The introduction of the very first canon LGBTQIA+ character in Final Fantasy 16 makes the newest entry in the long-running series a great choice to play for Pride Month. Its influence isn't limited to just one game, though. As wonderful as it is to see this type of representation expressed as open canon in one of the best RPG series of all time, this specific example of gay representation is a step towards a more inclusive gaming culture.
While LGBTQIA+ content is nothing new from the last few years in more independent games or even titles published by Square Enix like Life is Strange, inclusion in a flagship franchise like Final Fantasy 16 is still important to note. Imperial Prince Dion Lesage in Final Fantasy 16 dramatically shakes things up for the franchise, and that's by breaking the mold in a meaningful way that is also tactful and not strictly tied to the overall plot.
Dion's Representation in a Sea of Final Fantasy's Queer-Coded Characters
What makes Dion such a unique character in the Final Fantasy series is that this is the first time that the games have gone further than simply coding a character as queer. For example, Fang and Vanille are often considered to be among the first characters to have been shown to be in a same-sex romantic relationship all the way back in Final Fantasy 13's first foray into action for the series. However, these two characters are more often to be considered coded as gay, since their relationship is never officially stated to be purely romantic throughout the game or from any official material surrounding it.
Aside from LGBTQIA+ coding like Fang and Vanille, any form of representation in past games has usually been used more as a joke, rather than an honest attempt at representation or inclusion. This is what makes the inclusion of Dion as a canonically gay character without any coding or outdated humor such a standout among the Final Fantasy series. It is a huge step forward for representation, especially considering that Dion himself takes on the archetypal shining knight/dragoon role, which is a staple for Final Fantasy heroes.
Considering that the majority of the queer-coded characters across the Final Fantasy series that weren't heroes were often villains, it is great to have one who is undoubtedly a hero. With or without his presence as a positive representation, Dion is already one of the best characters in Final Fantasy 16 for being one of Square Enix's much beloved best boys. Sacrificing nothing for his convictions and dedicating himself to the people of Sanbreque in a way that his father, the tyrant Emperor Sylvestre Lesage, fails to do, Dion is the best option for an ally among the Empire.
Final Fantasy 16's LGBTQIA+ Representation is More Than a Kiss
While the inclusion of Dion Lesage in FF16 and his LGBTQIA+ status is great, the limited scope of his relationship with his partner Terence is such that it doesn't mean much to the story. This is a common critique against the overall representation of queer characters in many other games and media, where the moments of representation are often so few and far between that one could edit them out of the story without losing anything of substance.
However, what's great is that while their relationship isn't necessary to the story, neither is Clive and Jill's effectively. And just as they get their own dedicated storyline for romance, so too do Dion and Terence outside the main plot. Dion sends Terence to adopt the Medicine Girl, showing that Dion had hopes for one life but dedication to another.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5.
