Unveiling Final Fantasy 16: A Empowering Journey for Pride Month Revealed
Final Fantasy 16's release in June aligns perfectly with Pride Month as it introduces the franchise's first canon LGBTQIA+ character, Dion This groundbreaking representation breaks free from Final Fantasy's history of queer-coded characters, offering a significant step towards inclusivity
The introduction of the first openly LGBTQIA+ character in Final Fantasy 16 makes it a great game choice for Pride Month. This representation is significant in a long-standing RPG series and contributes to creating a more inclusive gaming culture. While LGBTQIA+ content has been seen in independent games and Square Enix titles like Life is Strange, its inclusion in a flagship franchise like Final Fantasy 16 is noteworthy. Imperial Prince Dion Lesage's character adds depth and diversity to the game without solely depending on the main plot.
Dion's Representation in a Sea of Final Fantasy's Queer-Coded Characters
Dion's uniqueness in the Final Fantasy series lies in the fact that the games have surpassed coding a character as queer. Previous instances, like Fang and Vanille from Final Fantasy 13, were often perceived as coded gay rather than explicitly confirmed to be in a same-sex romantic relationship. Moreover, representation in past games has typically been used for comedic purposes, rather than genuine inclusion.
However, Dion stands out as a canonically gay character without any coding or outdated humor. This inclusion marks a significant advancement in representation, particularly as Dion embodies the classic role of a shining knight/dragoon, a staple for Final Fantasy heroes.
Final Fantasy 16's LGBTQIA+ Representation Boils Down to a Kiss
A refreshing change in the Final Fantasy series, Dion stands out as a queer-coded character who breaks the mold by being a hero rather than a villain. His presence as a positive representation is a welcome addition, but even without that aspect, Dion is undeniably one of the strongest characters in Final Fantasy 16. Unlike his father, the tyrant Emperor Sylvestre Lesage, Dion remains unwavering in his convictions and wholeheartedly dedicates himself to the people of Sanbreque. With his unwavering loyalty and admirable dedication, Dion proves to be the ideal ally within the Empire.
Although the inclusion of Dion Lesage in FF16 and his LGBTQIA+ status is commendable, his limited relationship with his partner Terence holds little significance for the overall story. This critique echoes a common sentiment towards the portrayal of queer characters in various games and media, where instances of representation often appear sporadically, making them easily removable from the narrative without losing any substantial content.
It seems that excluding the kiss scene between Dion and Terence would not significantly affect the effectiveness of their other scenes. This same observation can be made for Final Fantasy 16. Therefore, while Dion's inclusion in mainstream gaming is a positive advancement, it is only a small step in that direction. However, considering the challenges faced in establishing the romance between Jill and Clive in Final Fantasy 16, the lack of emphasis on Dion and Terence's relationship could be seen as expected. Final Fantasy 16 is currently available for PS5.
