LGBTQ+ characters in video games that changed the game

LGBTQ+ representation in video games has changed a great deal since the early-days of gaming. Today, there are a good few important queer and trans characters with real depth and stories people can relate to. But it wasn't always that way, and there's still a long way to go.

1980s–1990s: stereotypes and hidden characters

In the early days of gaming, LGBTQ+ characters were rare and often portrayed in harmful or stereotypical ways. Some games used queer coding as a joke or to make villains seem strange.

One of the first major games to include a same-sex option – though not a deep one – was Fallout 2 (1998), where players could marry a same-gender NPC. While it was more of a side quest than a meaningful romance, it was still a groundbreaking feature for its time.

The 2000s: quiet progress and player choice

The 2000s brought a slow but steady shift in LGBTQ+ representation. The Sims (2000) stood out by allowing same-gender relationships without fanfare. Players could form same-sex couples and, in later versions, even marry and adopt – helping normalize queer love in everyday gameplay.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) included a same-sex romance option for female characters, while Fable (2004) let players marry characters of any gender. These games didn’t make LGBTQ+ identity the focus, but they began to include it in meaningful ways through player choice.

The 2010s: queer characters in the Spotlight

By the 2010s, LGBTQ+ characters began taking on more central and complex roles. Dragon Age: Origins (2009) and Mass Effect 3 (2012) allowed players to explore same-gender relationships with fully written romance arcs. These were no longer hidden features — they were celebrated as part of the story.

The Last of Us (2013) introduced Ellie, who was confirmed to be gay in the DLC Left Behind (2014) and later became the main character in The Last of Us Part II (2020), where her identity was central to the story. Life is Strange (2015) also made waves with its queer coming-of-age story. Players could explore a romantic connection between Max and Chloe, and the game became a touchstone for LGBTQ+ storytelling in games.

Indie developers also played a huge role in pushing LGBTQ+ stories forward. Games like Gone Home (2013) told a deeply personal story about a teenage girl discovering her sister’s queer relationship. Undertale (2015) featured gender-nonconforming and same gender flirting in playful, inclusive ways while Celeste (2018) was one of the first major titles to feature a trans protagonist, and its themes of self-acceptance resonated with the masses.

2025: More Visibility, More Variety

Now, LGBTQ+ representation in games is more visible and diverse than ever. Tell Me Why (2020) featured the first playable trans protagonist in a major studio game, developed in partnership with GLAAD, while Hades (2020) included bi and gay characters like Zagreus and Thanatos with well-written, natural relationships.

More recently, the medieval RPG Kingdom Come Deliverance II (2025) surprised players by including the option for the main character, Henry, to pursue a same-sex romantic relationship with another key character in the series, Hans. The move proved that even traditionally grounded, historical games can evolve to be more inclusive without sacrificing story, tone, or authenticity.

Representation isn’t perfect yet, but we’re seeing more effort from developers to include LGBTQ+ characters thoughtfully and respectfully. As the gaming world continues to grow, we hope to see even more stories that reflect the full range of human experience.

Video games are full of amazing characters, and over the years, more and more LGBTQ+ characters have taken center stage. These characters help players feel seen, bring fresh stories to the screen, and make gaming more inclusive for everyone.

Here are ten of our favourite LGBTQ+ characters and the games they come from.

Ellie – The Last of Us Series

Ellie is a central character in The Last of Us universe, first introduced as a teenager in the original game and later becoming the main protagonist in The Last of Us Part II. Her journey is emotional and intense, set in a world devastated by a deadly infection. Ellie is strong, clever, resourceful — and also openly gay. Her queerness is first explored in the Left Behind DLC, where she shares a tender and heartbreaking moment with her best friend and crush, Riley.

In Part II, Ellie’s relationship with Dina becomes a major part of the story. Their love is shown through quiet, everyday moments as well as moments of high tension and tragedy. Importantly, Ellie’s sexuality is never treated as something shocking or controversial in the world of the game. It’s simply part of who she is, which makes her representation feel honest and powerful. She’s become a symbol of LGBTQ+ strength and resilience in gaming — a queer hero whose story is unforgettable.

