Top 10 popular LGBTQ+ characters in video games
A few of these characters are the protagonist of their respective games, too!
So Pride Month is here, and gaming companies are all set to release their Pride content for players all around. Pride Month is the time when video game companies release content to support LGBTQ+ groups. A lot of competitive games release some Pride-related in-game goodies or events. Also, almost every AAA title features a prominent in-game LGBTQ+ character. They are an integral part of the game’s story. The LGBTQ+ characters in video games just increase the overall hype of the game by making it more inclusive for every gamer.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and video games are no exception. LGBTQ+ characters in video games are becoming more and more common and for a good reason. These characters can provide representation and role models for LGBTQ+ gamers. Furthermore, they can also help to normalize LGBTQ+ identities for everyone.
There are many games that include Pride content in their games. Valorant & Overwatch are good examples of such games. Also, these activities by such companies are appreciated by gamers worldwide. This not only shows the company’s support towards them but also creates a respectable public image for the community. Let’s list ten best LGBTQ+ Characters in Video Games of all time.
RelatedHow to Get the Limited Edition Valorant Pride Month 2023 Collection
Most popular LGBTQ+ characters in the Gaming World
Ellie Williams (The Last of Us)
The first on the list is the protagonist of The Last of Us series, Ellie Williams. Ellie is a lesbian woman in the game. She is immune to a fungal infection that has ravaged the world. She is a skilled survivor and a fiercely loyal friend. Furthermore, her relationship with her friend Riley is one of the most important relationships in the game. The Last of Us is a cinematic masterpiece, and Ellie inclusivity made the game more diverse.
Alex Chen (Life is Strange: True Colors)
Next is a character from the sequel of Life is Strange 2, Alex Chen. Alex is a bisexual woman. She has the power to feel and manipulate the emotions of others. She is empathetic, kind, and always willing to help others. Also, she is in a romantic relationship with Steph, a bisexual woman who is a DJ and a musician.
Dorian Pavus (Dragon Age: Inquisition)
Let’s talk about a classice LGBTQ+ character in video games, Dorian Pavus. Dorian is a gay man. He is a member of the Inquisition’s court. He is charming, witty, and always knows how to make people laugh. Dorian’s gay identity is a major part of his story in Dragon Age: Inquisition. He is open about his identity, and he faces discrimination and violence. However, he never gives up on his dreams. His story provides a positive representation of a gay character.
Judy Alvarez (Cyberpunk 2077)
Judy is a bisexual woman. She is a supporting character in the game. Judy is a member of the Night City police force. She is tough, smart, and always willing to fight for what she believes in. Also, her sexuality major driven by what gender we play the game. Regardless of whether our in-game character is male or female, she will develop a relationship with us. CD Projekt Red was adding spice to an already immersive plot.
Raze and Killjoy (Valorant)
Out of most of the general competitive FPS without a campaign, Valorant has some deep lore. And there’s even an established relationship between two of its in-game playable characters, Raze & Killjoy. Raze and Killjoy are a couple. Furthermore, Raze is a Brazilian woman who is a demolitions expert. And Killjoy is a German woman who is a tech genius. They are both members of the Valorant Protocol, a team of elite agents who fight against a global threat. Raze is bisexual and Killjoy is pansexual.
Anthony Prince a.k.a. Gay Tony (Grand Theft Auto IV: Ballad of Gay Tony)
Let’s talk about another classic LGBTQ+ character in a video game, which is from GTA IV. The name of this character is Anthony Price, a.k.a. Gay Tony. Gay Tony is, well, obviously, a gay man. He is a nightclub owner and a friend of the protagonist, Niko Bellic. Moreover, Tony is charming, charismatic, and always knows how to have a good time. He is in a romantic relationship with Luis Lopez, a bisexual man who is a bodyguard for Gay Tony.
Tyler Ronan (Tell Me Why)
Tyler Ronan from Tell Me Why is a gay man who is one of the two protagonists of the game. He is a kind and compassionate person, and he is also a strong and determined young man. Tyler is a loving and supportive brother who is always there for his sister, Alyson. He is also a talented artist who is always looking for new ways to express himself. Tyler’s journey in Tell Me Why is one of self-discovery and growth, and he ultimately learns to accept himself for who he is.
Alloy (Horizon series)
A popular LGBTQ+ character that we didn’t know the sexuality of until a DLC pack. The protagonist of Horizon Zero Dawn, Alloy is a young woman who grew up in a post-apocalyptic world where machines have taken over. She has no interest in romantic relationships and is more focused on her quest to save the world. However, she does form close bonds with other characters, such as her friend Rost and her mentor Sylens. In the Forbidden West DLC, Aloy has a romantic relationship with a female character named Beta. The two share a kiss and sleep together. And that did came as a shock to fans as it had never been revealed before the DLC.
Birdo (Mario Franchise)
This one was expected either. A character from the Mario franchise, Birdo is a pink dinosaur who identifies as female but prefers to use male pronouns. Birdo has been portrayed as a love interest for Yoshi in some games. However, their sexuality has never been explicitly stated. In the Japanese version, ‘Birdo’ is referred as “Catherine” where it is also stated that the character is a man who wishes to be a woman.This suggests that Birdo may be transgender.
Parvati Holcomb (The Outer Worlds)
Parvati, a character from the Outer Worlds is a young woman who is openly lesbian. She is in a relationship with another crew member on the spaceship Unreliable, named Junlei Tennyson. Parvati is a kind and compassionate person who is always willing to help others. She is also a skilled engineer and a valuable member of the crew.
All these LGBTQ+ characters in video games just add more story and importance to the plot. Also, having such characters in games proves to the players that the company is supportive of every community. Pride Month is a good month with different contents rolling out and gamers can claim and enjoy these events to show inclusivity from their side too.
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Sneh Prasad
(661 Articles Published)