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LGBTQ+ Representation
I have noticed that much of this game's player base is part of the LGBTQ+ community. This is obviously really cool. Does anybody know why this game has attracted such a diverse audience?
Also, are any of the survivors or killers canonically queer? If not, are there plans to add any queer characters in the near future?
Comments
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No queer characters as of yet :( A lot of people have begged for It! I think they all sort of gave up they were really passionate about It though. DBD has been around for so long you'd think they would have done It by now ;especially with how big of a queer audience they have. They are super supportive of queer streamers though idk how meaningful that is though if they are not willing to represent their community In game...
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I think the reason the game is as popular as it is with an LGBT audience is a combination of there just being a lot of LGBT gamers who are happy to be openly queer in spaces that support them, and horror as a genre already being pretty popular with LGBT folks.
As for canonically queer characters, unfortunately not as far as I know, but there's a lot of space for it. I'd love to see some tome lore expand on some characters being LGBT in some fashion, new or established- I think the tomes would be the most appropriate place to do it, since it gives the space to explore it properly and let it impact some stories.
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The community seems to be attracted to horror in general. Bringing a bunch of horror icons together is bound to attract us.
I don't think there's any canonically gay characters at all yet, but there are a lot of characters whose romantic life has not been mentioned at all.
Side topic, as a gay guy in their late 20s, I really hate how people have latched onto referring to us as "queer." Many of us still come from a time where that was what people would hear as they're being beaten and #########, and having others decide for us that it's suddenly alright to refer to us collectively as what many still feel is a slur feels wrong.
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They have confirmed they will add an original character that is LGBTQ+ soon(-ish). As of now, most characters are intentionally left open, some however have canonically heterosexual relationships mentioned in their lore.
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It's been a year or two since they've said that so i'm pretty sure that was just another lie. I'm tired of the devs pretending they care about the gay community, it's insulting.
If they actually cared about gay representation, there wuold be at least 2-3 gay characters by now.
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As small as it is, the current tome, specifically the very last entry for "Things in the Fog" has two male characters who are implied to be in a relationship.
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They have stated they are working with GaymerX to avoid creating a bad stereotype and to make their representation right. Also there have been quite a few licensed chapters since thenโฆ though I agree they are taking their sweet time and it should not take this long.
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i'd love to see some trans rep personally but i'm pretty sure they've either forgotten to or never intended to add any queer character and just straight up lied.
getting harder and harder for me to give the benefit of the doubt to bhvr when they refuse any amount of transparency, i mean christ for something like this especially it's absurd.
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Also, small question.
If they were to add a non-binary character, would they use the masculine or feminine animations? I don't see them introducing an entirely new run cycle for 1 survivor, but I don't know if that would be problematic.
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Why does representation matter so much in a video game? Sheesh.
Talk about semantics. "Representation" lost its true meaning long ago. The fact that having forced gay characters for the sake of it brings more animosity than acceptance from the community, you know that right?
Enough with the "gimme gay" schtick and just play the damn horror game. If the next character happens to be gay, then good. If not, too bad.
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belive me, you guys are not ready for this conversation regarding sociology, psychology, sexuality, and pop culture. i actually wrote my final thesis on a similar topic. excuse my english if it's wonky (not my first language) and the wall of text.
when you say "popular in lgbt spaces" you actually mean: popular with gay men, cis straight women, and a few transgender women. lesbian and transmasc players are pretty much non-existant.
now, horror media is popular in lgbt spaces because it sexualizes females a lot and queer males romanticize and idolize that kind of male gazey femininity, the same one that straight men sexualize but the dynamics are different. in general, queer males obsess over females and divas, and horror media usually contains final girls who prevail over strong scary monsters or whatever but doing so, not through sheer force of muscle or anything but in a "feminine" way (as i said, it's meant to appeal to the male gaze).
with dbd they live out the fantasy of being said final girl. notice how yun jin, kate, and nancy are the most popular survivors among gay players, and how in general they pick the most traditionally feminine female character available in all videogames. otherwise they play the sexualized male characters like shirtless david and such.
