Highlights:
* LGBTQ characters in video games represent the spectrum of sexual orientation.
* The list of the most popular LGBTQ characters in video games includes Ellie Williams, Steph Gingrich, and Cirilla.
LGBTQ characters have become integral to video game narratives. They reflect the diversity of the real world, allowing players of different genders to get a sense of belonging and validation. Representation helps broaden the perspective of gamers by fostering an all-inclusive community.
Earlier, characters of different sexualities were stereotyped or fetishized in the story. The industry is now gradually changing to include meaningful narratives on LGBTQ characters in video games that resonate with a wider audience. Some titles even give players the option to choose their love interest from different genders, like Zagreus in Hades, who can strike a relationship with Thanatos, Dusa, or Megaera by giving them Nectar.
5 Most Beloved LGBTQ Characters In Video Games
Most games do not overemphasize the character’s gender, instead allowing them to evolve naturally. There are plenty of LGBTQ characters in video games but this guide only includes five of the most popular ones:-
Killjoy and Raze
The two most popular Duelists are confirmed to be dating as per the Valorant lore. Nanobomb, the fan-stated name for Killjoy and Raze’s relationship, was made official in December 2022. Their ship is highlighted in their interactions in both the FPS shooting game as well as lore voicemails, videos, and cinematics. Although the Nanobomb disclosure didn’t affect the gameplay, it allowed Riot Games to express diversity in depth. They most recently confirmed that Agent Clove is non-binary.
Claire Russell
Claire Russell is a transwoman in Cyberpunk 2077 with a tragic backstory. Originally introduced as a bartender in Afterlife, V learns that Claire loves racing. In ‘The Beast in Me’ quest, Claire confides in V and tells them how their husband died in an accident. However, instead of succumbing to her trauma, Claire continues to do what she loves while also harboring a deep grudge over her husband’s potential killer. Quite open about their transition, Claire Russell is one of the notable LGBTQ characters in video games whose identity doesn’t define their ambitions or behavior.
Steph Gingrich
In Life Is Strange, Steph Gingrich is a lesbian who has a crush on Rachel Amber. She is a geeky character with a love for films and games but her character doesn’t fall in the quiet-and-shy lesbian trope. Instead, she has witty conversations with Chloe. Gamers learn more about her and how she deals with the trauma of Rachel’s death by using music in the Wavelengths DLC. Steph is a strong and charming character that instantly makes an impression on us.
Ellie Williams
The Last Of Us is credited for mainstreaming LGBTQ characters in video games. Usually, the characters with attraction to the same sex were pushed as background additions or NPCs but Ellie was the protagonist in the 2013 game. The first hint about her sexuality was given in the Left Behind DLC as players witnessed the budding romance between Ellie and Riley. In The Last Of Us 2, she becomes more open about her sexuality and starts a family with Dina. Ellie’s character normalized the ‘badass lesbian’ trope in games by becoming a symbol of resilience as well as caringness in the renowned zombie game.
Ciri
Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon’s gender isn’t explicitly stated in The Witcher game series but there are multiple hints about her being attracted to both sexes. Her first romantic experience was with Hjalmar while in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the players are given the option to thank Skjall with a kiss. Meanwhile, during the sauna scene, Ciri honestly mentions that she “prefers women.”
Given that CD Projekt Red has been meticulous in adapting the source narrative in the game, Ciri being bisexual could be a nod to the books. The book series by Andrzej Sapkowski depicts Ciri in love with a Rat gang member named Mistle but she is also attracted to men like Sir Galahad. Cirilla, one of the most famous LGBTQ characters, embodies the steely tenacity, wit, and stubbornness of her mentor and protector, Geralt of Rivia.
This concludes the list of LGBTQ characters in video games. A few honorable mentions include Krem from Dragon Age: Inquisition, Tyler Ronan from Tell Me Why, and Max Caulfield from Life is Strange.