153431 réponses à ce sujet

[Hellion Rex]

I'm not normally within this thread (major Dorian guy here) but y'all are seriously amazing. Keep on, keepin' on.

[ParagonPunk]

^ I felt a bit out of place because I haven't really struggled with my sexuality (so far, I am 17) and everyone's stories were so touching and personal.

Spoiler

Despite being straight, I have always been very open and accepting of different sexualities as I explored the internet at a very young age, befriending all sorts of people of different sexualities and identities. But Bioware games have opened up my eyes even further, exposed little thoughts in the back of my head that I wondered as to why they were there. And I realized that although I was generally accepting and open about this type of thing, there is always room to grow and to mature and to educate yourself. Being very strongly into feminism and defending gay rights, I've started in my own home with two parents who, because of Hispanic culture and the way children grow up, have exhibited prejudice. My mother has even gone as far as thinking that I am a lesbian in the past, because I'm very comfortable with my sexuality and tend to express when I find a guy attractive as much as when I find a girl attractive. And although I assured her that I wasn't, I sat down and I talked to her that even if I was or if perhaps I discover that I am Bisexual later down the road, it's Not A Bad Thing. Although she is much older, my mom and anyone else at her age and older still has so much room to further expand their views and to educate themselves; and I want my parents, who are both terrific people, to really become educated on the subject. I've also done my best at school, and 2 years ago I presented a speech about minorities in Debate class and was appalled when someone interrupted it to tell me that Asexuality wasn't real...my speech went on far longer than it had to because I addressed that instead.

 

Although I can't say I have struggled with my own sexuality, Bioware games have taught me how important it is to try and educate others and to spread acceptance and love, and how important it is to find a comfortable space. Media such as Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Orange Is The New Black, and more...they provide that truly comfortable place where I feel represented and I can trust that I will be represented properly. I did grow up struggling with dealing that I am not White and that once I exit the safe bubble of Southern Florida, that I will face racism out there, but things like what Bioware does makes me feel confident in who I am, no matter who I ultimately find out that I will be. Representation matters SO much. Sexuality is something that needs to be discussed. Sexuality is not something that should "go unsaid because it doesn't define characters". Yes, it does not define someone. But it is a part of an individual. It should not go silenced. And I feel happy to see all of you who have overcome difficult times as well as everyone who has provided me and everyone else on here a comfortable space.

 

It's just...really nice to see these things treated as normal. And I think that when they are represented everywhere else just as Bioware achieves and sets their mind to do so, I think that's when acceptance will be achieved. There's no company out there like Bioware.

 

If I have learned anything... don't be sorry for who you are. We all have our different struggles in life, and accepting yourself is one of the bravest things a person can do.

 

I'd wager that Solas would approve of your open mindedness. 

[Hellion Rex]

I'd wager that Solas would approve of your open mindedness. 

^This. So much this!

[RynJ]

 

also, to get a little bit about Solas in here.. i've been asked quite a bit, but the answer is yes. i did shave my head for my Solas cosplay (but seeing as how my hair is normally somewhere between default male Shep and Alistair in length, it was no great loss.) 

 

Even so, I thought it was pretty nails when I saw that you shaved your head for the cosplay! 

 

Yes, 'nails' is a new word that I shall be keeping in my repertoire. Thanks, GDL!

[Fialka]

It helps to reinforce for us all that acceptance is crucially important and that allowing such a personal, interactive medium as gaming to let people explore themselves in a "safe place" is very crucial for everybody, but especially for the LGBT community where widespread social acceptance is still a fight to move forward. Every story shared just reinforces more to me as an ally and to others as fellow allies and/or members that these sorts of things matter, they have importance. Even if it's "just a video game". Even the smallest, littlest thing can make a huge difference and impact on someone's life. And that is ALWAYS WORTH THE EFFORT. Always.

Absolutely agree with everything you wrote here.  It's odd, finding myself rooting SO MUCH for a character to be a bisexual option - it's always been an 'oh, that's nice' after the fact - where this time I really want it to be the case.  Not just for me, but for the amazing guys and girls on this thread. And my slight shame that it took a video game and it's fans for me to realize I should be rooting for more LGBT content in games and other media.  

 

It wasn't until I played Dragon Age Origins, where I could play a female character, and flirt with my female friend, and kinda hope my other female friend was into girls because she was really cool (even if I'm not into that in real life - being able to play a character that is was pretty rad) that I actually thought - why isn't this the norm? Why is it that I can only play a female character in a handful of games?  And realizing gay players have that much less to choose from if they want to play a character like themselves.  How is any of that okay when we're supposed to be so progressive as a society?