basically it's just a sexualized fantasy of being helpless and defenseless but overcoming your aggressor and having your "yas queen, strong independent woman" moment vicariously, and doing so while subconsciously visualizing yourself through an external observer lens.
a similar phenomena is observed in women since they tend to sexualize situations where they're in peril or in danger, or in their case, even straight up sexualize the killers themselves. CNC fetishes or SA fantasies are very popular among straight women, not to mention how real existing serial killers have female groupies and fandoms, also see how there's fanfictions about school shooters etc... what also attracts the female playerbase is the fact that it appeals to the true crime community, which is prevalently female, all for interconnected reasons.
last but not least: the fact that it's a mechanically easy game and is easily accessible to the non hardcore gamers (or even non-gamers) slice of the gay and female demographic. in fact many of them actually play dbd only, with playtimes reaching even the thousand of hours, despite not playing other videogames unless you count mobile stuff or more "casual" games.
don't get me wrong, i'm not saying that these people are sexaully stimulated while playing the game. it's more on a subconscious level. it's embarassing, but it is what it is.
inb4:
"im a gay dude and i dont relate to any of this, which means that despite the fact that it applies to 70% of the community it's wrong because it's not true for me specifically, and i physically lack the capacity to perceive the world through a point of view that is not mine."
"im a lesbian and i play the game, therefore you're wrong about the fact that we are a minuscule part of the player base, because i have no idea how math works, my own anecdotal and empirical experience makes more sense to me."
"you're homophobic."
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Honestly I think it would depend on the structure of the character. If the Character is a Male base (not that their gender is male) then I would say they would go with male and vice versa if they go with a female base it would be female animations. It would be cool if they had a non-binary animation but I agree they would need more than one character who is non-binary to create a whole new animation. Though if you look at legion you have both male and female with one animation so wouldn't be that big of a stretch to have a non-binary animation.
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I mean except for licensed characters, none of the characters have any information about their sexuality. Maybe it's because that's not what you're really concerned about when you're running away from a bloodthirsty killer? Just a thought.
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Where are your numbers coming from here? I can only speak anecdotally but I think every single DBD player that I know personally is a sapphic woman.
I don't know that these numbers have ever been released to the general community if BHVR have even gathered them internally, so if they exist I'd love to see them.
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Donโt take this the wrong way but I personally donโt think representation/inclusivity should be a huge priority for BHVR right now. I personally welcome the LGBTQ community with open arms with this game (along with many other communities) but at least from my perspective the sexuality/gender of a character/survivor shouldnโt feel forced or even relevant. BHVRโs focus should just be making fun/balanced killers and survivor characters.
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By that logic, why bother expanding on their stories with tome lore at all? None of that is relevant when you're running away from a bloodthirsty killer, after all.
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Tragically, representation is actually very important in all forms of media and they've had 2 and a bit years to perfect it so... Any day now.
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Hi! Please read!
Thank you!
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Just because you're not represented, it doesn't mean you're being ignored, dismissed, discriminated, looked down on or any other adjective that people like to use in this situation.
If that's the case, 99+% of the racial minorities in the world are being made "invisible" by BHVR simply because they're not "represented" in DBD.
The answer is no, they're not.
Like how being gay is natural, you need to let things happen naturally too.
If DBD's writing team is not yet ready to implement a chapter that includes a gay character that could be deemed forced, then you need to give them time.
Just because they're not hurrying in putting a gay character doesn't mean that they're putting them under the rug.
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I never have quite understood the issue. There are no confirmed LBGT characters. There aren't any confirmed straight characters either. At least not to my knowledge. It allows alot of freedom to characters.
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I think the devs are hesitant to add a LGBTQ+ char, to avoid a situation in which they are forced to remove content. Just like everything that lead to the Bubba facemask removal.
Which is a shame.
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I'm cis, so take my opinion with a pinch of salt, but I'm not sure it really matters what animation cycle is used provided the pronouns and identity are correct. If you've got a non-binary character that goes by they/them (think Bloodhound from Apex Legends) and you then suddenly use he/him or she/her when that's not their pronouns, that's the bit that it's bad to mess up.
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Or you could let people enjoy what they enjoy. That's always an option for you. Why does it bother you if people want different things out of video games than you?
