LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and describes groups of people who do not identify as heterosexual or cisgender, which means they may have different sexual orientations and gender identities from what is considered traditional. Interactive media such as video games are an effective tool to create awareness about these identities, promote empathy, increase understanding, and encourage critical reflection. Video games allow players to explore different perspectives, take control of diverse characters, engage with challenging issues, and learn through playful experiences. This article will discuss how interactive media can be used to enhance LGBT representation and foster empathy towards marginalized communities.
One way that video games can be used to promote empathy for LGBT individuals is by providing opportunities for gamers to experience life from another person's perspective. Many games offer choices that influence character development and storylines, allowing players to make decisions based on their own values and beliefs.
In Life Is Strange, players assume the role of Max Caulfield, a high school student who discovers she has supernatural time manipulation abilities. As the game progresses, she must navigate various moral dilemmas related to her friends, family, and community while also dealing with her budding romantic feelings for Chloe Price. The game provides several options for how Max interacts with other characters and responds to situations, creating a unique experience for each player. This type of choice-based narrative allows players to understand the complexities of being LGBT and encourages them to consider different points of view.
Another way that video games can serve as tools for empathy is by creating characters that reflect diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Games such as The Last of Us Part II feature queer characters as central protagonists, exploring their relationships, struggles, and motivations. Ellie, the main character, is a lesbian teenager seeking revenge after losing her surrogate mother, Joel. Throughout the game, she develops a bond with Dina, a transgender woman who helps her find safety and purpose. By featuring these nuanced portrayals of LGBT individuals, video games help reduce stereotypes and promote understanding of their experiences.
Video games can also foster critical reflection through immersive stories and thoughtful world-building. In Celeste, the player controls Madeline, a young girl who climbs a mountain to overcome personal demons. Along the way, she meets other characters grappling with their own mental health issues, including one who comes out as nonbinary. These conversations encourage players to think deeply about identity, society, and social norms.
Games like Disco Elysium allow players to roleplay as a detective solving cases while also struggling with addiction and trauma. This introspective storytelling provides opportunities for self-reflection and empathy towards others' struggles.
Interactive media offers unique ways to enhance representation and empathy for LGBT communities. Video games provide immersive experiences, complex characters, and challenging narratives that invite critical thinking and emotional engagement. As the gaming industry continues to evolve and expand its audience, it has an opportunity to use its creative power to drive positive change and create a more inclusive world.
How can interactive media, especially video games, serve as tools for empathy, representation, and critical reflection on LGBT experiences?
There is no doubt that interactive media, particularly video games, have become an essential part of our lives today. People from all walks of life play video games regularly, whether they are children, teenagers, adults, men, women, or people with different sexual orientations. Video games are not only entertaining but also provide us with a platform to explore complex themes like identity, relationships, and social issues.