Gloriously Groundbreaking: How Nintendo and its Die-Hard Fans Revolutionized LGBTQ+ Representation in Gaming –
Nintendo Breaks New Ground with Transgender Character
Nintendo, the gaming giant, has once again made waves in the LGBTQ+ community by confirming that Vivian, a character from the upcoming Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake, is transgender. This news comes hot on the heels of Nintendo’s policy update in July 2023, granting equal standing to employees in same-sex relationships.
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A Long-Awaited Revelation
In the Switch remake, Vivian’s dialogue has been restored, explicitly stating her journey of self-discovery. “Truth is, it took me a while to realise I was their sister… not their brother. Now their usual bullying feels heavier,” she says, referring to her siblings.
“Nintendo’s willingness to embrace change is a huge reason why the gaming behemoth today has such a diverse and predominantly accepting community,” says gaming analyst Emma Williams. “It’s a testament to their commitment to inclusivity.”
Birdo: Gaming’s First Transgender Character
While Vivian’s reveal is a significant milestone, Nintendo’s history with LGBTQ+ representation dates back to 1988 with the introduction of Birdo in Super Mario Bros 2. The instruction booklet described Birdo as “He thinks he is a girl and he’d rather be called ‘Birdetta’.”
Despite occasional transphobic undertones, Birdo’s validity in her gender identity has been acknowledged, paving the way for more LGBTQ+ characters in Nintendo franchises like Metroid, Animal Crossing, and Pokémon.
Japan’s LGBTQ+ Rights and Nintendo’s Embrace
Japan’s poor history on LGBTQ+ rights may have inadvertently contributed to Nintendo’s early queer characters. “Nintendo has always thrived on what is considered strange and unordinary at any given time,” explains Williams. “Incorporating an LGBTQ+ character could have signified its lightheartedly strange brand image.”
Today, Nintendo’s openness lends itself well to the way it portrays characters, leaving room for fan theories, such as the viral #TransLuigi saga.
Donkey Kong: The Ultimate Trans Ally
In 2019, YouTuber Hbomberguy raised $347,000 for the UK trans charity Mermaids by playing Donkey Kong 64 for 57 hours. The stream went viral, with Hbomberguy stating, “I think what caused so many people to react the way they did was the utter shock at discovering that there are so many who are willing to help, so many people who care.”
This heartwarming tale cemented Donkey Kong as the ultimate trans ally in the gaming community.
While no company is perfect, Nintendo has fostered an environment where people can be who they wish to be, finding themselves in the worlds it has created.
