There is minimal representation of the LGBTQ+ community in video games, but Respawn did an excellent job with Apex Legends.
It is critical to be able to relate to a character in any type of media, whether it is because of their colour, sexuality, gender identity, or any other characteristic. It’s something that makes those who have been hushed or mocked feel heard and accepted in a world that has for far too long turned them away. It is critical to ensure that a larger range of people be represented in a TV show, film, or even video game in order to ignite change; it is critical to expose those who are more privileged to a wider range of people so that, over time, these variances become a part of what society considers to be the ‘norm’.
Apex Legends is unlike any other game; with a varied cast of characters, it provides a great level of representation, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Its creators excel not only in creating LGBTQ+ characters, but also at writing profoundly heartfelt lore about their adventures.
Gibraltar (Gay)
Makoa Gibraltar, one of the game’s original eight characters, is described as a “gentle giant with a wild side” by EA and the first of several characters to have their sexuality verified by authors. It has been established that the shielded fortress is gay, with part of his backstory involving his partner Nikolas and a mudslide accident they had; his relationship with Nikolas is further explored in the Apex Legends comics.
What makes this character so essential is that he was not written or constructed in a detrimental or stereotyped way, which is something that many authors have failed to achieve in their own shows, movies, and games: he’s simply an ordinary person who happens to be homosexual.
Bloodhound (Non-Binary)
Bloodhound, another member of Apex Legends’ original cast, has been verified by authors to be non-binary. Their identity is described as a “mystery wrapped in layers of rumours” by the technical tracker.
There aren’t many non-binary characters, especially in video games, therefore Respawn’s decision was significant and impactful. Hopefully, this will inspire other authors to include a more diverse cast of characters in terms of gender identification, which is rarely covered.
Loba (Bisexual)
Loba Andrade, who debuted in season 5 in May 2020, has the most seductive voice lines of any character, especially when directed at female legends, leading players to question her sexuality. Former senior journalist Tom Casiello quickly revealed that she is, in fact, bisexual.
The translocating thief has had romantic relationships with other legends, including her current girlfriend Valkyrie and a former flirtation with Bangalore, though the latter was more heavily inferred and has yet to be formally confirmed. The Apex Legends comics go into much greater detail about her sexuality and convoluted love life.
Fuse (Pansexual)
Fuse, who debuted in February 2021 during Season 8, has been verified as pansexual by writer Sam Gill after fans noticed he was labelled as a “ladies’ man, man’s man, and all-around manly man.”
In reality, the explosives specialist is one half of the fandom’s favourite ship, Fuse and Bloodhound. This friendship blossomed in the Armageddon comic and has only grown stronger since, most notably during the Friends Like These quest.
Valkyrie (Lesbian)
Kairi Imahara, better known as Valkyrie, was released in May 2021 during season 9 and is one of the game’s most openly gay characters, with several of her voice lines relating to her sexuality, including “I like my women like I like my sake” and “bandits dropping like your girl’s inhibitions.” As previously stated, the winged avenger is canonically in a relationship with Loba; when the two are on the same squad, players can hear them make romantic remarks to one another.
Players have applauded the character for being out and proud; she doesn’t hide who she is or apologise for it. Tom Casiello, a writer, has noted that he admires how she “owns her sexuality outright and isn’t ashamed of it.” Overall, she is an excellent role model for any bisexual, lesbian, or queer individual.
Seer (Pansexual)
Another excellent example of pansexual portrayal is Obi Edolasim, commonly known as Seer, a character introduced in Apex Legends season 10 in August 2021.
In a sequence of tweets, Respawn’s lead writer, Amanda Doiron, revealed the ambush artist’s membership in the LGBTQ+ community. In response to admirers inquiring if he was gay, the writer wrote, “Seer sees to the heart of people and does not limit himself to a specific gender.”
Catalyst (Transgender)
Catalyst was debuted as the latest addition to the ever-growing pool of characters during Season 15 in November 2022. Catalyst, on the other hand, is unique in that she is the game’s first transgender character. Last Hope, a Stories From The Outlands movie, saw the debut of the defensive conjurer. Within this short, she discusses her transition with her friend Margo, noting that her entire world has opened up now that she is herself. She goes on to say how difficult it was for her to transition.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many transgender characters in 8 Ball Pool, but Catalyst is a fantastic role model for anyone trans or battling with their own gender identification; her tale is eloquently told and offers hope to those who need it.
Apex Legends is currently available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
