10 Most Influential LGBT Characters In Video Games

Trevor Phillips isn’t really positive representation of anything; morally he’s one of gaming’s most deplorable characters. Strangely though, it’s this that makes him such an influential figure.

Gay characters have historically either been comic relief side characters, or else have been villains with a queer aesthetic. At its roots, that’s the whole point of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Being gay was either something to laugh at or be afraid of.

At various times during GTA V, Trevor is both someone to be mocked and someone to be feared. Neither of these really use his bisexuality to get their point across though. Trevor is a horrible person. He’s also bisexual. The game never really links those two facts, and that’s why Trevor is influential; he gave queer characters a completely fresh take without resorting to shock value.

Rockstar were typically in your face about their portrayal of Trevor’s bisexuality; he answers Franklin directly when asked and admits he’s raped men in prison.

He’s almost unspeakably evil at times, there’s no denying that. But in being so while undeniably being the game’s star, he’s crossing new boundaries for queer characters. Once upon a time, gay villains existed to poke fun at. Trevor adds realistic grit.