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Another day, another interview.
The Justice League were huddled up in a studio filled with cameras and lights, sitting down on a long couch on the studio’s stage.
“What do you think they’re going to ask us guys?” Captain Marvel chirped, making everyone in the team remember that it’s Marvel’s first interview with the Justice League. Flash patted him on his back.
“Hopefully something simple, like what we usually do.”
Well, much to Flash’s request, the interview was simple.
Every single member was asked a set of questions, and they would answer it truthfully via holding the Lasso of Truth.
Nothing too personal—
but the questions were about their beliefs and views.
Like-
“What’s your opinion on the current prices?” Flash snickered at that. Or “What’s your opinion on police officers?” Green Lantern scratched his neck.
Well, the audience was certainly entertained.
Most of the questions were fairly non-controversial but very set down to earth. Making the heroes conscious about civilians’ lives more than they were before.
Time went on and questions were answered. From asking Superman what his opinion on religion was- to Batman’s thoughts about murder, every question was answered to the full honesty of each hero.
For Captain Marvel’s turn though, it was, at the very least, weird. He was handed the lasso, and the interviewer was hesitant to ask the question that she read silently on her given paper.
A few moments later, she asked the question, though with her pauses, it seemed as if she re-worded the sentence. Like the question was offensive and she couldn’t bear saying it.
…
“What’s your opinion on queers?” The interviewer asked, her cheerful yet well-hidden uncomfortable voice stuttered through, as if she was worried about his answer. But with the new word up to show, a few of the members were confused, specially the Captain himself.
“Uh-ah-what are queers if I may ask?” He hesitated, swearing to have heard that word before but never to have seemed to get by on the meaning.
The interviewer dropped her smile but seemed to be relieved. “Gay and lesbian people…and others in the GLBT community.” And yet Captain Marvel was still confused.
It took him a few moments to think, until he thought of Freddy, talking about himself being “gay”.
And when Billy asked about it, Freddy was immediately offended.
Saying something like, “Billy-we’re best friends-you should know this! You’re literally trans- How do you not know what gay means?” Before explaining it to him in full detail and going on a full history lesson.
Billy must’ve been too tired to focus on his tangent, but he got the gist.
“Oh! By gay-you mean men loving men and lesbian as in women loving women?”
He asked, chipper as always, making the mood relaxed. The interviewer, now giving a gentle smile, nodded. “Something like that.” and waited for his answer.
Captain Marvel was left to say what he deemed was the honest truth.
“From what I’ve seen, they do not deserve to be alienated due to their differences! Even though it’s different—it does not compare to real life crimes and shouldn’t be shunned! They have struggled through discrimination and I applaud the community for standing up for themselves!” He ultimately declared, and the studio went silent.
The Justice League were eyeing Captain Marvel with a newfound respect, especially Batman, knowing damn well, most, if not all of the Justice League were a part of the community, but not being out due to the fact that people of the community were considered sinners and criminals.
The interviewer, who was scared about his answer, relaxed. She was shocked, sure, but relieved.
“Could you give us an example of how they’ve pushed through their discrimination?” She asked, a sudden hope glimmering in her eyes.
Marvel put on his iconic smile, glad about the positive reaction. “Of course! For instance- I could use myself as an example!”
That raised a lot of eyebrows.
“I used to have the body of a girl, but I’ve found out that I was much more comfortable being a man.” He started, earning so many shocked looks from The League, the interviewer, and the audience.
“...But telling people about it was the hard part… I’ve been told so many times that I was just a weak-minded, delusional “girl”. I’ve been bullied- and I’ve thought about just giving up right then and there..” Marvel twiddled his fingers, seeming uncomfortable with the call-back of his past.
“Delusional.”
“Get this- This girl wants to be a boy! How stupid is that!”
“Just leave her there, she’s mental anyways.”
“But then my best friend helped me! He told me to kick back the bullies. And guess what? I did!”
But they’ve told me I was delusional- maybe I am-
“And you’re not delusional, Billy.”
They don’t understand…do you?
“Yeah, of course I get it, it’s not that hard to understand.”
But- I can’t always push them away…
“Dude, I’ll always help you kick away the assholes if you’re struggling to do so.”
…
…he hadn’t realized yet that he dropped the lasso a long time ago.
“And Captain Marvel was truly out! My struggles, though not gone, have been pushed through with just a little bit of support, and I hope everyone learns a lesson from that, to be less hateful, to be supportive, and to be there for someone in need.” He finally stated, looking sentimental and yet determined at the same time.
The Whole. Entire. Studio. Went quiet.
Captain Marvel suddenly realized what he had said, not sure if it was that good to come out right then-and-there in a random interview, but then again, he was going to do it someday, and plus- it was the Captain that was coming out, not Billy.
He lowered his head and looked at the ground, slouching.
But what if the world wouldn’t accept him? Other than that- what if the Justice League wouldn’t accept him? That they’ll view him differently? What if they’re already thinking of him as a girl now? And not as himself? What if-
“You’re so brave, Captain.”
The interviewer interrupted his thoughts, as he raised his head, looking at the teary-eyed woman. It seemed that his words hit too close to home for her.
“You-” she started, looking as if she was about to sob. “I appreciate your bravery.” She said, her face morphing to a determined one, clutching the mic like it was her lifeline.
The Captain nodded. As the crowd were eliciting silent claps, he noticed a few angry and disgusted expressions, he sighed to himself.
Maybe the world would be more accepting one day, not now, possibly not ever, but here’s hoping one day.
The Captain turned to the Justice League, to who were looking proud, and yet still shocked from the sudden wisdom of their usually unserious member.
When the Justice League were back at the watchtower, claiming the interview a success, Batman stopped Captain Marvel in his tracks. Marvel was quite spooked; he hadn’t overstepped a line this day, right? Cause he might’ve and now he’ll get to hear Batman’s outrageously long lectures. He was interrupted with a deep, fond tone.
“I appreciate your bravery for uplifting certain communities Captain. You make a fine hero.”
Marvel was shocked at first, but blinked and chuckled.
“Guess you guys get to know something about me now. Thanks Batman.”
Batman grunted, sounding weirdly lighter than his usual tone.
Later in the streets, as Billy, he looks at the newspapers that he has yet to promote.
“Captain Marvel reveals a LOT in the [-------] interview!”
“CAPTAIN MARVEL: ALLY OR FOE” (Billy chuckled at the double meaning)
“Captain Marvel: A symbol of determination”
Billy sighed, happy that Fawcett had accepted him…well Captain Marvel at least.
Billy knows that even though Fawcett has accepted Captain Marvel, there would still be tons of slander, he knows that making it public knowledge would bring more uninvited hate.
But at the same time, he’s glad he’s made it public knowledge, to drive away people who don’t accept him for who he is, to bring closer people who experienced the same thing, and to help people who don’t know to realize and learn.
Some will detest and resent, but that’s just how the world works.
And one look at all the support, gives a very happy feeling to Billy’s soul.
He’s glad he had done that; it was worth it with all the weight now off Billy's chest.