UAE, Middle East ban Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse for a trans flag

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is facing bans in the United Arab Emirates and several Middle Eastern countries. Reports suggest that the ban is due to the presence of a trans flag in the movie, which has sparked discussions about the character, Gwen Stacy's trans identity.

• While the specifics for the ban remain unclear, reports indicate that the film failed to meet the censorship requirements in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• The General Commission for Audiovisual Media, responsible for managing Saudi Cinema, stated that the movie contradicted the content controls enforced in the region.

Why the ban

The controversy surrounding the ban centres on a brief inclusion of a pro-trans flag in the film, which can be seen hanging on the wall in Gwen Stacy's room.

• This has led many fans to speculate that Gwen, a character traditionally portrayed as cisgender, might be transgender in this version.
• Social media has been abuzz with discussions about Gwen's gender identity, with fans presenting evidence from the film to support the theory.

Heavy symbolism and visual cues and motifs within the movie have been cited as potential indicators of Gwen's trans identity. In addition to the trans flag with the words "Protect Trans Kids" in Gwen's room, her father, the police Captain Stacy, is depicted wearing a handmade trans flag on his police jacket, a detail exclusive to his character.

The film's use of colours, particularly the blue, pink, and white associated with the trans flag, is prevalent throughout Gwen's scenes, including her room, swinging through the sky, and her Spider-Woman costume.

• While these visual cues do not explicitly confirm Gwen's cis or trans identity, they contribute to the speculation.
• The deliberate use of colours, especially in small doses, may symbolise Gwen's negotiation of her identity, where her transness does not define her entirely but remains an integral part of her.
• This representation could reflect her ongoing journey of self-acceptance and potentially indicate further exploration of her identity in future iterations of her character in the final chapter of the Spider-Verse trilogy.

The Middle East and LGBTQIA+ laws

Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have often been criticized for their harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws. In these nations, same-sex relationships are criminalized, and homosexuality is considered a serious offense.

• In the UAE, the Penal Code criminalizes "indecent acts" and "unnatural sex" which are broadly interpreted to include same-sex relationships. Convictions can result in severe punishments, including imprisonment, fines, and deportation for foreigners.
• Similarly, Saudi Arabia's legal system strictly adheres to Islamic law, which condemns homosexuality. The country does not recognize or protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, and engaging in same-sex activities can lead to imprisonment, corporal punishment, or even the death penalty.

These harsh laws are deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and societal beliefs prevalent in these countries. Traditional interpretations of Islamic texts often view homosexuality as a sinful and immoral act, leading to the enforcement of these strict laws.

The bigger picture

The evidence for Gwen's trans identity extends beyond visual elements in the film, as it portrays her struggles to fit in and connect with others from her perspective. Her fear of being discovered as Spider-Woman, linked to the death of her best friend Peter, symbolizes the challenges faced by individuals in their coming-out processes. Gwen's need for self-protection and conversations about revealing her true self resonate with many queer individuals, particularly teenagers.

Like all art, Across the Spider-Verse is not exempt from a multiplicity of interpretations. The movie demonstrates a thoughtful approach to Gwen's character arc, effectively mirroring the experiences of numerous queer kids.

While the bans on Across the Spider-Verse in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries may be due to the brief inclusion of a trans flag, the speculation surrounding Gwen Stacy's trans identity is supported by various symbols and narrative elements in the film. The movie, without explicitly stating Gwen's transness, resonates with those who have faced similar struggles and highlights the growing importance of inclusive representation in media.

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