 

So it really is great that Bioware is being progressive in this regard, and shedding light on the fact that we have a ways to go.  And giving me hope that we'll get there - because as frustrating as it is to see people on this very forum saying 'it's not important' or complaining that Bioware is pandering to women and gays and OMG what's NEXT!? - there's wonderful people like the ones in this thread - and that Bioware is doing what's right, instead of what's 'safe.'

[Awkward Octopus]

I guess I don't really have a story to share... mostly because I'm SO AWKWARD and I've never talked about this kind of thing with anyone other than my mom and very closest friends (and even then, only briefly). But I would like to join in with the collective ace fist bump, if I could, please

 

[Astelspirals]

Even so, I thought it was pretty nails when I saw that you shaved your head for the cosplay! 

 

Yes, 'nails' is a new word that I shall be keeping in my repertoire. Thanks, GDL!

 

it was ridiculously liberating. i thought using a #2 guard on the clippers was liberating, but having NO hair at all...? it gives you a strange kind of confidence. i was really self conscious about it for three days, then i just decided to leave my hat off.. and stood up straighter and didn't make any excuses for my bald head. (i can totally see why if elves do it to show off their ears, how it could bring a certain kind of arrogance. ... arrogance isn't the right word. you get so much flak for silly things that you just build up armor so all the insults bounce off of it because they don't matter. why NOT show off something you're proud of? having no hair really made me think about myself and how much - or little - i care what the world really thinks of me.) 

 

edit: I MEANT TO SAY THANK YOU AND I DIDN'T. THANK YOU!  

[BlueFlame527]

Just wanted to add I'm proud of the lot of you who are sharing your experiences and also I'm proud of Bioware for being the ones who are willing to incorporate LGBT content despite some criticism from others. Even though I am a straight male I am all for representation of people who are interested in this sort of content. Admittedly I do not use it. I have always played either straight males or females, but that is absolutely no reason why it should not be in Bioware's games or any game for that matter. Before I came to these forums I had no real opinion on LGBT representation because, in all honesty I have never really had the opportunity to get to know anybody who was gay or bisexual so therefore I felt it was best to not get into these sort of talks. I live in a highly heteronormative enviroment where gay is often a word that is used as a slur as well as whenever the idea of someone being gay or bisexual comes up it is often met with disdain where I live so you can tell it isn't an enviroment very accepting of LGBTs. Upon seeing many differing perspectives of those who live in other sorts of enviroments and happend to be of any sexuality other than straight in these forums has given me very different viewpoints on the subject than those around me. It's an experience to step out of my comfort zone and speak to those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc. and get to know their opinions on the matter of representation even if it is just on video games. Equality is a good thing, not a bad thing and despite those that say that LGBT players or straight players that want to see more content featuring those of other sexualities should not get equal treatment, not putting them down for wanting fair treatment, I will remain impartial or even supportive to those seeking this representation and equality, because there are more people playing these games and living in this world than me or any other straight person with different interests. So, Bioware keep doing what your doing because it is not a bad thing to put LGBT content in games. People like me and those around me will just need to step out of their comfort zones and see that there are more people in this world than just themselves with different interests and views and it's good to see such diversity of content because even if one person does not use the content another person may and even if it is not used at all and is just put in for the sake of saying "You have choices." then, nevertheless, it still serves a purpose and is still a good thing. As Patrick Weekes said in the GaymerX panel "Straighty will be just fine" 

 

Edit: Sorry for the long post. Got a bit carried away 

[Phate Phoenix]

I guess I don't really have a story to share... mostly because I'm SO AWKWARD and I've never talked about this kind of thing with anyone other than my mom and very closest friends (and even then, only briefly). But I would like to join in with the collective ace fist bump, if I could, please
 

Spoiler

 
(I, too, lack a personal story but I am happily basking it the positive feels! This is so important to talk about.) Ace fist-bump Woot-woot! 
 

[mindoirs]

If I have learned anything... don't be sorry for who you are. We all have our different struggles in life, and accepting yourself is one of the bravest things a person can do.

 

I'd wager that Solas would approve of your open mindedness. 

You...that made me blush.

 

Maybe that's why we have all come together in this thread...and have had dreams of Solas.

 

I definitely do still struggle with accepting myself, and I think that's a road that lasts our lifetime, but things like Bioware make taking the road easier. I didn't notice how underrepresented in the media I was before until I saw myself being properly represented through the different skin tones and nationalities. I didn't notice just how underrepresented sexuality was in video games until I played a game where it was represented so well and so normally, as it should be. I didn't notice how many more companies out there should work to represent not only different sexualities and skin tones, but also women, until I saw how well I was represented as one, and one of color. Things like this definitely make it easier.

