There is a stunning lack of LGBT characters in this game

A Liberal·Aug 5, 2016·10 votes·3,680 views

Riot has come so far in champion design in regards to body types, race, and stereotypes, but we are still lacking an LGBT character. There was a Rioter comment somewhere, although for the life of me I can't find it right now, that basically said that they do not want to force a character to be LGBT, which is a great thing, except we have plenty of characters that already could be something other than heterosexual.

Take for example .

Ahri's entire schtick is that she seduces men and then eats their souls. Why would she care if it was a woman or a man? Other characters that would make sense would be and . It is not hard to make an LGBT character who is something other then the token "gay character" In much the same way, neither or is the "token black character", because while being black is part of their character, it is not the entirety of their character.

Personally, although I think there are some opportunities that were missed to create a LGBT character given the set we already have, I think it would be better to make a completely new character that is an LGBT person, so as to not disrupt the canon we already have. I would really really like to see Riot release a LGBT character in the near futures, for both the diversification of the universe, and the representation benefits that it would have.

166 Comments

Valaran NaraAug 5, 201617 votes

Just to let you know, most of your downvotes are from the fact that this is a topic that's been beaten with a dead horse.

So, most people are just sick of the topic. Eventually rito might make one, but until then, what happens happens. If any of the current cast comes out as something other than straight, I am sure Rito is going to try and downplay the "OH YEAH, he's definitely" a lot. And I mean that as in outright saying it. The 13-15 yr olds might rage about it though. shrugs

A LiberalAug 5, 20161 votes

It's funny because I have straight up shitposted on here before, like straight up one line QQ thread, and never gotten this many downvotes this quickly.

FasmodeyAug 5, 20162 votes

{quoted}

It's funny because I have straight up shitposted on here before, like straight up one line QQ thread, and never gotten this many downvotes this quickly.

Welcome to boards, mate. Welcome to boards. Actually, World. This place is like a corrupted reflection of major humanity. People in here think they're open minded, yet they try so hard and come with retarded arguments.

''BUT BUT WE DONT NEED IT''

I'm actually done with this topic. I'm already loss against NA Boards on it, I'm only here just because of this dumbshit argument. ''WE DONT NEED, OKEH?''

A LiberalAug 5, 20166 votes

I really dislike that argument too. Representation and Diversity are great things to have in fictional worlds, and honestly I can't understand how anyone is against it. Like, do you enjoy having 20 white sexy female characters with the same exact face and body type?

FasmodeyAug 5, 20162 votes

{quoted}

I really dislike that argument too. Representation and Diversity are great things to have in fictional worlds, and honestly I can't understand how anyone is against it. Like, do you enjoy having 20 white sexy female characters with the same exact face and body type?

%90 of Story, Art & Sound is all about bronzies who flame their oppenent like there is no tomorrow, then come here and act like they're the most open minded people in existence.

I'm already sick of humanity enough, I'm coming to see something surreal, that may give me peace. And then what? I got ebola with seeing those downvotes.

'' BUT WE DON'T NEED, OKEH?''

Beyond LegendsAug 5, 20162 votes

Nice straw man you built there mate. You'll so all mighty and just and the world is all wrong. I think the problem is with you instead.

FasmodeyAug 5, 20164 votes

[{quoted}](name=Beyond Legends,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=uv6oeRGE,comment-id=000200000000000000000000,timestamp=2016-08-05T10:13:55.002+0000)

Nice straw man you built there mate. You'll so all mighty and just and the world is all wrong. I think the problem is with you instead.

I tried to be nice, and nothing changed. I always got downvoted. So it doesn't make a difference in this topics if you're nice or not.

Beyond LegendsAug 5, 20161 votes

Antiagonizing people ain't going to help your cause either, you just end up being pushy. There also the fact I think lgbt relate things drag most stories down then they do to improve it. I'm if people are interested in such things there would be deman for it. You can't shove things down peoples throat and expect them to like it. Marvel current sales number on their comics shows that.

People have a natural unpleasantness toward lgbts. Its similiar to the distain to incest despite the issue being similiar. I mean if a incest couple agrees to not have children and adopt instead. Is it any different than a gay couple?

