10 Most Powerful LGBT+ Moments In Gaming History
7. Persona 4 - Kanji Struggles With His Sexuality
In Japanese culture, the idea of “coming out” is far less of a positive and life affirming thing, and it tends to be accepted that your sexuality remains in the closet. This is why Kanji struggles in Persona 4.
The main crux of the game’s story is dealing with hidden desires and a dungeon created from Kanji’s mind takes place in a men’s bathhouse. The “shadow” version of Kanji, a reflection of parts of his internal personality, appears much more camp than the hardened biker that players have come to know to that point.
Working at a textile shop and being a fan of sewing already makes him very aware of the idea that he doesn’t fit the traditional male stereotype. Kanji shows shame and frustration at parts of himself that don’t “fit in” with everyone’s expectations.
Kanji’s ambiguous sexuality is something that developers Atlus worked hard to create, allowing players to come to their own conclusions. Their own statement on the matter is simply, “what matters is that Kanji’s other self cries out, ‘Accept me for who I am!’”
Some believe that Kanji isn’t queer, and his story centres entirely on the behaviour and interests that harmfully are expected in men. Either way the questioning of gender stereotyping is a subject that intersects with LGBT topics, and wanting to be liked for who you are is something we can all relate to.