© 2025 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Gabby Rivera: Writing the story of Marvel's first queer Latina superhero

Part 1 of the TED Radio Hour episode We Contain Multitudes.

In Marvel's "America," Gabby Rivera wrote a superhero who's queer, Latina, and punches portals across dimensions. She shares why it's empowering to write characters that mirror her identity.

About Gabby Rivera

Gabby Rivera is a writer and the author of "America," the debut solo comic book series that tells the story of America Chavez, Marvel's first queer Latina superhero.

Rivera has published a critically acclaimed debut novel Juliet Takes a Breath. She has also written in the Lumberjanes universe for Boom! Studios. When not writing, Rivera speaks about her experiences as a queer Puerto Rican from the Bronx and as an LGBTQ youth advocate. Rivera also hosts her own podcast, "Joy Revolution."

Rivera is currently working on her next novel. She lives in California.

This segment of the TED Radio Hour was produced by James Delahoussaye and edited by Manoush Zomorodi. You can follow us on Twitter @TEDRadioHour and email us at TEDRadio@npr.org.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

James Delahoussaye
[Copyright 2024 NPR]
Manoush Zomorodi
Manoush Zomorodi is the host of TED Radio Hour. She is a journalist, podcaster and media entrepreneur, and her work reflects her passion for investigating how technology and business are transforming humanity.
Rachel Faulkner White
Rachel Faulkner is a producer and editor for TED Radio Hour.
Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.