Though Nintendo insists Link is both straight and cisgender, fans have expanded the Zelda universe with LGBTQIA+ characters and queer readings of Zelda games. GAY TIMES gaming columnist Eli Cugini explores what makes The Legend of Zelda’s Link unique gender appeal to LGBTQIA+ players. Link, the protagonist of the Zelda games, is designed to officially be a boy, but a strange kind of boy: a boy who’s supposed to make you question his gender.
Everytime a new Zelda game releases, there's always an article from some deranged journalist claiming Link is gay or trans. They're obsessed with inserting their identify onto straight fictional characters and it's annoying and toxic. While there are plenty of love stories throughout the game, fans are starting to speculate that one male character might have feelings for another man based on a diary entry in Kakariko Village.
The Legend of Zelda’s themes are far-reaching, but they fit the lives of LGBTQ+ people perfectly, and have done so since the series’ inception. Link is selected by the Triforce to symbolise the courage that can exist in any one of us. Already a member? If this article meant something to you today — if it informed you or made you smile or feel seen, will you consider joining AF and supporting the people who make this queer media site possible?
Zelda has always fostered the belief that togetherness, without discrimination, is what brings greatness to all. If the dress fits…. Link lets players exist in the world regardless of how they look or what they represent, and that seems pretty damn queer to me. The delicate princess bulked up and became the sole rebel of their kingdom for the last decade, and in the years since has become a queer awakening for many young teens regardless of their own gender.
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Hopefully, Calip is only the first step in a gayer future for the series, opening the door for more characters to embrace their queer side. Living as Tetra in Wind Waker to break from tradition and exist as she wants.
Instead, Link is helped along the way by the mysterious Sheik, someone with a decidedly muscular frame and mysterious gender. Definitely recommend it :. I spent many happy hours playing through and revisiting BoTW. However, this is the first expression of gayness in the series that borders on undeniable. Thank you for this comment, this is absolutely devastating and really shocking and upsetting, as someone who is also a loyal reader and donated to the fundraiser….
And if you did, you might've spotted some diary entries hinting at a bubbling gay romance. Pick stuff up, stick it together, teleport through it, set it on fire, tear it down, build a bridge, merge your weapons. Heather Hogan is an Autostraddle senior editor who lives in New York City with her wife, Stacy, and their cackle of rescued pets.
Putting a unique twist on yourself in a way that feels most comfortable and authentic to who you are is an experience shared by people the world over, and one that resonates intensely with queer people - and one The Legend of Zelda has only grown more welcoming towards. Triple-A Games. Related: video games. In Breath of the Wild, there was a very clear way the game wanted you to solve all its puzzles and riddles, but Tears of the Kingdom almost invites you to break it to try out new and creative ways to make things happen.
It is through understanding and communication that this wish is granted. Hi, have you ever considered playing Hyrule Warriors? That's fantastic. Without any information it feels like something is rotten here and it smells like racism and financial mismanagement. Zelda embodies so much of what queer people go through every day, having to hide who they are for the benefit of others when all they want is to exist and be accepted.
We exceeded the fundraising goal, so I am left with the same questions you have about how we got to this point so soon after a successful fundraiser. Clothing is an integral part of gender expression. Even in entries when her presence is minimal, her character still drives the adventure forward. I am so sorry to Ro, Vanessa, and Shelli — your wonderful contributions to this site will be sorely missed. Sign In.
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