FasmodeyAug 5, 20164 votes

[{quoted}](name=Beyond Legends,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=uv6oeRGE,comment-id=00020000000000000000000000000000,timestamp=2016-08-05T12:07:19.739+0000)

Antiagonizing people ain't going to help your cause either, you just end up being pushy. There also the fact I think lgbt relate things drag most stories down then they do to improve it. I'm if people are interested in such things there would be deman for it. You can't shove things down peoples throat and expect them to like it. Marvel current sales number on their comics shows that.

People have a natural unpleasantness toward lgbts. Its similiar to the distain to incest despite the issue being similiar. I mean if a incest couple agrees to not have children and adopt instead. Is it any different than a gay couple?

Down peoples throat?! I have a crazy idea! What about not reading? I know I know, super crazy but just for you know.

Do you think I have high pleasure when I see Katarina x Garen, Azir's harem? Do you think I stopped being obsessed with Xerath when I learned that she had a girlfriend in old lore?

I really don't care what you feel, what you see disgusting until you respect and see me as equal entity to you, until you think that I also have right to have characters that I want in lore, without remembering that you're disgusted by it.

Incest without having children wouldn't cause a risk of horrible life for the kid, so I support that. It is not like they're same though. Incest is not sexuality. You can see incest among both gays and straights.

Your argument is so bad, I can say what is difference between a straight relationship and man-woman incest relationship? If you support straight relationship, then you support incest relationship too with this super retarded argument.

Beyond LegendsAug 5, 20162 votes

I don't need to see anyone as equal. No one is equal to one another in life. I can tolarate someones behavior doesn't mean I have to be subject to their antics.

If you don't like it you may leave. League is ultimately a product. No product can satisfy everyone person so it's logical to go for the majority. It's obvious the majority of people do not want this, hence all the dislike.

If you don't like how something taste, you don't get insult the people who do. Just because you don't like wasabi on your sushi doesn't mean those who do are retards

Also as I have stated again people don't wants this. Adding it to anything gives insight on a character as much as knowing the blood type. Most Lgbt story are no different than the yaoi manga. It has a certain market just not this market.

FasmodeyAug 5, 20164 votes

[{quoted}](name=Beyond Legends,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=uv6oeRGE,comment-id=0002000000000000000000000000000000000000,timestamp=2016-08-05T14:17:01.573+0000)

I don't need to see anyone as equal. No one is equal to one another in life. I can tolarate someones behavior doesn't mean I have to be subject to their antics.

If you don't like it you may leave. League is ultimately a product. No product can satisfy everyone person so it's logical to go for the majority. It's obvious the majority of people do not want this, hence all the dislike.

If you don't like how something taste, you don't get insult the people who do. Just because you don't like wasabi on your sushi doesn't mean those who do are retards

Also as I have stated again people don't wants this. Adding it to anything gives insight on a character as much as knowing the blood type. Most Lgbt story are no different than the yaoi manga. It has a certain market just not this market.

I'm not talking about exactly equal beings, but equal entities who have equal rights. Not that hard to understand.

Did Riot stop releasing Taliyah while a lot people were critical against it? Did people stop including black people more and more in television series and movies in 19s and 20s? Should I stop because some retards don't see gays as human beings?

No, You're definitely not a retard for not liking sushi, but you're a total idiot if you're trying to stop me from eating sushi. Another bullshit argument. ''Look, I don't like sushi, so no stories, movies and series should include people who eat sushi. It is disgusting.''

Because straight relationships and kisses add too much thing, it improves entire story singlehandly. Absolutely right.

Your arguments are the worst in this topic by far. And then you say I should be respectful.

A LiberalAug 5, 20162 votes

No product can satisfy everyone person so it's logical to go for the majority.

133 champions and I am seeing a whole awful lot of satisfying straight white men.

Adding it to anything gives insight on a character as much as knowing the blood type.

