Trans Representation in Final Fantasy XIV: The Importance of Inclusivity in Gaming

[Ranaku]

snip

If it happens out of corporate interest or cause of demand it is indeed forced. It's not cause the devs thought about this group. It's cause people either pressured them into it or cause they can exploit virtue signaling for profit. Same reason why we have every year pride products galore and all that, not cause they care about the LGBTQ community. It just brings profit.

The right kind or representation is the one you barely notice. Cause a person, usually, isn't defined by being gay or trans. If you are gay you don't turn automatically into a human flamingo for example. And that is what most of the people who see LGBTQ+ as a lifestyle call for, they call for the stereotype to be represented.

I remember the one questline for the ARR tonberry dungeon with the gay couple. They didn't wore totally skimpy neon outfits and pride flags. Just a simple hint that they understand the tonberry struggles. That is the right kind of inclusion, the one that you barely notice. The one that lets it seem just normal and not like a freakshow.

If your whole personality revolves around a singular trait it becomes shallow. Especially in writing. So i would say leave the writers and devs alone and let them represent stuff at their own pace, cause that way they actually thought about it and didn't got pressured into it by whatever community.

[Demolisher]

This is a world were Fantasias are a thing. There is no Trans. You a man but wanna be a woman? Bam...you ARE a woman. Vice Versa? Done. Wanna flop back and forth every week? Drink up me hearties yo ho!

Are you wanting NPCs to go? Hey I have a quest for you. BTW I was a man yesterday. Anyway collect 5 leaves for me. I'll be a man again tomorrow!

That's both annoying and stupid.

I understand your perspective, but I would like to clarify that this essay is advocating for more visible trans characters in NPC representation, not player representation. As a game with a rich and imaginative world, Final Fantasy XIV has the potential to showcase a diversity of characters, including those who identify as trans.

Additionally, your comment seems to ignore the existence of non-binary individuals, who do not identify as solely male or female. By reducing gender identity to a binary, you are perpetuating a limited and insensitive viewpoint that excludes those who do not fit into this narrow understanding of gender.

Inclusion of trans and non-binary characters in NPC representation can help to promote understanding and empathy, and can provide a sense of validation and recognition for trans and non-binary players. It is not "annoying and stupid," but rather an important step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful virtual community.

[Hoodcat]

Arnt they removing gender clothes or something? give an inch a mile is expected. Change isn't a overnight thing, take the small changes as wins they will add up over time

[FairyDJ]

I do think that Representation is important. However, I don't think I see any character as inherently straight, gay, trans or otherwise. The only real "Relationship" I saw in game was Dula Chai and her husband in SHB. But that was really it. The characters interact in a way that doesn't appear to relationship, gender, or sexually represented and I think that is brilliant in this respect.

[Demolisher]

If it happens out of corporate interest or cause of demand it is indeed forced. It's not cause the devs thought about this group. It's cause people either pressured them into it or cause they can exploit virtue signaling for profit. Same reason why we have every year pride products galore and all that, not cause they care about the LGBTQ community. It just brings profit.

The right kind or representation is the one you barely notice. Cause a person, usually, isn't defined by being gay or trans. If you are gay you don't turn automatically into a human flamingo for example. And that is what most of the people who see LGBTQ+ as a lifestyle call for, they call for the stereotype to be represented.

I remember the one questline for the ARR tonberry dungeon with the gay couple. They didn't wore totally skimpy neon outfits and pride flags. Just a simple hint that they understand the tonberry struggles. That is the right kind of inclusion, the one that you barely notice. The one that lets it seem just normal and not like a freakshow.

If your whole personality revolves around a singular trait it becomes shallow. Especially in writing. So i would say leave the writers and devs alone and let them represent stuff at their own pace, cause that way they actually thought about it and didn't got pressured into it by whatever community.

The point of the essay is to advocate for nuanced, multidimensional representation of the trans community in games, not shallow stereotypes or mere inclusions for the sake of it. The example of Lev in The Last of Us Part II, as mentioned in the essay, shows how a trans character can be portrayed in a way that is both respectful and interesting, rather than reduced to their trans identity. Lev was a complex character with his own personality, strengths, and flaws, and his trans identity was just one aspect of who he was.

Your comment misinterprets the essay by assuming that it is calling for stereotypical representation or inclusion solely for the sake of it. The essay is not promoting a "freak show" or a shallow character defined solely by their trans identity. Rather, it is calling for thoughtful and nuanced representation, where trans characters are depicted as fully-realized individuals, with personalities, motivations, and experiences that extend beyond their trans identity.

