Is Falcon Gay, Bisexual, or Straight? (MCU & Comics) 

Falcon, aka Sam Wilson, is one of the most popular sidekicks in Marvel Comics. The character even debuted in the MCU, forming long-lasting relationships with some members of the Avengers. And Falcon’s relationships are what we’re going to focus on today. Some other popular and old characters have plenty of love interests to go around. Falcon seems to be the exception to that rule, as his romantic orientation is in large part irrelevant to his character. Due to that, we decided to explore Falcon’s romantic past in a bit more detail. Let’s see whether he is gay or straight, both in the comics and in the MCU. 

Leila Wilson was the first romantic interest that Falcon shared his identity with 

One of the most notable things about Falcon, well, except for the fact that he is a quite recognizable superhero, is also the fact that before he was a “professional” crime-fighter, he was a social worker and quite active one in the community at that. He was a well-respected social worker who tried to bring some peace and justice to Harlem, which was plagued by various criminals and gangs, both with big and small ambitions. 

Sam met his first great love interest at work when Leila Taylor walked into his office. She was a social worker just like him, and despite there being a palpable romantic tension between the two of them, Leila heavily criticized Falcon for claiming that Harlem needed more social workers instead of heroes. Leila was of the opinion that they indeed needed more power, more strength, and more honorable people to fight for their cause. She valued justice, pride, and power more than handouts. Leila was also an outspoken supporter of black rights, and at one point, she invited Sam to join her for a meeting with the People’s Militia. 

Falcon was opposed to the People’s Militia from the start, even more so when he figured out that they were a militant move based on violence that wanted to overthrow the legitimate power structures through nothing but brutality. Eventually, it turned out that the People’s Militia was deceived and led by Red Skull, and following one huge riot and several violent conflicts, when the issue was resolved, Falcon and Leila finally got together romantically. 

The two had a somewhat solid relationship until Leila Taylor was kidnapped by the Night People because she was dating Falcon. The Night People were partially successful in brainwashing both her and Falcon. Falcon was even committed to the mental asylum. Eventually, Captain America saved the day with Falcon snapping out of his insanity at the last moment. Leila returned back to Earth, but she was never the same again.

Mysty Knight was with Sam while he was Captain America 

At one point, Sam Wilson took over the mantle of Captain America, and while this part of his life was turbulent, to say the least, he found support both in terms of powers and when it comes to romance in one of his fellow superheroes, Mysty Knight. 

Misty Knight, a former NYPD officer, had her arm amputated following a terrorist attack. Tony Stark (Iron Man) provided her with a bionic arm designed by Stark Industries, which enhanced her strength and combat abilities. 

Misty was a proficient hand-to-hand combatant and often used her detective skills to solve crimes. She has also been a valuable ally to various superhero teams and individuals, including Heroes for Hire and the Daughters of the Dragon, and at one point, she even joined Sam as his sidekick. 

It was a short but sweet romance, and in this period of Sam’s life, she was one of his biggest supporters, especially when he found himself doubting his abilities and whether what he was doing was right. 

What about Falcon in the MCU? What are his love interests?

The Current Captain America, or rather Falcon, whichever you prefer, doesn’t really have a love interest at this point in the story. The writers were hard at work trying to establish him as a powerful character before they wanted to introduce the fans to his romantic interests.

Still, based on what we’ve seen in the comics, we can assume that Sam Wilson of the MCU is likewise a straight guy. Fans noticed “chemistry” in his interactions with Captain America, but there really isn’t that much to it than platonic friendship. 

People who assumed that there was something more between Steve and Sam are most likely not familiar with the depth of their bond in the comics and the extent to which their friendship goes. They are like brothers, and not every male friendship needs to be laced with sexual undertones. 

Steve ended up happily ever after with Peggy Carter, and while Sam doesn’t have a love interest of his own in the comics, it certainly isn’t former Captain America. 

We don’t know much regarding the new Falcon’s sexuality in the comics 

In ‘Captain America: Sam Wilson’ #6, Joaquin Torres debuted as the new Falcon and a sidekick to Captain America. Joaquin’s story is quite similar to Sam’s story. Both come from vulnerable communities, and both are doing the best they can to help out through small acts of kindness and through fighting crime. 

Since Joaquin is a young character, he doesn’t really have any notable interests in the comics up to this point, and his sexuality hasn’t been touched upon yet. This will likely change in the future, depending on how popular the character is. In the MCU, it’s much the same. The only significant relationship we’ve seen Joaquin having is with Sam Wilson, and it’s pure platonic in nature. 

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