Yep, that is why Senna is referred to as Lucian undefined partner, and Ashe 's sex is left androgynous so we are still left to question Tryndamere 's sexuality. /kappa

MavenSongAug 5, 20169 votes

Personally I have no qualms with any LGBT characters. Problem is it doesnt seem right to make an existing champion just to please. If it has some lore backing to it im fine with itbut Riot needs to handle it right if they do.

FasmodeyAug 5, 20162 votes

{quoted}

Personally I have no qualms with any LGBT characters. Problem is it doesnt seem right to make an existing champion just to please. If it has some lore backing to it im fine with itbut Riot needs to handle it right if they do.

Not same thing again, please. Better stop it there. I'm already triggered enough.

I'm also sick of ''Im nothing against for LGBT character but I don't wanna see my character destroyed with homosexuality'' thing. Better be against it.

MavenSongAug 5, 20166 votes

What exactly is triggering you? Im just saying if riot ever wants to it just shouldn't be thrown out. It should have cannonical backing of some kind.

FasmodeyAug 5, 20164 votes

{quoted}

What exactly is triggering you? Im just saying if riot ever wants to it just shouldn't be thrown out. It should have cannonical backing of some kind.

What is exactly backing when there is literally no sexuality background for the most of champions? What is exactly changing about Yasuo or Diana, or whatever?

MavenSongAug 5, 20169 votes

Just some sort of backstory to where a relationship makes sense. Vi and cait, as an example, work closely a lot.

A LiberalAug 5, 20162 votes

Personally I don't feel like any of the current characters should be made canonically lgbt simply because people have established lore about them and a sexuality is a major change that could destroy the character for some people (Insert obligatory Legend of Korra example here).

MavenSongAug 5, 20163 votes

LoK did happen to drop some hints about Korrasami I noticed this looking back, but yah fair enough. I personally dont mind current characters but it needs to have logic to it.

Valaran NaraAug 5, 20163 votes

{quoted}

It's funny because I have straight up shitposted on here before, like straight up one line QQ thread, and never gotten this many downvotes this quickly.

It's because you made an actual argument. People are more likely to just ignore you and see it as a troll trying to stir up something when you oneline.

FasmodeyAug 5, 20169 votes

We don't need LGBT characters, neither Graves' cigarette, Shyvana's crush on Jarvan IV, Katarina x Garen, Azir's harem.

God I love this argument. Never gets old.

Ebonmaw DragonAug 5, 20169 votes

{quoted}

We don't need LGBT characters, neither Graves' cigarette, Shyvana's crush on Jarvan IV, Katarina x Garen, Azir's harem.

God I love this argument. Never gets old.

Actually, Azir's harem is important because it explains why Sivir exist

FasmodeyAug 5, 20163 votes

[{quoted}](name=Ebonmaw Dragon,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=uv6oeRGE,comment-id=00070000,timestamp=2016-08-05T01:29:27.805+0000)

Actually, Azir's harem is important because it explains why Sivir exist

Then we don't need Sivir and Azir interactions, completely pointless, like entire lore. /s

People forget it is fiction, surreal, useless af if you ever think about it universe. Why should you say it is not necessary when everything is unnecessary? That's my point.

I also love your insta downvote.

Ebonmaw DragonAug 5, 20163 votes

{quoted}

Then we don't need Sivir and Azir interactions, completely pointless, like entire lore. /s

People forget it is fiction, surreal, useless af if you ever think about it universe. Why should you say it is not necessary when everything is unnecessary? That's my point.

I also love your insta downvote.

Im not the one who downvoted you, the one who did it must be the same one that upvoted me.

If you dont care about lore, why you in this board at all?

FasmodeyAug 5, 20163 votes

[{quoted}](name=Ebonmaw Dragon,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=uv6oeRGE,comment-id=0007000000000000,timestamp=2016-08-05T01:41:48.800+0000)

Im not the one who downvoted you, the one who did it must be the same one that upvoted me.

If you dont care about lore, why you in this board at all?

/s means sarcasm.

I'm here because I love useless facts, like a lot people. Do you really think it is necessary to have lore in anywhere? Is it necessary to have movies, games, stories? Vast majority of humanity does is all about useless facts. Yet people cry about how a gay character is unnecessary. It is funny.