Steve Cortez – Mass Effect 3

Steve Cortez is a shuttle pilot and supporting character in Mass Effect 3, part of the beloved sci-fi RPG series. He’s one of the first openly gay male characters in a major AAA game who can be romanced by the male version of the main character, Commander Shepard. Steve is calm, professional, and emotionally grounded, but he’s also struggling with grief after losing his husband in the ongoing galactic war.

What makes Steve’s story so impactful is the slow, respectful way his character unfolds. Players don’t just jump into a romance – they listen to him talk about his past, comfort him in his sorrow, and gently build a connection. If pursued, his romance arc becomes one of healing and rediscovery. Steve was a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in sci-fi gaming, showing that love between two men could be just as serious, heartfelt, and heroic as any straight romance.

Chloe Price – Life is Strange

Chloe Price is one of the main characters in Life is Strange, a narrative-driven adventure game that explores time travel, friendship, and identity. Chloe is a fierce, punk-rock teen who’s grieving the loss of her father and feeling abandoned by those closest to her. When her childhood friend Max returns, Chloe becomes the emotional center of the story.

Chloe is a bisexual character whose queerness is expressed through her deep relationship with Max, which players can choose to develop romantically. Their bond is messy, real, and full of emotional highs and lows. Chloe also references past relationships with both boys and girls, showing that her identity is fluid and natural. What makes Chloe’s character so beloved is how raw and human she feels — angry, vulnerable, and full of heart. Her queerness is just one piece of a beautifully layered character who means so much to players who see themselves in her struggles.

Tyler Ronan – Tell Me Why

Tyler Ronan is the first trans male protagonist in a major video game developed by a large studio (Dontnod Entertainment). In Tell Me Why, Tyler reunites with his twin sister after years apart, returning to their childhood home in a remote Alaskan town. Together, they uncover old memories and try to understand the events that shaped their past, including the death of their mother.

Tyler’s identity as a trans man is acknowledged and respected by the game’s story and other characters. It’s not the sole focus of the game, but it’s not hidden either. His journey includes confronting people from his past who don’t accept him, but also building new relationships with people who do. He’s smart, strong-willed, and compassionate – not defined by his trauma, but shaped by it. Tyler’s thoughtful representation marked a major step forward for trans visibility in games and was developed with direct input from GLAAD and trans consultants.

Dorian Pavus – Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dorian Pavus is a mage from the Tevinter Imperium in Dragon Age: Inquisition. He’s incredibly charming, intelligent, and witty, with a sharp tongue and a lot of pride in his abilities. But beneath his confident exterior, Dorian is a man who has faced deep personal pain, particularly due to his sexuality.

As an openly gay man in a very traditional and judgmental society, Dorian has been rejected by his family, including a heartbreaking attempt by his father to “change” him using blood magic. If the player chooses to romance him (as a male Inquisitor), Dorian opens up in emotionally raw ways, revealing his fear of being unlovable and his deep desire to be accepted for who he is. Dorian’s story is both romantic and political, touching on class, culture, and queer identity in a fantasy world. He’s not just a token character – he’s one of the most richly written LGBTQ+ characters in any RPG, and a fan-favorite for good reason.

Madeline – Celeste

Madeline is the protagonist of Celeste, an indie platformer that tells a deeply personal story about mental health, identity, and inner struggle. She’s determined to climb the challenging Celeste Mountain, and along the way, she confronts a darker version of herself – a symbolic representation of her fear, doubt, and anxiety.

While Celeste doesn’t explicitly mention Madeline’s gender identity in the main game, developer Maddy Thorson later confirmed that Madeline is a trans woman. This added a new layer of meaning to a game already rich with themes of transformation, self-acceptance, and emotional growth. Madeline’s journey resonates with many LGBTQ+ players, and her quiet determination, personal triumph, and symbolic journey make her one of the most powerful examples of queer representation in gaming.

