The Walking Dead introduced a new character towards the end of Sunday’s episode named Aaron (Ross Marquand), who is said to be the AMC show’s first gay male character.

Who Is Aaron?

As Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green) are bonding over their losses and finding reason to hope for a better tomorrow, they’re put on high alert when a man approaches in The Walking Dead episode “Them.” Dressed neatly and without a spot of dirt on him, Aaron draws suspicion from the two women who’ve grown accustomed to not trusting anyone. He promises he’s not a danger to them – and per the comic books – he’s telling the truth.

Aaron, as written by Robert Kirkman, is a recruiter from the Alexandria Safe-Zone, who wants to help the group get there and join the community. The show’s first gay male character, Aaron has a boyfriend at the Safe-Zone named Eric, who is also a recruiter. The two work as a team, with Aaron being the one to approach groups unarmed, while Eric hides with a weapon prepared to take anyone out who turns violent on the recruiter.

Following Aaron and Eric’s lead, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the gang will head to the Alexandria Safe-Zone, which is led by Douglas Monroe. The longest-lasting safe area in the comic books, Alexandria survives villain Negan and his army, and eventually undergoes a change of leadership in which Rick takes up the post.

The Walking Dead returns Sunday to AMC at 9/8c.