LGBT in Gaming

Now, this post is entirely my opinion, and I’m not trying to force it into people. But it’s just me expressing … well, me. This is also about educating others about LGBT rights and how they’re being raised through the gaming world.

Today, I’m writing in more of a serious tone. This’ probably the first time I’ve written in a serious tone too … so yeah. But anyway… Homosexuality in gaming. Well, I shouldn’t just limit it to homosexuals, but rather, the entirety of the LGBT group (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual).

Anyway, as we all know, it’s been a tough road for those on the other bus. People have been murdered, tortured, and discriminated against just for having a different preference. It’s like saying you like playing Zelda more than Mario, and being scolded for that. It’s a grim reality we have, even though we might think of it as lovely and dainty. Back then, (and I mean like a couple of decades ago) you were “weird” if you didn’t only like the opposite gender. It was all of this social pressure, cultural influences, and the very fact that it was simply wrong to have other preferences. They used a word – “queer.” And people lived under this namesake, and they were … “not normal.”

And even today, as of the 21^st Century, we’re still struggling to let go of those old prejudices. In places like schools or the workplace, there’s a certain stigma attached to you as a person if you’re gay or a lesbian. It happens. We all know it. I’m pretty sure you’ve at least pointed at a gay person and talked about them like they’re some sort of animal at a zoo.

But, it is slowly changing. Even though we might not have let go of that negative association with the LGBT group, it is now seen as normal. People can openly say that they’re a lesbian, or that they’re gay. There are pride parades and campaigns for their rights.

And it doesn’t stop there. The gaming community is supporting the LGBT community as well. I heard that EA had a worker who changed their gender, and guess what? EA shouted it out to the world, saying that they would support that worker.

And I think that’s just brilliant. It’s a moment where you can truly see how far LGBT rights have come. Years ago, it would’ve been all hushed up, and now, it’s been openly declared. And that’s the way it should be. When it doesn’t matter what preference you have, and that the people around you will support you. Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Skyrim are also supportive of this – gay romances are possible, and that’s another good sign for the rights of the LGBT community. Street Fighter has Eagle and possibly Zangief hinted as being gay, Fable II with Reaver openly admitting his sexuality, and I think it’s really a great thing to have the gaming world acknowledge other preferences. Each day just gets a little brighter. Well, aside from the other worldwide worries … but one problem at a time.

The gaming world is opening up a little wider and taking a broader perspective. It’s not wrong if you have other preferences. And that is really how it should be. Gaming is taking notice of this, and those who don’t, should start now. The message should spread through the gaming world – that other preferences are ok. We should support the LGBT community instead of bitching behind their backs. We can all show our support and our acknowledgement. So let’s all be happy! Play games to our heart’s content with everyone, anyone! No matter what kind of stereotype, sexuality, race, or any of that stuff! Just play games! Be happy!