I love lore more than an average person does, because it makes me feel like I'm in another universe even though it is not real and useless. IT IS COMPLETELY USELESS AND I LOVE IT. It is my hobby. So stop acting like I'm going to stop after this '' but we don't need it '' shit argument.

I'm always tilted when I enter this topics, oh god.

Also, sorry for misunderstanding you.

MavenSongAug 5, 20167 votes

On most champions their sexuality makes no difference to Lore.

MissFortune while her previous flirtatiousness use to be the forefront of her personality, she seems far more concerned with the goings on of Bildgewater to care about such things now that we know who she really is.

As for Ahri its far easier to seduce men because most men prefer women. (Though I could see her being Bisexual, so ill give you that)

The rest honestly dont have any connections to lore.

And the problem is, if riot does, people will probably make it the core personality. Just look at Taric. People always said he was really gay just because of the way he was and thats mostly what people thought of him. His VGU helped mitigate some of that but its still a common thing.

GreenLoreAug 5, 20167 votes

I think the reason why we have no homosexual champs(or bisexuals) is that LoL is played in a lot of countries and some countries aren't that open about homosexuality and would cause the game some trouble in these countries(and nowadays they want the same version of the game in every country,so they can't just censor it in the problematic ones)

Vistha KaiAug 5, 20166 votes

Because making a LGBT character for the sake of making them a LGBT character, would be insulting to LGBT people.

Ultimately all champions, unless stated otherwise - for example Kassadin, Lucian, Varus who are known for being being married and or having kids - doesn't have their sexual preference specified.

And that's it. That's the end of the thread.

kitcat300Aug 5, 20165 votes

Because a characters gender, skin color, race are just physical traits that you see and, well that's it. Not more to ask about that.

That's why you cant make a character gay/bi/trans just for the heck of it because unlike physical traits, these have metal and social implications that come with the character, and in today's world anyways, there will be questions that readers/player will want answered.

How does it affect their personality? Pride? Indifferent? Ashamed? How do the people around them feel about it? Have they been persecuted for it?

I realize in an ideal world people would just gloss over such things, but that's the thing about controversies, there are things that people don't understand and will want answers.

Pandemic PunchAug 5, 20165 votes

WOOOA WOA WOAAAAAA Slow down. Let's worry about more important issues first like Graves' cigar.

ScaytheAug 5, 20164 votes

Ahri can still charm women XD

A LiberalAug 5, 20164 votes

I think I just set a personal record for the most commented on thread with the most downvotes.

Rude NameAug 5, 20164 votes

You're not wrong though. I mean, most sexualities in League are ambiguous, and that's quite good. It means we can interpret anyone any way. So, while it's always politically correct to have more LGBT champions, it's not explicitly necessary. The negative reaction is kind of uncalled for though.

Friendly RamAug 5, 20164 votes

Ok does nobody notice vi and cait?

Furor NexisAug 5, 20163 votes

Does there need to be an LGBT-esque character? Sure, it's great and all posting it for diversity standards but League has never really vilified nor forced sexual orientation-based roles onto their characters, it was more about their story than anything else. People want to know about that champion, and what deeds they did that dignified and set in motion of them as a champion within the world of RuneTerra over what type of person they prefer.

A LiberalAug 5, 20166 votes

Why can't their sexuality just be part of their story? We don't need a gay character, just a character who happens to be gay.

Furor NexisAug 5, 20162 votes

{quoted}

Why can't their sexuality just be part of their story? We don't need a gay character, just a character who happens to be gay.

To be honest I'm not sure how many people would care about their sexuality, if they were inherently implemented. I never cared about the sexuality of the champs before, and it won't make a difference to me if there was one given in their lore and stuff. Sure there'd probably be banter when their entire VO dialogue comes out but even at that only a small few people would give it thought. It'd be more along the lines of the following if anything:

"Sure, this character has x and y traits /sexual preference BUT LOOK AT WHAT THEY DID TO X/Y/Z ENEMY! HOW BADASS WAS THAT???"

