Ruby Rose's Batwoman makes TV history as first openly gay superhero

Ruby Rose's Batwoman took a big step forward for representation as the superhero came out as a lesbian in the latest episode of the CW series.

The latest instalment, which aired on Sunday night in the US, saw the superhero – who had up until now only come out in her civilian life as Kate Kane – open up on her sexuality to all of Gotham.

Batman's cousin came out to the world via a magazine article published by CatCo, even though it could compromise her secret identity.

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She made the brave decision after meeting a hacker who was threatening to reveal her real identity.

But when Kane tracked the hacker down, it transpired to be a teen who'd been disowned by her parents for being gay, and the superhero realised coming out could have a positive affect.

On top of that, the coming-out story was covered by none other than the Arrowverse's Kara Danvers, otherwise known as Supergirl (Melissa Benoist).

When the show kicked off in October, it marked the first live action superhero series in TV history to have an LGBTQ+ character as the lead.

Showrunner Caroline Dries has shared that Rose, who came out as gay when she was 12 and identifies as gender-fluid, was overcome with emotion when she read the script.

"She said she cried while she was reading it. I know it meant a lot to her," Dries told The Hollywood Reporter.

Speaking on the importance of having an openly gay superhero lead, she added: “I am just grateful to all the powers that be that did not stand in the way of that happening and just embraced it with me. It’s kind of unreal.”