[Pandragony]

Hey! Asexual fist-bump!  I will admit there were lots of tears when I heard Bioware had discussed asexual romances.

 

Welcome to the forums!

 

YEAAAH >BD ACE FISTBUMP TO THE HEAVENS MY FRIEND. And same! When I heard that they discussed it I cried a bit too because I was so happy to know that they were acknowledging it as something they could include in the future. There's no quicker way to my heart than that, seeing as there isn't a lot of ace representation to go around. 

 

I'm glad you de-lurked, welcome.

 

Tali was my original space wife.    I myself am asexual (Biromantic to be exact) so I'm glad to see more people figuring themselves out. As for Bioware and asexual characters. Mordin (I know, I know. When will Punky stop talking about Mordin? Answer: never.) was a character who hit home for me even if the ace thing was race-based it was still nice. Honestly I am so stoked for a possible ace character, and a romance which doesn't require sex in Inquisition.  

 

Oh man, Mordin is another one of my ME faves because of that too. When I saw that Solas was being written by PW I got REAAAALLLY excited because man do I love the characters he's written. And the possibility of having a romance without the sex was what drew me in to Solas the most! <__< There was a super cute fade date post going around on tumblr, and between that and the interview on him I couldn't NOT love Solas. He definitely seems like the type to not care about having or not having sex the most out of everyone to me, so I'm reaaally hoping he's a LI. It'd be like those TAKE ME NOW gifs where they rip off their clothes, except underneath is a pair of pajamas and the Inquisitor and him just have a cute cuddle nap. 

 

And thank you to everyone else who welcomed me! You're all so sweet, gosh.

[merik3000]

Intriguing thread guys, gals and unicorns As the Devs said it is refreshing to see a thread on BSN stay civil and nice! Especially considering the personal confessions. Long may this thread carry on this positive trend

[Cat Lance]

It looks like I missed a lot while I was on the phone with the Kittens. (They're on their vacation with their father, so phone calls are my contact for a bit over a week.)

 

So many delurkers and visitors! *frantically starts braiding flowers*

 

Also, dang you guys! I teared up again reading some of these new stories! Everyone of you have such beautiful souls, thank you!

 

And I also saw that we've been dubbed (and as usual owned it) unicorns, eh? *smiles* I approve. (has had a thing about unicorns since I was little)

 

Done! *starts passing out flower garlands* We're going to have to roll some rocks in here, I think we're out of stumps. We'll make sure they're soft mossy ones, though, promise!

 

Welcome to all the new folk! *huggles you all*

[RebbyWriter]

I feel like this is something to be celebrated. This is a place for lovers of Solas to gather and share our thoughts about him but this has grown into such an open conversation. Like, me and my very closest of friends may talk like this (about 3 people) but this is on the same level and it's the internet; a place where everyone's anonymity gives them allowance to be dicky but this is a level of trust (even if it's hidden by a username). I don't have any close friends that play DA like I do so I can't share this kind of talking with them. Thank you everyone for opening up. Its a beautiful thing to witness.

 

 

Anyway, I love how Gareth was enjoying the Solas experience. Some VA's say it's just a job and you read some lines in a booth and done. I think it's a testament to Solas' character that GDL could love being a part of it. I think it also is piquing the curiosity of those who may have just brushed him off. What do you think?

[Fialka]

 

YEAAAH >BD ACE FISTBUMP TO THE HEAVENS MY FRIEND. And same! When I heard that they discussed it I cried a bit too because I was so happy to know that they were acknowledging it as something they could include in the future. There's no quicker way to my heart than that, seeing as there isn't a lot of ace representation to go around. 

 

 

I'm glad you de-lurked, welcome.

 

Tali was my original space wife.    I myself am asexual (Biromantic to be exact) so I'm glad to see more people figuring themselves out. As for Bioware and asexual characters. Mordin (I know, I know. When will Punky stop talking about Mordin? Answer: never.) was a character who hit home for me even if the ace thing was race-based it was still nice. Honestly I am so stoked for a possible ace character, and a romance which doesn't require sex in Inquisition.  

 

Oh man, Mordin is another one of my ME faves because of that too. When I saw that Solas was being written by PW I got REAAAALLLY excited because man do I love the characters he's written. And the possibility of having a romance without the sex was what drew me in to Solas the most! <__< There was a super cute fade date post going around on tumblr, and between that and the interview on him I couldn't NOT love Solas. He definitely seems like the type to not care about having or not having sex the most out of everyone to me, so I'm reaaally hoping he's a LI. It'd be like those TAKE ME NOW gifs where they rip off their clothes, except underneath is a pair of pajamas and the Inquisitor and him just have a cute cuddle nap. 

