Well its finally happened.  In Uncanny X-Men #600 (re-numbered to acknowledge the landmark), X-men finally ties up several plot threads, including the question of Iceman’s sexuality.

In a previous issue, a time-traveling young version of Jean Grey read the mind of young Iceman, and basically called him ou for hiding that he’s “full gay.” which left things kind of muddles since present-day Iceman has always acted straight and dated women.  Young Bobby Drake did confrim to Jean that he is indeed gay and fans of the comic have waited 6 months for the resolution to this conundrum.

Well in No. 600, younger Bobby Drake confronts his older self and asks him about his sexual orientation. What we find out is that Iceman has been living in a closet for his entire life, and just shut that part of himself off to the world and to his teammates. There is no nature-versus-nurture situation, no time-traveling hitch; older Iceman just didn’t want to be persecuted and judged for another part of his life.

Iceman’s story is an important signal to readers and fans of the comic book series. It sends a strong message of inclusion and acceptance and the importance of embracing your true and authentic self.  Which Iceman finally does.

Issue #600 marks the end of writer Brian Michael Bedis’ storyline that follows younger versions of the original five X-Men: Iceman, Cyclops, Beast, Angel and Jean Grey.

Iceman will continue to be a gay charcter in the X-Men Universe from this point forward.