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There are multiple confirmed heterosexual relationships in the lore, tho.
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First, it has always been natural. It's only that it has been shunned for a long while, mostly because of a certain family of religions.
Second, I really don't see how the sexual life of any of the characters is relevant?
They are there to suffer (both survivors and killers). Toons born to be hooked on rusted piece of metal and gush blood on once side, and bigger toons made to be tea-bagged and eat pallets of wood. (I didn't said the pain was proportional. ^_^;;;)
I usually leave these details to fan-fictions. At least they can chose whoever swings what way and not be disappointed by the "official" version.
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I think one big hurdle is that Bhvr is so focused on licensed content (because it attracts new players and makes more money) and there aren't a ton of very memorable LGBT characters in the licenses they are acquiring.
But why they haven't made any of their original characters LGBT 2+ years after making an announcement that they will? Beats me.
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read up on why representation is so important to people. It's not about what you have written.
And once again, that's just pure semantics.
Representation is a way that people came up with to spread awareness of a specific agenda that they feel personally invested in. This includes: LGBT, BLM, Anit-bullying movement, feminism, etc.
Now, yes. All of the movements that ask for more representation is good, but that doesn't mean a company should be obligated to tick every checkbox regarding the requirements that these movements "request" for in the nearest future.
BHVR literally stated that they ARE going to include a gay character eventually. Now, remember that a character's agency in being in DBD has nothing to do with their sexuality. Felix having a pregnant girlfriend doesn't emphasize he's straight, but rather that he has a new family he must get back to. If a character is created under the pretense that he/she is gay without having an acceptable story then it will create more rejection than acceptance from the community NOT because they're gay, but because they are completely out of the blue and are there for simply needing a gay character in the roster.
No. People who have an issue representation will claim it's "forced" no matter how you introduce it. It's the whole "well, if you just acted normal maybe you wouldn't get so much hate", "Well, if you just didn't talk about it" etc, etc...
That is your conjecture.
Most people do not want a character that is so one-dimensional that the only thing going for them is their sexual orientation. THAT'S what people dislike.
And if you really think people don't like gay characters, check out Kung-Jin from Mortal Kombat X and see how welcoming the community was when he was first introduced as a gay character. But the difference is, Kung-Jin just happened to be gay and that had nothing to do with the storyline or the gameplay.
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to whoever is against representation regarding LGBTQ+ in their videogame because sexuality is not important and allโฆ.
where were you when the multiple heterosexual relationships were added and why are you speaking up now but not before? Especially Legions tome lore was completely unnecessary but here we are. Why are there always arguments that itโs forced or not important as soon as it is not heterosexual?
also keep in mind, the people involved with this wouldnโt otherwise work on gameplay, balance, or anything like that either. They would just be working on other lore stuff anyway. So it doesnโt directly take away resources..
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Because that enforces bad writing for the sake of pandering to the audience.
I would rather want a well thought out character without having to focus heavily on their sexual orientation and I think the reason why most of the characters have not disclosed their sexual preference is because of this very reason.
The Trickster has a great story for him. He has agency of being a killer in the Entity's realm. If he ever came out as a gay character, that would not bother me one bit since that's not the main priority for his existence in DBD.
Now, if a character is released under the one-dimensional pretense that he/she is "gay" then that is like I said, selling out to the gay community for the sake of inclusion.
Inclusion should come natural, not because people want it right now.
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Yes. I repeat.
A conjecture that is based on your experience.
Still an opinion nonetheless.
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Okay, maybe it's just me but can we please not force the devs to make a LGBT character. I have nothing against LGBT but this makes no sense to me. There are so many important things to do.
. The Cheater Pandemic
. The (terrible) SBMM system
These things are way more important to me. I just want these things to be fixed before they focus on new content.
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No, they can release one right now if they think it's ready.
The problem is, this community is so riled up to the point they are throwing hissyfits cuz they don't have a gay character NOW even though BHVR literally promised one in the past.
Regardless of your sexual orientation, people need to grow up a little.
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Speaking as a pansexual man with more attraction towards males, I can tell you why representation is important.
