Why Did Larian Ignore Trans Representation?

[✅Sativa vs. Indica? ♿]

So, I've been playing Baldur's Gate 3 (on GOG btw before you point out I don't own the game on steam), and while it's an amazing game, I can't help but notice the glaring absence of transgender characters. In a game that's all about diversity and choice, why did Larian completely ignore trans representation?

We have a cast of interesting and diverse characters, but not a single one explicitly represents the transgender community. How can a modern RPG miss such an important aspect of inclusivity? With all the customization options, it feels like a major oversight.

Some might say you can just create your own character to be trans, but that's not the same as having well-written, meaningful transgender NPCs that add depth to the story. Representation matters, and it feels like Larian dropped the ball on this one.

What do you all think? Did Larian miss an important opportunity for inclusivity?

[Kid Named Finger]

Originally posted by Lord Adorable:

That post history though.

just peeped that myself. Like 5 different games within 20 mins all about representation

[Cal]

clown alert

[GrandMajora]

Originally posted by ✅Sativa vs. Indica? ♿:

Some might say you can just create your own character to be trans, but that's not the same as having well-written, meaningful transgender NPCs that add depth to the story. Representation matters, and it feels like Larian dropped the ball on this one.

What do you all think? Did Larian miss an important opportunity for inclusivity?

A "well written" trans character would not be all up in your face about it, because their sense of identity would extend beyond the singular fact that they are trans.

Trans characters do exist within BG3, they just don't greet the player by immediately listing pronouns in their bio.

If you want another example of a well written trans character, there is Anevia from Wrath of the Righteous, who doesn't consider the fact she was born a man to be worth talking about. In fact, you have to pass a DC 50 persuasion check to get her to finally admit it.

[Rhaenyra Targaryen]

Why pretend and have something chopped off when u can get a spell/potion and actually be male or female...with respect of course

[niclas]

Obvious troll

[Jaevwyn]

the clown farming is strong with this one

[Kebabmaster5000]

Whatever weed you're smoking, it's probably been laced with both crack and meth.

[alanc9]

There is at least one canonically trans character, although she passes so well that you won't learn she's trans on most runs.

I've also heard it proposed that Valeria is trans. I don't know enough about hollyphants to make the call.

(I find the best way to deal with troll threads is to pretend they're for real.)

[GrandMajora]

Originally posted by alanc9:

There is at least one canonically trans character, although she passes so well that you won't learn she's trans on most runs.

I've also heard it proposed that Valeria is trans. I don't know enough about hollyphants to make the call.

(I find the best way to deal with troll threads is to pretend they're for real.)

They refer to Valeria as 'She,' even though that voice is very clearly masculine.

Which is weird, because as an outer planar creature, I thought they had the ability to adapt their forms to whatever sex they wish?

[alanc9]

Originally posted by KushBoySwag:

Why pretend and have something chopped off when u can get a spell/potion and actually be male or female...with respect of course

That's relatively powerful magic. Not everyone can afford it.

But yeah, if I had a Girdle of Gender, I'd set up in a major city and rent it out.

[chaosek]

There is though since it is a roll playing game so you can make whatever Tav or Durge you like. You can even have all the bits you desire. Besides since any transitioned character would look like their chosen gender (because magic), you can make everybody trans!

[alanc9]

Originally posted by GrandMajora:

Originally posted by alanc9:

There is at least one canonically trans character, although she passes so well that you won't learn she's trans on most runs.

I've also heard it proposed that Valeria is trans. I don't know enough about hollyphants to make the call.

(I find the best way to deal with troll threads is to pretend they're for real.)

They refer to Valeria as 'She,' even though that voice is very clearly masculine.

Which is weird, because as an outer planar creature, I thought they had the ability to adapt their forms to whatever sex they wish?

Maybe Valeria is just as lackadaisical about gender presentation as she is about criminal investigations?

[jonnin]

Why would 'trans' exist in a world where there are items and spells that can physically transform you into whatever you want to be? If you think you are a woman, but were born with a twig and berries, a disguise self spell can fix it, and those are cheap. A bit more money and you can have someone apply permanence spell to it, so it lasts forever and can't be dispelled etc. If such a thing as a trans person (cross dressing, etc) exists, they would be incredibly rare compared to the people that just became what they wanted to be via magic (can also call them trans, but no way to know, they really are their new race/gender/etc).

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and there isn't any way to know that any of your companions have not been so magicked.

[GrandMajora]

Originally posted by jonnin:

Why would 'trans' exist in a world where there are items and spells that can physically transform you into whatever you want to be? If you think you are a woman, but were born with a twig and berries, a disguise self spell can fix it, and those are cheap. A bit more money and you can have someone apply permanence spell to it, so it lasts forever and can't be dispelled etc.

If you're born with a "twig and berries" then you're probably a Leshy.

As for using magic, it's important to note that learning arcane magic is a very difficult process that takes years of training to master even cantrip level spells.

If magic was something anybody could plug and play, there would be a hell of a lot more wizards running around, because magic is objectively superior to every other solution to life's problems!

[MozarteanChaos]

Originally posted by jonnin:

Why would 'trans' exist in a world where there are items and spells that can physically transform you into whatever you want to be? If you think you are a woman, but were born with a twig and berries, a disguise self spell can fix it, and those are cheap. A bit more money and you can have someone apply permanence spell to it, so it lasts forever and can't be dispelled etc. If such a thing as a trans person (cross dressing, etc) exists, they would be incredibly rare compared to the people that just became what they wanted to be via magic (can also call them trans, but no way to know, they really are their new race/gender/etc).

--------
and there isn't any way to know that any of your companions have not been so magicked.

the thing that many people seem to miss when discussing this is that in the real world, there are in fact many transgender people who do not opt for a full medical transition. it would likely be the same in toril - sure, some folks would opt for magical transition, and be quite happy with it, but some may be perfectly content having "mismatched" parts.

edit: and as grandmajora pointed out, magical transition might be quite expensive for anyone who's not already an experienced wizard. there is still an economy in this fantasy world, and magic isn't a hand-wave make-everything-better tool.