 

And thank you to everyone else who welcomed me! You're all so sweet, gosh.

 

Ooh! New person! Welcome! And you picked an awesome time to join us I must say... I mean, this has been my favorite thread on the BSN since shortly after joining but today it's been especially amazing.... I'm just sitting here with the stupidest grin on my face right now 

[JadePrince]

I think from now on, when people question my gender I should start saying I'm a bog unicorn. 

 

Thank you for that, Solas thread and David.

[Cat Lance]

Intriguing thread guys, gals and unicorns As the Devs said it is refreshing to see a thread on BSN stay civil and nice! Especially considering the personal confessions. Long may this thread carry on this positive trend

*hands you a flower garland too*

 

Thank you, I agree so much, these wonderful folk help to keep my heart light, yet full.

[Nocte ad Mortem]

I thought I would add some extra thoughts to our confessional, since we're all getting it out there.

 

Dragon Age: Origins was the first video game that I ever played. A friend told me that you could play a gay character and have a relationship with another male in the story. That was actually just really shocking to me, in itself. I didn't think I could expect to see a gay or bi male character portrayed in media this way at the time and, I'll be honest, I thought video games were the last place I'd see it. I thought we could basically only hope for independent films and sad PSA type dramas for gay characters, or maybe the occasional witty side kick. It was an amazing experience for me seeing a gay character as a real hero. I'd never seen anything like it portrayed before, literally never. I didn't expect to see it. I can't understate how much it meant to me to be able to see it, both because of the simple fact that I enjoyed the story and the feeling of knowing a AAA title took a chance on this meant to me. 

 

Since then, I've found other games have gay and bi males in them, as well. However, I will say with no uncertain terms that nobody writes characters or story better than Bioware. I appreciate games like Skyrim. They allow you to be a gay character, they represent same sex relationship in the world and that's also great to see this is something spreading to other games. Bioware's world and character building is just untouched, though. The emotional connection I've had to Bioware characters is something I'd never have expected from a video game. I just can't understate how much it means. I see some people, usually straight guys, on the forums basically laughing at how "seriously" some people take the romances and I just wonder if they've ever taken a second to stop and think what it would be like if they'd literally never seen a straight hero before, if the leading man had not only never "gotten the girl", but that they'd never wanted to and the majority around them in the real world told them they shouldn't want to. 

 

More than this, though, since joining the BSN I've felt like my input is just as important as anyone else's. This is something altogether new for me. I always believed that media wasn't really there for me. I would be lucky to get the rare side character here or there that represented me. Here, I feel like Bioware really cares about my representation and the representation of others that are often swept aside. It feels like the devs here really care and listen to what we did like and, as long as we're not being just awful about it, what we didn't like. It's amazing to see the devs here actually coming to the forums and standing up for their choice to be inclusive. Hearing the talks at GaymerX was also so incredibly touching. I would be proud of Bioware for being one of the few that supported the con to begin with, but the panels you held meant so much.

 

Bioware, you're good people and you're doing good work. Please don't ever change. 

[ParagonPunk]

This is why I can't take someone seriously who says "It's just a game", because, clearly, as all the stories we've shared here (and in other threads, and at conventions, and on personal blogs, etc etc) prove, it's NOT "just a game" to many many folks. And it's wonderful that the devs understand and appreciate that. 

 

Video games are art, I will fight people on this, and I have... verbally at least.

 

I guess I don't really have a story to share... mostly because I'm SO AWKWARD and I've never talked about this kind of thing with anyone other than my mom and very closest friends (and even then, only briefly). But I would like to join in with the collective ace fist bump, if I could, please

Spoiler

Ace fist bump, indeed.

 

You...that made me blush.

 

Maybe that's why we have all come together in this thread...and have had dreams of Solas.

 

I definitely do still struggle with accepting myself, and I think that's a road that lasts our lifetime, but things like Bioware make taking the road easier. I didn't notice how underrepresented in the media I was before until I saw myself being properly represented through the different skin tones and nationalities. I didn't notice just how underrepresented sexuality was in video games until I played a game where it was represented so well and so normally, as it should be. I didn't notice how many more companies out there should work to represent not only different sexualities and skin tones, but also women, until I saw how well I was represented as one, and one of color. Things like this definitely make it easier.

 

I'm glad that it's not only Bioware who have a growing representation. Marvel with their female Thor, MOC Captain America and Kieron Gillen's Young Avengers (if you like comics and haven't read them, I implore you) It's so invigorating to see people take steps, even little ones.