Your argument that representation should "be the one you barely notice" also disregards the importance of visibility for marginalized communities, who often do not see themselves reflected in media. For many trans individuals, seeing themselves represented in media can be a powerful validation of their identity, and it can help to reduce the stigma and discrimination that they face.

In short, the essay is not promoting forced representation or shallow stereotypes. Instead, it is calling for meaningful and nuanced representation of trans individuals in games, so that they can be depicted as the complex, multidimensional individuals that they are.

[Kes13a]

I disagree with your viewpoint that advocating for more visible trans characters in Final Fantasy XIV is a "troll position." Representation matters, and including more trans characters can help to provide a sense of visibility and validation for trans individuals, who often experience marginalization and discrimination. Your suggestion that promoting trans representation will "create the exact marginalization IN game that people like you are trying to escape outside of the game" is misguided and insensitive.

Furthermore, your statement that trans individuals should "watch daytime TV" for representation is dismissive and hurtful. The idea that trans individuals should settle for representation in daytime TV, rather than in a popular and widely-played game like Final Fantasy XIV, reinforces the marginalization and invisibility that trans individuals often experience.

Your comment implies that trans individuals should not be seen or heard, and that their experiences and identities are not worth being acknowledged or represented in the game. This is a harmful and insensitive viewpoint, and one that perpetuates discrimination and marginalization.

In conclusion, representation of marginalized communities, including trans individuals, is important and necessary in order to promote inclusivity and understanding. Advocating for more visible trans characters in Final Fantasy XIV is not a "troll position," but a step towards creating a more empathetic and supportive online community for all players.

Actually, I wasnt suggesting trans people watch daytime tv, I was suggesting YOU watch it.

your two topic posts to the forums today show a remarkable leaning towards creating drama. the game doesnt need increased representation. I get it, you want yourself to feel better about being trans, and thats fine, but the english forums arent the place to "fight" for that. there are better avenues, and if you arent a troll, I would suggest using them. because its more likely to get someone at SE to maybe at least float your idea. the forums.. you havent got a chance.

I think you already know that and your motives here are not genuine. good luck with your "quest"

[Valkyrie_Lenneth]

Actually, I wasnt suggesting trans people watch daytime tv, I was suggesting YOU watch it.

your two topic posts to the forums today show a remarkable leaning towards creating drama. the game doesnt need increased representation. I get it, you want yourself to feel better about being trans, and thats fine, but the english forums arent the place to "fight" for that. there are better avenues, and if you arent a troll, I would suggest using them. because its more likely to get someone at SE to maybe at least float your idea. the forums.. you havent got a chance.

I think you already know that and your motives here are not genuine. good luck with your "quest"

This is like his 12th troll account. It's all skiros/titanmen/brofists/that weirdo astrologian character

[Demolisher]

Actually, I wasnt suggesting trans people watch daytime tv, I was suggesting YOU watch it.

your two topic posts to the forums today show a remarkable leaning towards creating drama. the game doesnt need increased representation. I get it, you want yourself to feel better about being trans, and thats fine, but the english forums arent the place to "fight" for that. there are better avenues, and if you arent a troll, I would suggest using them. because its more likely to get someone at SE to maybe at least float your idea. the forums.. you havent got a chance.

I think you already know that and your motives here are not genuine. good luck with your "quest"

It's unfortunate that you would immediately jump to the conclusion that the essay's motives are not genuine and that it is trying to create drama. The purpose of posting this essay in the forums is to share ideas and start a discussion within the game's community. It's a common practice for players to share their thoughts, opinions and suggestions on forums for the developers to collect feedback and consider for future updates.

It's important to remember that everyone has a right to express themselves and share their experiences, and it's also important to approach these discussions with empathy and understanding. The essay is not a call to "fight" for trans rights, but rather a request for more inclusive and diverse representation of trans individuals in the game. The essay aims to bring attention to the fact that representation matters and can have a positive impact on players who may feel underrepresented in the game.

Discussions and feedback on the forums can be a valuable source of information for the developers, and can help shape the game in a more inclusive and diverse direction. By posting the essay in the forums, I am hoping to start a conversation and encourage others to share their thoughts on the topic.

[Demolisher]

This is like his 12th troll account. It's all skiros/titanmen/brofists/that weirdo astrologian character

This comment is hurtful and overly cynical. Making baseless accusations about someone's motives and calling them a troll does not contribute to a productive or respectful conversation. It is important to approach these kinds of discussions with empathy and an open mind, rather than assuming someone's intentions are malicious.

[Absimiliard]

Huh, people are actually taking the bait. Credit where it's due, I guess. My hat is off to you, OP - you got'em.