8 trans video game characters you might not know about

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Although there’s still a long way to go, we’ve progressed as a society considerably in the last decade or so, welcoming non-conforming identities and sexualities with open arms (well, most of us). Nowadays, the LGBTQIA+ community is much more visible in modern media, represented through movies, TV shows, video games, novels, and more.

Unfortunately, the T in LGBT is often overlooked, as the transgender community suffers from derogatory and/or inaccurate representation on a consistent basis. Coming to terms with one’s true self can be a harrowing experience, so it’s often comforting to see successful transformations in video games via all manner of unique, zany characters. You’ve likely played an entire game without spotting the transgender character among the crowd, which is precisely the point. It doesn’t need to be a whole announcement, but rather a subtle reminder that trans folks exist, are seen, and are accepted by anyone who isn’t a bigot.

Definitely the most prominent transgender individual of the last half-decade, Lev features in Abby Anderson’s story in The Last of Us: Part II. As a former Seraphite, Lev and his sister Yara form a bond with the Washington Liberation Front soldier to escape the cult after being cast out. Born as “Lily,” it was noted by Yara that Lev had long questioned the Seraphite traditions, presumably stemming from his gender dysphoria. Lev managed to hide these true feelings until he was assigned to wed an elder. Denied the chance to be a Seraphite soldier like Yara, an act of defiance led Lev to shave his head (effectively announcing his gender as male) and change his name. Lev’s bold disobedience sparked outrage among the community, who branded Yara and Lev as apostates and exiled them from