Never one to sit out a queer cause, The It Gets Better Project has partnered with the publishers of the beloved comic strip Archie to feature five new coming out stories in honor of Coming Out Day.
The new series envisions a world where the residents of Riverdale–that’s Archie’s hometown–can come out and be themselves without fear of reprisal. The storylines follow an Archie tradition, which began by having the beloved character Kevin Keller come out as gay. Following in that mold, writer Dan Parent returned to write the new series, entitled “A Better Universe.” It features characters coming out as gay, lesbian, transgender and non-binary.
Related: Beloved Comic Book Character “Archie” Will Die Saving His Gay Best Friend
“At Archie Comics, being inclusive and welcoming is a major part of who we – and Riverdale – are,” Archie Comics Co-President Alex Segura said in a statement. “It’s a place where friendship and unity are essential, integral elements. It’s always an honor and pleasure to work with our friends at the It Gets Better Project, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them on a special series of comic strips timed to National Coming Out Day.”
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“Since our first collaboration around ‘Kevin Keller Day’ in 2013 to celebrate Riverdale’s first openly gay resident, Archie Comics has been a leader in amplifying the It Gets Better message of hope,” said Brian Wenke, Executive Director of the It Gets Better Project. “Integrating positive LGBTQ+ role models throughout all forms of media is an essential ingredient to creating a more understanding and inclusive world for all people.”
Readers can check out the comics free on the It Gets Better blog.