Parvati Holcomb – The Outer Worlds

Parvati Holcomb is the lovable engineer in The Outer Worlds, a sci-fi RPG filled with humor, danger, and space-age capitalism. Parvati is one of the kindest and most thoughtful characters in the game — socially awkward, fiercely intelligent, and incredibly loyal. She identifies as asexual and shows romantic interest in another female character, Junlei.

What’s so touching about Parvati’s story is how much care and detail goes into her first crush. She’s nervous, excited, and unsure of how to express her feelings. As the player, you help her write letters, pick out gifts, and work up the courage to open her heart. Her asexuality is treated with complete respect – not something to fix or explain away, but just a natural part of who she is. Parvati’s storyline is sweet, real, and gently emotional, showing that love in games doesn’t always have to be about physical attraction – it can be about connection, kindness, and trust.

Zagreus – Hades

Zagreus is the son of Hades, and the main character of Hades, a fast-paced action game inspired by Greek mythology. Zagreus is witty, rebellious, and determined to escape the Underworld to discover the truth about his past. Along the way, he builds relationships with many gods and spirits, including two key love interests: Meg (Megaera, a Fury) and Thanatos, the god of death.

Zagreus is openly bisexual, and the game allows players to pursue romantic relationships with either or both of these characters. The romances are sweet, flirtatious, and surprisingly emotional, showing a softer side of Zagreus as he navigates love while dealing with family conflict and personal growth.

What makes Hades stand out is how naturally it includes LGBTQ+ relationships. In a world full of gods and myths, queerness is not questioned or othered – it’s just part of life in a way that's true to the ancient mythology the game is based on..

Sam – Gone Home

Sam Greenbriar is the younger sister of the main character in Gone Home, a first-person narrative game set in the 1990s. As the player explores an empty family home, they uncover pieces of Sam’s story – through journal entries, cassette tapes, and other personal clues – revealing her secret relationship with a girl named Lonnie.

Sam’s story is subtle, emotional, and incredibly real. It captures the fear and excitement of first love, especially in a time and place where being openly gay was still risky. Her relationship with Lonnie is tender and rebellious, full of handwritten notes, mix tapes, and plans to run away together.

Gone Home was one of the first games to explore a queer story so quietly and intimately. Sam never appears on screen, but by the end of the game, players feel deeply connected to her. Her story helped prove that video games could handle LGBTQ+ themes with the same depth and care as any novel or film.

Judy Alvarez – Cyberpunk 77

Judy Alvarez is a prominent character in Cyberpunk 2077, known for her skill, intelligence, and strong sense of loyalty. She works as a talented braindance technician in Night City, specializing in editing and manipulating immersive recorded memories called braindances. Judy is deeply connected to the Mox, a gang that protects sex workers and fights against exploitation, reflecting her protective and justice-driven nature.

Judy is a lesbian, and her sexuality is an important part of her character development and story arc. She is open and proud of her identity, which is portrayed with depth and nuance rather than tokenism. Throughout the game, players can build a meaningful romantic relationship with Judy if they play as a female V. Her storyline explores themes of trauma, resilience, and hope, highlighting her vulnerability beneath a tough exterior. Her story has resonated with many players for its authenticity and emotional weight, making her one of the most beloved characters in Cyberpunk 2077.

Celebrate pride month on Virgin TV

June is Pride Month – a time to celebrate, honour, and uplift LGBTQ+ people and communities around the world. We’re marking the occasion on Virgin TV with Going All In For Pride – a specially curated collection that puts LGBTQ+ stories, voices, and experiences centre stage.

Throughout the month, you’ll find a rich mix of films, documentaries, series, and specials available to watch on demand. Whether you’re looking to discover powerful personal journeys, explore LGBTQ+ history, or simply enjoy brilliant entertainment created by or featuring LGBTQ+ talent, there’s something for everyone.

It’s our way of celebrating love, identity, resilience, and the vibrant diversity that Pride represents – not just in June, but all year round.