Issue #7 Wasn't the Only Thing Coming Out in 52 This Week

This week's issue of DC's 52 marked the first appearance of Kate Kane, destined to become the future Batwoman. But that's not what has gotten all of the media attention. Oh wait, you haven't heard? That's odd. So why all the attention? DC (and Marvel) have gay characters and have had them for years. Could it be the high profile of a book like 52? No, because Renee Montoya has been in that book since the beginning, as well as being featured in Batman books for years. Maybe it is because she is a member of the Bat-family? But Batman and Robin have been gay for years! Kidding. Mostly. Whatever the reason, Kate Kane has really drawn a lot attention.
But is it deserved? As stated, comics have been depicting GLBT characters for years. In fact, Comixfan recently did an article on the Top 10 GLBT Characters. Vertigo is known for showing all sorts of GLBT characters essentially since its creation. Maggie Sawyer's sexuality was hinted at but never directly stated for years in the Superman books, paving the way for Kate's ex Renee. Currently, even gay teens like Hulkling, Wiccan, and Lucy in the Sky are being shown over at Marvel in books targeted at young readers like Young Avengers and Runaways. Wiccan and Hulkling are especially notable, because their sexuality has not been seen to be a major issue, and their relationship is presented as relatively normal.
It is clear that there is a diversity of other gay characters. So does Kate Kane really deserveall this attention? It is too soon to make any realy judgements, as she has yet to even don her black leather costume. But based on the few pages we got of her in this week's 52, she is not really anything special. In the links to the news about Batwoman above, DC describes her as a "lipstick lesbian," and swear that her sexuality will only be a part of her character. The lipstick lesbian comment gives me fear though, because in this issue, she is presented as the femme to Renee's butch. I worry that DC is trying too hard show that she is not a stereotypical lesbian, and thus making her Barbie who has no interest in Blaine or Ken. Stereotypes can be bad, but making a character the opposite of stereotypes is interestingly enough, still playing into prejudices.
Again, it is too early to judge Kate in any real way, and the media attention is definately throwing the new character under a critical microscope. But based on this issue, the only thing presented about Kate was her sexuality. And that she's kind of a bitch. Key may have been what drew people to the issue, but Booster Gold's story and Renee's relationship with the Question are by far the most interesting parts.