Why Are LGBTQ Assassin Characters Becoming More Popular?

The gaming world has quietly but steadily introduced LGBTQ assassin characters, and some of them are downright fascinating. Take Billie Lurk from 'Dishonored: Death of the Outsider'—she’s a bisexual former assassin with a complex moral compass, navigating a world of shadows and betrayal. Her relationship with Daud adds layers to her character, making her more than just a blade in the dark. Then there’s Krem from 'Dragon Age: Inquisition,' a transgender man who isn’t an assassin himself but runs with the Chargers, a group that dabbles in shady work. His inclusion felt like a breath of fresh air in a genre often dominated by rigid tropes. What’s cool about these characters is how their identities aren’t just tossed in for diversity points; they’re woven into their stories. Billie’s bisexuality isn’t her defining trait, but it’s part of who she is, just like her skills with a knife. And Krem? His trans identity is handled with respect, adding depth to his interactions. It’s a reminder that representation can be subtle yet impactful, especially in genres like stealth or action where characters often get reduced to their kill counts.

The first film that springs to mind is 'The Handmaiden', though it's more of a psychological thriller with queer themes than a straight-up assassin story. Park Chan-wook's masterpiece follows a pickpocket who gets entangled in a cunning heist involving a wealthy heiress, and let's just say the knives aren't just metaphorical. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, and the way their relationship unfolds against all those twisty betrayals makes it unforgettable. It's not John Wick-style action, but the emotional assassinations hit just as hard. Another wildcard pick would be 'Atomic Blonde'. While Lorraine Broughton's sexuality isn't the central focus, her bisexuality is woven naturally into her lethal spy persona. That brutal stairwell fight scene alone cements her as one of cinema's most badass LGBTQ+ adjacent characters. The neon-drenched Cold War setting amps up the tension, and Theron's performance makes you believe she could kill a man with a stiletto heel (and almost does).

The idea of an LGBTQ assassin adds layers to the classic trope that I find fascinating. Traditional assassins in media often operate under a veil of emotional detachment—think 'John Wick' or 'The Professional'—where their personal lives are either nonexistent or tragically simplified. But an LGBTQ assassin? Their identity isn’t just a footnote; it shapes their motivations, vulnerabilities, and even their methods. For example, in the webcomic 'Killer Seven,' the protagonist’s queerness isn’t just a trait—it informs their alliances and how they navigate underworld politics. They might use societal biases against their targets, or their relationships could be weaponized in ways a heteronormative assassin’s never would. What really grabs me is the potential for subversion. A queer assassin might exploit the assumption that they’re 'harmless' or 'unthreatening' due to stereotypes, turning invisibility into a tactical advantage. Or their backstory could involve revenge against a system that marginalized them, adding moral complexity. Traditional assassins often serve cold justice or corporate interests, but an LGBTQ character could dismantle those frameworks entirely—like in 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,' but with a rainbow flag pin hidden under their lapel.

The first name that springs to mind is Villanelle from 'Killing Eve'. She’s this chaotic, stylish, and utterly unpredictable assassin who also happens to be queer. What makes her stand out isn’t just her lethality but how her sexuality is woven into her character without being her sole defining trait. The way she flirts with Eve, her obsession-turned-love, adds layers to her personality that most assassins in fiction lack. It’s rare to see a queer character who’s both terrifying and deeply human, and Villanelle nails that balance. Plus, her fashion sense is iconic—every murder looks like a runway show. Another contender is Lafayette from 'The Hunger Games' series, though he’s more of a rebel than a traditional assassin. His charisma and unapologetic queerness made him a fan favorite, even if his role wasn’t purely about killing. But if we’re talking sheer notoriety, Villanelle takes the cake. She’s the kind of character who lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, partly because of how she defies every stereotype about both assassins and LGBTQ+ representation.