VoidStaresBackAug 5, 20163 votes

[deleted]

TahyanaAug 5, 20164 votes

How many characters out of the total actually have their sexual orientation be an important part of their lore at the moment? Not very many, because the lore focuses on what make the character important in the world rather than all aspects of the character, and outside of Lucian and Azir (and maybe a few others I'm don't remember) it generally isn't important who a character may be laying down with at night.

I am in complete agreement with this. The lore is not a booking sheet where height/gender/weight/sexual orientation is listed. The lore, merely a background story, is there to explain how the character interacts in Runterra and, in many cases, how they came to compete in the rift.

I'm guessing that if Riot makes an openly gay character in the future, it'll probably be evident through their voiceover rather than their lore itself.

I can agree with this as well. Interactions and mannerisms while on the rift should dictate the character's personality, not the lore, where it explains how they came to the rift.

PermabannedGarenAug 5, 20163 votes

{quoted}

Here's my thoughts on it.

Would it be nice? Yeah, it would, always nice to have a variety of different individuals in the champion pool and it's inclusive. Is it likely to be done anytime soon? Maybe, but probably not, at least not in a way mentioned in the character lore.

How many characters out of the total actually have their sexual orientation be an important part of their lore at the moment? Not very many, because the lore focuses on what make the character important in the world rather than all aspects of the character, and outside of Lucian and Azir (and maybe a few others I'm don't remember) it generally isn't important who a character may be laying down with at night.

That being said, Taliyah demonstrates that there is a place to put a character's sexuality that doesn't require it to be tied into their lore. Taliyah has a line towards Ekko that shows that she's either straight or bi, and I think the character voiceover lines are a great place to flesh out any miscellaneous aspects of a character like their sexuality. I'm guessing that if Riot makes an openly gay character in the future, it'll probably be evident through their voiceover rather than their lore itself.

Everyone would be fine with character sexualities were specified through in-game voice lines.

TahyanaAug 5, 20162 votes

Why do we need to inject political issues into a game? Can't we just play and not worry about whether a champ is gay or not. It isn't going to change their mechanics one way are another. It's like saying Vi will miss more skillshots if Cait struts in front of her.

For love of gaming, leave politics out of it.

Edit: I down voted because I get enough politics and political debates in my social media. Also, I am not against LGBTQ, but this discussion really isn't needed here, imho.

PermabannedGarenAug 5, 20162 votes

{quoted}

Why do we need to inject political issues into a game? Can't we just play and not worry about whether a champ is gay or not. It isn't going to change their mechanics one way are another. It's like saying Vi will miss more skillshots if Cait struts in front of her.

For love of gaming, leave politics out of it.

Edit: I down voted because I get enough politics and political debates in my social media. Also, I am not against LGBTQ, but this discussion really isn't needed here, imho.

It's not a political issue, or at least it shouldn't be. League has a fairly ethnically diverse cast of colorful and unique characters, but so far every champion's sexuality that has been confirmed has been solely heterosexual. Having the occasional homo would make the world more authentic.

TorgazAug 5, 20162 votes

Hasnt the community already accepted Taric x Ezreal?

FasmodeyAug 5, 20163 votes

{quoted}

Hasnt the community already accepted Taric x Ezreal?

Nobody cares community. Also, it is one of the most offensive ships I ever saw. Streotype Incarnate. I'm glad Riot destroyed it.

TenshouSNKAug 6, 20162 votes

What does lgbt mean? And lgbtq?

FasmodeyAug 6, 20162 votes

{quoted}

What does lgbt mean? And lgbtq?

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Queer.

HigeAug 5, 20161 votes

you see, it's pretty obvious you're blinded by your own agenda here buddy.

Ahri's entire schtick is that she seduces men and then eats their souls.

Ahri seduces PEOPLE, she happens to be female so obviously guys will follow her the most but girls could fall for her charms as well, do you really think she cares if the soul comes with a Peen or a Vag? IT'S A SOUL.

Now on the topic of an LBGT character, there's plenty of those in game, do they wave a rainbow flag? no, because there's no such thing in runeterra, as a matter of fact sexual orientation in runeterra might be so open and normalized that there's no kind of movement to be shouting about.

