Fairness, Inclusion, and Gay Romance

Props to David Gaider, as his Dragon Age Inquisition creation, Dorian Pavus, (for which Gaider was the writer) has been sweeping up attention and recently got a nod in PBS's Game/Show for encouraging empathy amongst players.

Whether your Player character specifically romanced (or had any interest in) the character or not, Dorian Pavus's inclusion in the Dragon Age: Inquisition story as an exclusively gay man (instead of bisexual) is giving Players a chance to explore a side of sexuality in games that hasn't existed before. From pariah to a different kind of sex symbol hero, Gaider himself has spoken about the complexity of the character:

Dorian is gay—he is, in fact, the first fully gay character I've had the opportunity to write. It added an interesting dimension to his back story, considering he comes from a place where "perfection" is the face that every mage puts on and anything that smacks of deviancy is shameful and meant to be hidden. Dorian's refusal to play along with that façade is seen as stubborn and pointless by his family, which has contributed to his status as a pariah.

And that's an important part of what makes the character powerful. Dorian's character isn't just about being a sexual outcast: it is about the strength of conviction to be who you are, no matter who tries to oppress that. Facing social pressure to conform is something everyone can relate to, especially when it comes from a source as painful as one's own parents. And whether one shares his romantic worldview or not, a Player can sympathize with Dorian's character for being brave enough to stand up for himself when no one else will stand up for him.

A gay man himself, Gaider has long championed all the different ranges of sexual attraction in games, and as lead writer on many of the titles, is an influential figure in the inclusion that we do find in BioWare games. PBS Game/Show recently commented on how important this is (and only fair) to have a gay option in a major blockbuster game title:

Bioware, in their expansive RPG series’ like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, exist on the opposite side of the spectrum in that their portrayal of gay characters is done in a way that makes them neither stand out or disappear, but instead appear like normal parts of the universe.

Why is this so important? Well, it demonstrates inclusion for one thing, and if you think this is at all not an important thing to have in your pop culture consumption, then maybe it's something that you have taken for granted? Imagine how you would feel if only romantic pairings of a type you don't find interest in is available in *all* your stories. The inclusion of just one romance that acknowledges your interests becomes a bright light that acknowledges and validates your passions and desires as real and legitimate. For another, games like Dragon Age are ways in which we can explore our feelings towards the world in the form of fantasy: in a setting of the fantastical battling good and evil, dragons and monsters. So why not include the chance to fight prejudice and discrimination?

What are your thoughts on the character of Dorian in Dragon Age: Inquisition? Do you think that Gaider and the BioWare team have succeeded in their goals? Share with us your thoughts about sexuality and exclusivity in games and popular media. But remember -- discussion, not flaming!

Additional Coverage (note: may include spoilers):

+++ See the PBS video: youtu.be/7WetCgxkQK8
+++ Additional coverage ont he PBS video: laughingsquid.com/pbs-gameshow…
+++ Dorian's romance summarized on Gay Gamer: gaygamer.net/2014/12/a-differe…