See, when you tell me "there are other people like you!", only one thing passes my mind โ yeah, there are, but I never met them and no one I know is. Is it really that I am normal? Are there ACTUALLY people out there like that?
This is where I'm thankful to the forums. Whenever I feel wrong in my skin, I remember that a fellow forum member I somehow grew attached to, ๏ปฟ@GoodBoyKaru , is part of LGBT. The thought of someone you know being in the same situation can really bring you back on tracks.
It's great to tell someone they are not alone, but it's more convincing to prove them they are not AND make them feel not alone.
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Lore team aren't the people that write the code my guy.
Also, "I have nothing against LGBT, but-"
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Literally no one forces them. But people are free to ask for whatever they want. And the devs already confirmed they want to be inclusive and not exclude anything LGBTQ+ (anymore) - which they apologized for that they unintentionally did so.
The people involved with it would not work on the Cheater epidemic or SBMM system anyway. Itโs not really logical to bring this up as a counterargument.
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But I also don't think the sexuality of a character in this game should matter. That's not important at all, at leat not to me.
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Omg bestie hi !! I am fully homosexual but I know pan guys irl and I'm dating a bi guy so I pinky promise triple delta nu sister swear you are valid and normal and great!!
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I am glad to hear you identify yourself as a part of the LGBT community.
But if you feel insecure about yourself, that is not a problem regarding your sexuality, that's something to do with your mentality since personal insecurities include so much more than just sexual preference (i.e. appearance, characteristics, career, etc).
And if you are seeking assurance from a gaming forum, then you are at the wrong place my friend...
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Let's not forget, it is bhvr, give them another 3 years, then they might start working on it, lol
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What's wrong with what I said? I just thing the sexuality of a character should matter. This doesnt make sense to ME! Personal opinion...
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So I expect to see you campaigning for the removal of Nurse, since she was confirmed to have a husband since August 2016. And Legion, too, since Julie and Frank have been dating since release. And Felix, since he's got a pregnant GF. David has a canon ex-gf so I guess we should axe his tome too.
If you do not care about something, do not speak about something. Because all that happens when you say "I don't care, but-" is you tell everyone that you do, in fact, care quite a bit โจ
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Take it down a notch, Karu.
Neither him nor I stated that having a gay character is wrong. We said demanding one for the sake of inclusion is quite frankly, unnecessary.
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1) GBK, please.
2) Wanting to feel included and asking about it is... unnecessary? Wanting to be part of media and represented, to be reassured you're normal not just through words but through actions, wanting to be able to see yourself and project yourself the way everyone else can, is unnecessary? It's unnecessary to ask about not being left out because of how you were born.
Sick good to know.
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You are speaking to a bisexual person here, you realize that right? How stereotypical for someone to assume they're straight simply becuz I have an opposing opinion ๐
Also, if I was in front of you in person, I would tell you to read my lips:
We said demanding one for the sake of inclusion is quite frankly, unnecessary.
Your "wants" do not align with the majority of the players' "needs" and as a bi person, I agree. A gay character is on its way. They promised.
I dunno why ya'll are acting so childish right now.
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I didn't even know that and I also don't care. like I said, it's not importent to me. I don't think the sexuality should matter. And if it's a different team that makes the character then that's fine by me.
I don't know what you are trying to say with that last sentence but if you think I'm against the LGBT community you are very very wrong. I have friends that are gay and like i said, sexuality doesn't matter to me. I don't treat them any different.
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You are speaking to a bisexual person here, you realize that right? How stereotypical for someone to assume they're straight simply becuz I have an opposing opinion ๐
Darling bestie my dearest most wonderful voodoo_thirsty please tell me exactly where I said that. Because, spoiler alert, nowehre did I ever say you were straight.
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Just because I disagree on asking for a gay character/representation doesn't mean I don't sympathize with your hardships.
I hope you have a great day.
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Thank you. That's exaclty what I was trying to say.
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Sorry, GBK means something else where I'm from.
But you do understand my point right?
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I'm not sure how this relates to a game about murder and torture? Don't get me wrong, representation is great, but I see the Trapper just as likely killing a homosexual as they are a heterosexual and just as likely to kill someone who is non-binary.
How do we know if a character isn't already LGBTQ+?
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