Are There Any LGBTQ Characters in Nintendo?
Nintendo, one of the most iconic and beloved gaming companies in the world, has been a staple in the gaming industry for decades. With a vast array of characters, games, and franchises, it’s natural to wonder if Nintendo has any LGBTQ characters. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Nintendo and explore the presence of LGBTQ characters in their games and franchises.
Vivian – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
One of the earliest and most notable LGBTQ characters in Nintendo is Vivian, a character from the 2004 game Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Vivian is a shadow girl who joins Mario’s party after being abused by her sisters. Throughout the game, Vivian is referred to with the pronoun "s/he," indicating that she is a non-binary character. This makes Vivian a groundbreaking character in the world of gaming, as she is one of the first openly non-binary characters in a major game franchise.
Quina – Final Fantasy IX
Another notable LGBTQ character in Nintendo is Quina, a character from the 2000 game Final Fantasy IX. Quina is a non-binary character who is voiced by a male actor, but is referred to with the pronoun "he/him" in the game’s dialogue. Quina’s character design and personality are also notable, as they are depicted as being androgynous and having a unique appearance that defies traditional gender norms.
Ethan Clade – Frozen 3
In 2022, Disney released Frozen 3, a spin-off of the popular Frozen franchise. The game features a character named Ethan Clade, who is the first openly gay lead character in a Disney game. Ethan is a member of the Northuldra tribe and is depicted as being in a romantic relationship with another character in the game. This marks a significant milestone in the representation of LGBTQ characters in gaming, as it is one of the first times a major game franchise has featured an openly gay lead character.
Roblox – A Safe Space for LGBTQ Characters
Roblox, a popular online gaming platform, has also made significant strides in representing LGBTQ characters. The platform allows users to create their own games and characters, and many of these games feature LGBTQ characters and storylines. Roblox has also implemented policies to ensure that all users are treated with respect and inclusivity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Table: LGBTQ Characters in Nintendo Games
| Game | Character | Pronouns | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door | Vivian | S/he | Non-binary, shadow girl |
| Final Fantasy IX | Quina | He/him | Non-binary, androgynous appearance |
| Frozen 3 | Ethan Clade | He/him | Openly gay lead character |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nintendo has made significant strides in representing LGBTQ characters in their games and franchises. From Vivian in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door to Ethan Clade in Frozen 3, there are many notable LGBTQ characters in Nintendo games. Roblox, a popular online gaming platform, has also become a safe space for LGBTQ characters and storylines. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more representation of LGBTQ characters in the future.