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"It's official! Transgender representation is finally coming to the DC Extended Universe! After on-set images and behind-the-scenes footage made the rounds on the internet last week, Variety is now reporting that trans actress Ivory Aquino is officially part of the cast of HBO Max's highly-anticipated, upcoming superhero flick Batgirl!  Best known for her roles in projects like Lingua Franca, When We Rise, and Tales of the City, Aquino is taking on the role of Alysia Yeoh, the best friend and roomie of the film's titular heroine Barbara Gordon, being played by In the Heights' Leslie Grace, who we just saw don the iconic Batgirl suit for the first time earlier this month!  According to Variety, Aquino's casting as Yeoh is making history, since this is the first time a live-action feature film adaptation of a DC Comics title will feature an openly trans character played by a trans actor. Images from the Batgirl set leaked online earlier this month, showing Grace and Aquino in action as Gordon and Yeoh on what looked to be a casual day of hanging out in the city. Before Aquino's casting was officially announced, Grace also took to her own Instagram Story to share a pic of her and Aquino acting on set. Batgirl is directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah with a script by Christina Hodson and is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max later this year.RELATED | Superman & Lois' Live-Action Jon Kent Probably Won't Be Bisexual"
<https://www.out.com/film/2022/1/25/batgirl-casts-ivory-aquino-first-trans-character-dceu-film>