Seeing a character in any form of media and being able to relate to them, whether that be because of their race, sexuality, gender identity or any other factor, is extremely important. It's something that makes those that have been silenced or taunted feel heard and accepted in a world that's turned them away for far too long. Ensuring that a wider audience of people are represented in a TV show, film or even video game is vital to spark change; it's dire in exposing those who are more privileged to a wider array of people so that, in time, these differences become a part of what society deems as the 'norm'.
Apex Legends is a game like no other; with a widely diverse cast of characters it has an incredible amount of representation, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Its creators are fantastic at not only creating LGBTQ+ characters but writing incredibly heartfelt lore around their journeys too.
7 Gibraltar (Gay)
One of the game's original eight, Makoa Gibraltar is a "gentle giant with a wild side" as described by EA and the first character of many to have their sexuality confirmed by writers. It has been made canon that the shielded fortress is in fact gay, with part of his lore involving his boyfriend Nikolas and an accident they had involving a mudslide; his relationship with Nikolas is further expanded on within the Apex Legends comics.
What makes this character so important is that he hasn't been written or designed in a way that is harmful or stereotypical, something that a lot of writers have failed to do in their own shows, movies and games: he's just a regular guy who happens to be gay.
6 Bloodhound (Non-Binary)
Another one of Apex Legends original cast, Bloodhound has been confirmed by writers as non-binary. The technical tracker describes their identity as a "mystery wrapped in layers of rumors".
There aren't many non-binary characters, especially in video games, so this was a huge and influential move from Respawn. Hopefully this sparks other creators to involve a more diverse cast of characters in terms of gender identity, something that isn't often explored.
5 Loba (Bisexual)
Loba Andrade, released during season 5 back in May 2020, has the most flirtatious voice lines of any character, particularly directed at the female legends which left players questioning her sexuality. It was soon confirmed by former senior writer Tom Casiello that she is, in fact, bisexual.
The translocating thief has been in romantic relationships with other legends including her current girlfriend Valkyrie as well as a previous fling with Bangalore, although this one was more heavily implied and yet to be officially confirmed. Both her sexuality and her complicated love life is described in a lot more depth within the Apex Legends comics.
4 Fuse (Pansexual)
Released in February 2021 during season 8, Fuse has been confirmed by writer Sam Gill as pansexual after fans picked up on the fact he was described as a "ladies' man, man's man, and all-round manly man".
In fact, the bombastic explosives expert is one half of the fanbase's biggest ship: Fuse and Bloodhound. This relationship began to blossom within the Armageddon comic and has only flourished since, most notably during the Friends Like These quest.
3 Valkyrie (Lesbian)
Kairi Imahara, better known as Valkyrie, was released during season 9 in May 2021 and is one of the most openly gay characters within the game, with several of her voice lines relating to her sexuality; some of which include "I like my women like I like my sake" and "bandits dropping like your girl's inhibitions". As mentioned earlier, the winged avenger is canonically in a relationship with Loba; when the pair are on a team together, players will be able to hear them make flirtatious remarks to one another.
Players have praised the character for just how out and proud she is; she doesn't hide who she is nor is she apologetic. Writer Tom Casiello has even stated himself that he loves how she "owns her sexuality outright and isn't ashamed of it". All in all, she's a great role model for any bisexual, lesbian or queer person.
2 Seer (Pansexual)
Another great example of pansexual representation is Obi Edolasim, better known as Seer, a character released during season 10 of Apex Legends back in August 2021.
The ambush artist was confirmed to be part of the LGBTQ+ community in a series of tweets posted by Respawn's lead writer, Amanda Doiron. The writer tweeted "Seer sees to the heart of people and doesn't limit himself to a specific gender" in reply to fans asking if he was straight.
1 Catalyst (Transgender)
During season 15 back in November 2022, Catalyst was introduced as the latest addition to the ever-growing roster of characters. What makes Catalyst so special, however, is that she is the first transgender character to be added to the game. The defensive conjurer made her debut in Last Hope, a Stories From The Outlands cinematic. Within this short, she opens up to her friend Margo about her transition, stating that her whole world has opened up now that she's herself. She goes on to mention how hard it was on her to transition.
There are unfortunately very few transgender characters within games, but Catalyst sure is an excellent role model for anyone trans or struggling with their own gender identity; her story is beautifully written and offers those who need it hope.
Apex Legends is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.