10 Most Powerful LGBT+ Moments In Gaming History
3. The Last Of Us Part II - Lev’s Story
The Last of Us’ queer representation really blossomed with Ellie’s story of self-discovery in the first game’s DLC. As touching as it was, The Last of Us Part II certainly one-ups it if we're talking powerful moments.
Lev is a young transgender boy who basically said a big “no thanks” to the gender norms of his society, the Seraphite cult. Seraphites shun technology, live off the land and are led by a prophet who chooses who can and cannot have children. Cult members are given their duties, from soldier to child-barer, and Lev questions these decisions from a young age.
When it’s decided for him that he will marry an Elder of the clan, he shaves his head in an act of defiance, comes out as male and is branded a traitor.
Abandoning his upbringing, Lev and his older sister Yara go through a lot throughout The Last of Us II, but Lev’s strength in the face of great pain and uncertainty make him a truly interesting inclusion to the universe.
What’s most important about Lev’s appearance is that whilst a few games have included adult trans characters, it's immeasurably important to see a trans kid take a hold of their destiny.
Lev is a 13 year old boy who has thrown off the shackles of his belief system, and his tale throughout the story is one that stays with us all.