[Chrys]

@Cat Lance: I just have to say I love how amazingly welcoming you are. Even when the thread explodes with new posters /blows you a kiss (if you don't mind)

[Cat Lance]

I think from now on, when people question my gender I should start saying I'm a bog unicorn. 

 

Thank you for that, Solas thread and David.

HAHAHA I love this idea. I don't normally get questioned about mine though, people just assume. It's really weird.

 

And by that I mean I'm pretty damn androgynous so, some folk assume I'm female, others assume I'm male, and then I've been attacked a few times by guys who assumed I was trans. *smh* I just go with, I'm me. and...I suppose we can put that in the confessionals bin, because it is NOT the sort of thing I normally discuss, especially on the internet, where people can't see me to make assumptions.

[pallascedar]

Obviously we're a combination of both. Bog unicorns that trail beautiful rainbows behind them.

 

Bog rainbowcorns.

[Cat Lance]

@Cat Lance: I just have to say I love how amazingly welcoming you are. Even when the thread explodes with new posters /blows you a kiss (if you don't mind)

Thank you, sweetheart! *blushes catches kiss and pouncehuggles you* You are entirely adorably sweet!!

[merik3000]

*hands you a flower garland too*

 

Thank you, I agree so much, these wonderful folk help to keep my heart light, yet full.

My my perhaps we should see if Bioware would like to make a Solas Collectors Edition with Cat Lance's handmade Garlands

Thankee for my initiation Cat and I look forward to checking up on the thread to lift my opinion of the internet community

This thread is like the Guild Wars 2 of BSN

 

Anyway beddie time as work in the morn cos Collectors Editions don't pay for themselves

 

I'm feeling philosophical so I'll end with a favorite prayer:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.

[JadePrince]

I thought I would add some extra thoughts to our confessional, since we're all getting it out there.

 

Dragon Age: Origins was the first video game that I ever played. A friend told me that you could play a gay character and have a relationship with another male in the story. That was actually just really shocking to me, in itself. I didn't think I could expect to see a gay or bi male character portrayed in media this way at the time and, I'll be honest, I thought video games were the last place I'd see it. I thought we could basically only hope for independent films and sad PSA type dramas for gay characters, or maybe the occasional witty side kick. It was an amazing experience for me seeing a gay character as a real hero. I'd never seen anything like it portrayed before, literally never. I didn't expect to see it. I can't understate how much it meant to me to be able to see it, both because of the simple fact that I enjoyed the story and the feeling of knowing a AAA title took a chance on this meant to me. 

 

Since then, I've found other games have gay and bi males in them, as well. However, I will say with no uncertain terms that nobody writes characters or story better than Bioware. I appreciate games like Skyrim. They allow you to be a gay character, they represent same sex relationship in the world and that's also great to see this is something spreading to other games. Bioware's world and character building is just untouched, though. The emotional connection I've had to Bioware characters is something I'd never have expected from a video game. I just can't understate how much it means. I see some people, usually straight guys, on the forums basically laughing at how "seriously" some people take the romances and I just wonder if they've ever taken a second to stop and think what it would be like if they'd literally never seen a straight hero before, if the leading man had not only never "gotten the girl", but that they'd never wanted to and the majority around them in the real world told them they shouldn't want to. 

 

More than this, though, since joining the BSN I've felt like my input is just as important as anyone else's. This is something altogether new for me. I always believed that media wasn't really there for me. I would be lucky to get the rare side character here or there that represented me. Here, I feel like Bioware really cares about my representation and the representation of others that are often swept aside. It feels like the devs here really care and listen to what we did like and, as long as we're not being just awful about it, what we didn't like. It's amazing to see the devs here actually coming to the forums and standing up for their choice to be inclusive. Hearing the talks at GaymerX was also so incredibly touching. I would be proud of Bioware for being one of the few that supported the con to begin with, but the panels you held meant so much.

 

Bioware, you're good people and you're doing good work. Please don't ever change. 

 

I just want to quote everything you've said and agree. I'm 31 and it's only NOW that I'm starting to feel like things are starting to bend toward real inclusion and not just tokenism. There's still a long way to go, but I'm hopeful for the first time in... well, ever. And Bioware/Dragon Age has a lot to do with that feeling. 

 

I bolded the above because, I think you're right. The people who most criticize or scoff at 'romance fans' are likely those who are able to take for granted (mostly without even realizing it) that this sort of content (heterosexual, cis-gendered, white romance) exists literally everywhere for them. Another reason I like this thread so much is that I've yet to see anyone doing that here. Thank you, Solas fans!