Unveiling Jordan Li's Mind-Blowing Gender-Shifting Abilities in Gen V

Summary

Jordan Li's ability to switch between male and female genders is a unique power that sets them apart from other supes at Godolkin University in The Boys.

The male and female forms possess distinct abilities - the male form excels in strength and durability, whereas the female form can generate energy blasts and exhibits remarkable agility. Jordan Li's dual-gender identity functions as a metaphor for transgender experiences, shedding light on the adversity and difficulties these individuals encounter in gaining recognition and acknowledgement for their talents.

Among all the new supes introduced in Gen V of The Boys, Jordan Li stands out with their unique and significant abilities. Ranked as one of the top five supes at Godolkin University, Jordan, like other young supes, is ambitious to climb to the top. Initially appearing hostile and cold, especially towards Marie, they eventually warm up to her after discovering her tragic past.

The Amazon spin-off show gives glimpses of Jordan's combat abilities and draws parallels to real-world issues faced by supes with distinct powers. However, the true nature of Jordan's powers and their role within Gen V remains shrouded in mystery. This leaves us wondering how Jordan earned their place among the most promising supes at Godolkin University. In this article, we delve into a detailed explanation of Jordan Li's powers in Gen V and their metaphorical significance.

Jordan Li Can Switch Between Male & Female

In the opening episode of Gen V, it is revealed that Jordan Li possesses the unique ability to switch between male and female genders at will. London Thor portrays their female form, while Derek Luh portrays their male form. In episode 3, during a fundraiser attended by Jordan, their father consistently misgenders them and expresses a desire to find a way to permanently make them a boy. He implies that Jordan's ability to transition between genders stems from their use of Compound V.

However, Jordan counters their father's assertions and affirms that they have always been the same. The bi-gender ability of Jordan Li is first introduced in episode 1 of Gen V when Marie attempts to join Professor Brink's Crime Fighting school but is denied admission by Jordan and Brink. They later demonstrate their ability when they go to a club with Luke, Cate, Andre, and Marie. By the end of episode 1, it becomes clear that Jordan Li's male and female forms not only differ in appearance but also grant them different superpowers.

Jordan Li's Male & Female Forms Have Different Powers

After discovering Luke murdering Professor Brink, Marie becomes the target of his attempt to eliminate any evidence. However, Jordan Li steps in to protect her, utilizing their ability to switch between genders to confront Luke. In this confrontation, their male form showcases superior strength and resilience while their female form empowers them to generate energy blasts and exhibit exceptional agility. Jordan Li's mastery of both genders' powers during combat illustrates their exceptional skill as a superhuman. This proficiency also explains why they were highly regarded by Professor Brink and ranked second at Godolkin University before Luke's demise altered the university's rankings. In Gen V, Jordan Li's position as a primary character and their remarkable strength and skill in the hierarchy of superhumans make them a crucial figure in the franchise's overarching narrative. Furthermore, the metaphor behind their power lends depth to the exploration of coming-of-age themes and moral lessons in the franchise.

Jordan Li's Supe Powers Are A Trans Allegory

The Boys' first three episodes exemplify how Jordan Li's superpowers embody a trans allegory. Despite possessing enough strength to rival Godolkin's top-ranked hero, Jordan Li is not awarded the Number One ranking following Luke's demise due to Vought deeming their bi-gendered identity as non-profitable. In episode 2, Ashley Barrett, Vought's CEO and Director of Talent Relations, subtly suggests that many individuals may resist the idea of an Asian bi-gendered superhero in a prominent position, drawing parallel to the discrimination encountered by transgender people.

Furthermore, Jordan Li's relationship with their father further emphasizes how their powers symbolize a trans metaphor. Despite their father consistently misidentifying them, asserting that they are a boy and dismissing their female form as a mere choice, Li vehemently opposes this and confronts him by demonstrating that it is an integral part of their identity and self-perception. Regrettably, even Marie fails to acknowledge Jordan's significant contribution in her battle against Luke. If she had properly credited them in Gen V episode 3, Vought would have been compelled to rank Jordan higher, disregarding the concerns surrounding the marketability of their identity.