Image via Complex Original
By Nicholas Williams (@kuroi_lion)
Unbeknown to many is that there are quite a few gay and lesbian video game characters. We're not talking about the characters that mock or bash gays like insanely offensive Facebook game, Call of Taburetka where you beat up LGBT protesters or "Ash" the mini-boss character in Streets of Rage 3 who you have to pummel as he leaps around flamboyantly.
With June being LGBT pride month, we found it appropriate to highlight the video game characters that aren't representative of an "Ash" or other stereotypical gay character. These are The Coolest LGBT Video Game Characters Ever.
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10. James "Jimmy" Hopkins
Video Game: Bully (2006)
Bullworth Academy may not be a school full of rainbows and sunshine, but if you try hard enough you can make your own rainbow moment. It's not an epic Summer-in-Band-camp affair, but Jimmy is able to kiss a boy and like it, which is just as significant.
9. Birdo
Video Game: Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)
Although Yoshi stole the No.1 dinosaur spot, this sometime villain and recreational sports competitor was silently breaking barriers. First appearing in Super Mario Bros. 2, Birdo aka "Birdetta" was among the first transgender characters video games. Since those early times Birdo is much friendlier now that she rocking a diamond ring.
8. Abu'l Nuquod
Video Game: Assassin's Creed (2007)
On the surface, Abu'l is just another overweight rich guy that has no love for the poor. However, at the end of the day Abu'l was just doing Abu'l to the max. Somewhere inside him was a gay activist rebelling against religion, but rolling with the Templars puts a target on your head. He should have known better.
7. Liara T'soni
Video Game: Mass Effect 3 (2012)
Where doe aliens fit on the Kinsey scale? Let's not overthink it. Liara is smart scientist that has your back in battle throughout the series. She just happens to be into male or female Shepard. Due to starring in all three Mass Effect installments, she is one of the most developed LGBTQ characters in video games to date.
6. Kanji Tatsumi
Video Game: Persona 4 Arena (2012)
In a world where you have to rescue people from their own subconscience, it's safe to say tough guy Kanji has some desires that he isn't ready to admit to himself. He has the most homo-erotic, How-You-Doin' inner demons you'll ever come across. His dream state dungeon is a bath house! If you are curious yet not an JRPG fan, check out the Persona 4 anime available on Hulu.
5. Steve Cortez
Video Game: Mass Effect 3 (2012)
If men in uniform is your thing, then Lieutenant Steve Cortez is your guy. This widower has quite the tragic story line that deserves all the hugs your male Shepard is willing to give. Who can blame you for wanting to romance a hot pilot willing to die for Earth?
4. Bridget
Video Game: Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus (2002)
Since he was as a girl, Bridget is set out to prove his masculinity by becoming a yo-yo and teddy bear wielding bounty hunter. Oh yeah, and he likes nun costumes. This gender bending character is could only be a byproduct of a Japanese video game.
3. Poison
Video Game: Street Fighter x Tekken (2012)
This video game vixen is a transgender character from Final Fight. Poison likes to keep it sexy while beating you down with whips or riding crops. Check her out in Street Fighter x Tekken where she is willing to give you a proper spanking.
2. Juhani
Video Game: Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
A lesbian with lightsaber is clearly the most powerful of the LGBT characters. She could take out everyone on this list. Juhani is also the first lesbian written for Star Wars. There should be a nerdcore rap lyric about her somewhere on the interwebs. If not, make that happen, folks.
1. Anthony "Gay Tony" Prince
Video Game: Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009)
This list would not be complete without Gay Tony. We all loved the glamor presented in the trailer for this game, but we love Gay Tony because is the hot mess of the GTA series. Nightclubs and bodyguards, still got his money.