and feature here today was previously and eloquently mentioned before in an article at Comics Alliance penned by Katie Shenkel. While what I have to say about this fantastic character is more or less in agreement with that article, I felt it best to mention it to avoid coming off as plagiarizing or merely echoing the same sentiment offered therein.
You may find a link to said article right here; I encourage you to give it a read as well.
Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, Princess Koriand'r, also known as Starfire, is a Tamaranian, a race of humanoid aliens descended from Cats (yes, you heard me right). A member of the royal family and heir to the throne until she was captured in a coup d'état led by her sister, Backfire. She was then forced into a life of slavery and servitude. Starfire was also subjected to scientific experimentation, which granted her superpowers in the process. She would eventually escape her captivity and find herself on Earth, where she befriended the Teen Titans, discovering a new family and a better purpose as a superheroine, defending those who could not defend themselves.
Let's address the Elephant in the room. Yes, Starfire, as a character, is remembered chiefly and popularized for two particular, conflicting reasons: being both a sex symbol for adolescent men and for being the most memorable aspect of the popular 2000s cartoon series. The former comes from an aspect of Starfire's mythology wherein sexual relationships are open and free from most "conventional" concepts, and are seen as an extension of intimacy and genuine loving attraction. The latter comes from a television show that was primarily aimed at younger audiences, thus causing the writers to focus more on the empathetic and "weird" alien behavior of the character.
Both of these things are true, somewhat contradictory, and are what make Starfire so compelling (and occasionally hilarious) as a character!
As a heterosexual male, I do not deny that Starfire is a beautiful character, and her stance on sexuality is highly endearing (to put it mildly). However, what makes Starfire more attractive isn't her cultural perspective on sexuality and attraction; it's her sense of empathy, compassion, and optimism, which stems from her strength and determination to make those she holds close feel safe, seen, and, above all, loved.
Starfire is a character who can easily (and lazily) be written off as a male-fantasy embodiment who only exists for the sexual pleasure of adolescents and immature comic readers (and in the hands of inexcusably incompetent writers, that is exactly what she becomes). Still, Starfire is significantly stronger, more mature, and superior than that! At her core, Starfire is a warm, intelligent, mindful, joyful, and endearing character who embodies the best aspects of the human heart that are too often overlooked and dismissed as "weak" or "unrealistic." In other words, Starfire is the human conscience personified!
Starfire actively finds the joy and empathetic link between all living things without any sense of ego or self-satisfaction. She comforts you with a hug and encourages you with strong words rooted in compassion, empathy, and love. In short, Starfire is the voice in your head that tells you to keep fighting even when you feel as if you can't. If she can overcome inhumane actions and emerge stronger, more powerful, and wiser, why can't you?
One way or another, we all have a version of Starfire in our lives. In these dark and uncertain times, we must remind ourselves that empathy, compassion, and love will always prevail, no matter how overwhelming reality may feel. Starfire is the embodiment of finding wholesomeness within the broken parts; a true inspiration for the betterment of the human condition if ever there was one!
In whatever way you find Starfire most interesting and attractive, I encourage you to seek her out and learn from her example. Just please don't take any notes from the horrible and lazy bit of sexual fan-fiction known as Red Hood and the Outlaws; A true definition of lazy writing and a painful experience in every way!
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
Happy Pride Month 😊
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