One of my all-time favorite books with an LGBTQ assassin protagonist is 'The Henchmen of Zenda' by K.J. Charles. It’s a wild, witty reimagining of 'The Prisoner of Zenda,' but with a queer twist. The protagonist, Jasper Detchard, is a bisexual mercenary with a sharp tongue and even sharper knives. The book blends political intrigue, dark humor, and a slow-burn romance that feels earned. What I love is how Charles doesn’t shy away from the moral ambiguity of the character—Jasper isn’t a hero, but he’s compelling as hell. The action scenes crackle, and the dialogue is so snappy you’ll reread lines just to savor them. Another standout is 'Iron Council' by China Miéville, part of the 'Bas-Lag' series. While not a traditional assassin story, the protagonist, Judah Low, is a queer revolutionary with a knack for survival and subterfuge. The book’s steampunk-meets-weird-fantasy setting adds layers to his character, and Miéville’s prose is gorgeously dense. It’s not an easy read, but it’s rewarding, especially for those who enjoy political allegory woven into their action. Judah’s relationship with Ann-Hari is subtle but deeply felt, and the book’s exploration of loyalty and rebellion stays with you long after the last page.

One character that immediately springs to mind is Captain Raymond Holt from 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine.' His dry wit and unshakable professionalism made him a standout, but what really resonated was how his LGBTQ identity was woven seamlessly into his character—never reduced to a punchline or afterthought. The show handled his marriage to Kevin with such warmth and normalcy, it felt revolutionary in its simplicity. Then there's Rosa Diaz from the same show, whose bisexuality was revealed so casually it almost slipped under the radar—and that’s exactly why it mattered. No fanfare, just authenticity. And how could we forget David Rose from 'Schitt’s Creek'? His pansexuality was portrayed with such humor and heart, especially in his relationship with Patrick. These characters didn’t just check diversity boxes; they rewrote the rules.

If you're hunting for romantasy where the romance and the magic both come with queer leads, I get so excited talking about this list. For a fierce, political slow-burn with a lot of heat, pick up 'The Captive Prince' trilogy by C.S. Pacat — it's m/m and very adult, full of court intrigue and emotional pacing that rewards patience. For something gentler but clever and full of research-vibes, 'A Marvellous Light' by Freya Marske is a cozy, slightly Regency-flavored m/m fantasy with delightful chemistry and smart worldbuilding. On the YA side, 'Girls of Paper and Fire' by Natasha Ngan is sapphic and heartbreaking in all the best ways, while 'Crier's War' by Nina Varela blends science, rebellion, and a gorgeous f/f central relationship. If you like grim, strange vibes with lesbian-coded protagonists, 'Gideon the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir delivers necromantic mayhem and unforgettable banter. And for sprawling epic vibes with sapphic relationships woven through an ensemble cast, there's 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon. I tend to pair these with a cup of tea and a long subway ride; each one scratches a different itch, so pick by mood and be ready to fall for complicated characters.

Diving into the world of young romance novels featuring LGBTQ+ characters is like opening a treasure chest—there's so much depth to explore! One of my top picks has to be 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli. It's such a relatable story featuring Simon, a witty teenager who’s navigating life, love, and his big secret: he's gay, but no one knows it yet. The way he corresponds with Blue, an anonymous classmate he’s crushing on, fills the story with such tension and charm. Their emails are adorable and real, making readers root for them with every turn of the page. Plus, it also touches on themes of friendship and family acceptance, making it not just a love story, but a narrative that resonates with anyone who's ever felt different. Another fantastic read is 'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera, which isn’t just another love story; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that blends friendship and romantic love beautifully. The book revolves around two boys, Mateo and Rufus, who meet on a day when they’re both told they are going to die. It’s a bittersweet exploration of how passion and connection can flourish even when time is short. Their journey is not solely about romance; it dives into the importance of living life fully and embracing moments, which can really pull at your heartstrings. I can’t recommend it enough! Lastly, I can't forget 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. This one's like a warm hug, you know? It beautifully captures the friendship between two boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they try to make sense of their identities, familial expectations, and the complicated feelings that blossom between them. The writing is poetic, and the character development makes it feel like I’m stepping into their world, feeling their struggles and joys. It’s perfect for capturing the essence of young love with all its complexities. These novels not only tell love stories but also represent diverse experiences, leaving a lasting impact that many of us cherish.

I've always been drawn to assassin romance novels because they combine danger and passion in a way that feels thrilling. The idea of a deadly, skilled killer falling in love is inherently dramatic. It's not just about the romance, but the tension between their lethal nature and their growing vulnerability. Books like 'The Shadows Between Us' by Tricia Levenseller show this perfectly—how a ruthless character can be softened by love, but never loses their edge. The stakes feel higher, and the emotional payoff is more intense. Plus, there's something undeniably attractive about a character who could kill you but chooses to protect you instead. The blend of action, suspense, and deep emotional connection makes these stories impossible to put down.