A LiberalAug 6, 20161 votes

Okay well I fail to see one scrap of lore or VO interaction to support the idea, while I can find several examples of heterosexual lore/interactions.

HigeAug 6, 20162 votes

recheck Graves/TF backstory, being this obsessed with another dude/saving the life of someone trying to kill you, doesn't happen exactly out of good will, there's more than a friendship in there but these happen to be stubborn rogues, don't expect a gay marriage amidst the city getting burned. More importantly, they ended up together once again and this time they both owe each other's life... don't call me a groupie but I ship it and find it extremely romantic.

Also Vi/Cait, moreso Vi because she was conceived in the current era and she has the VO to back it up ("Cupcake!"), Cait needs to be update so these tidbits would probably find their way in there as well.

Then you have Leona who happened to "swoon" for miss fortune at a recent event.

Taric is also the most prominent champion that could theoretically be attracted to males, his lore says that he felt like he was going through a different type of training, he was becoming a warrior of love (not homosexual love, just love in general) but his only and most notable bond is Garen who obviously is pinning after kat but that doesn't mean that Taric can't have Garen in a special place on heart.

Illaoi too even though she kind of flirts with Braum, she also happens to like other female champions.

Thing is, romantic/sexual interest isn't the main focus of the game so every and all interaction pertaining to it must be seriously subtle. Take Taliyah for example, she doesn't say: OMG EKKO PLEASE HAVE MY BABIES, MY OVARIES ARE ON FIRE FOR YOU. she instead states: did the earth move for you too?; this states that she has interest on Ekko but it doesn't mean she's a man eater, for all that's worth she could also be interested on Sivir ("Do not turn your back on what is right." )

So the homosexual love is there, it's subtle but it's there, plus since League of legends is a growing game, most VO's are currently not as deep as Riot would like them to be so adding these kinds of interactions is probably already on the table but nothing 1-1 with reality because in-game there's barely ANYTHING comparable at that level with real life.

FasmodeyAug 6, 20162 votes

{quoted}

recheck Graves/TF backstory, being this obsessed with another dude/saving the life of someone trying to kill you, doesn't happen exactly out of good will, there's more than a friendship in there but these happen to be stubborn rogues, don't expect a gay marriage amidst the city getting burned. More importantly, they ended up together once again and this time they both owe each other's life... don't call me a groupie but I ship it and find it extremely romantic.

Also Vi/Cait, moreso Vi because she was conceived in the current era and she has the VO to back it up ("Cupcake!"), Cait needs to be update so these tidbits would probably find their way in there as well.

Then you have Leona who happened to "swoon" for miss fortune at a recent event.

Taric is also the most prominent champion that could theoretically be attracted to males, his lore says that he felt like he was going through a different type of training, he was becoming a warrior of love (not homosexual love, just love in general) but his only and most notable bond is Garen who obviously is pinning after kat but that doesn't mean that Taric can't have Garen in a special place on heart.

Illaoi too even though she kind of flirts with Braum, she also happens to like other female champions.

Thing is, romantic/sexual interest isn't the main focus of the game so every and all interaction pertaining to it must be seriously subtle. Take Taliyah for example, she doesn't say: OMG EKKO PLEASE HAVE MY BABIES, MY OVARIES ARE ON FIRE FOR YOU. she instead states: did the earth move for you too?; this states that she has interest on Ekko but it doesn't mean she's a man eater, for all that's worth she could also be interested on Sivir ("Do not turn your back on what is right." )

So the homosexual love is there, it's subtle but it's there, plus since League of legends is a growing game, most VO's are currently not as deep as Riot would like them to be so adding these kinds of interactions is probably already on the table but nothing 1-1 with reality because in-game there's barely ANYTHING comparable at that level with real life.

Even though I think Burning Tides was the gayest story ever made by Riot, it is still non-confirmed. Just because of this, a lot people think it was only ''bromance''.

Graves x TF and Vi x Cait have the most potential. I don't give that much chance to others.