Commander Rick examines the portrayal of gay and lesbian characters in comics and speculative fiction. John Byrne reveals why he included a gay superhero (Northstar) when he created the Alpha Flight team for Marvel Comics. Roberta Gregory, the first openly lesbian comics creator discusses her comic book series, Naughty Bits. From the world of speculative fiction Rick checks in with Samuel R. Delany (Dhalgren), Greg Bear (Tangents) and two recipients of the Lambda Award (presented for excellence in the portrayal of gay characters) Jewelle Gomez (The Gilda Stories) and Maureen F. McHugh (China Mountain Zhang). As well, the members of Control--the secret organization that regularly provide Rick with video footage gathered at science fiction conventions around the world--talk to authors Frank M. Robinson (Lambda Award winner for The Dark Beyond The Stars), Melissa Scott (Lambda Award finalist for Dreamships), Jane Yolen (Briar Rose) and Ellen Kushner (Swordspoint). **Note: We are repeating last season's tribute to Jack Kirby in honour of his death on Feb. 5th.; 522615 will be aired on April 27th at the end of the season.