'Supergirl' casts first transgender superhero

Nicole Maines, the transgender activist who won a discrimination lawsuit after her school refused her access to their women’s toilets, will be television’s first ever transgender superhero.

The 21-year-old actress has been cast as Nia Nal, a member of CatCo’s reporting team, for the fourth season of Supergirl. Announced on Jul 21 at a Supergirl Q&A panel discussion during San Diego’s Comic-Con, Nicole introduced her character as:

“She has this ferocious drive to protect people and to fight against discrimination and hatred. She’s the superhero we need right now.”

Nicole admitted during her Comic-Con interview with Variety that she is nervous about her Supergirl debut:

“It feels fitting to say with great power, comes great responsibility. I’m nervous because I want to do it right.”

Back in May, the official Supergirl casting call via Cast It Talent for Nia stated:

“Transgender woman, early 20s, open ethnicity. confident, wunderkind of a fashionista. Once a political speechwriter, Nia is the newest addition to the CatCo investigative reporting team. With her she brings a sparkling wit and biting humor but under that banter-y, chic facade, lays a soulful young woman who has much to offer the world.”

Nicole Maines, gained international headlines in June 2013 when a Maine Supreme Court ruled in her favour that her human rights had been violated when refused access to her high school’s women’s toilets. Resulting in a landmark victory, the Court ruled that transgender people can use the bathroom of their choice.

Nicole went on to appear in documentaries Not Your Skin and The Trans List. Her acting credits include appearing in an episode of Royal Pains.

Supergirl’s fourth season airs on US channel CW October 14th.

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