Cute Overwatch comic featuring lesbian Christmas kiss banned in Russia
Russia has banned a cute comic announcing the first LGBT character in the computer game Overwatch, because it features a lesbian kiss.
The first LGBT+ character was revealed this week after the game’s makers said earlier this year that there are “multiple” such characters in the game.
But the official online comic has been banned in Russia for breaking the country’s 2013 law which outlaws the ‘promotion of non-traditional sexual relations’ to minors.
Twitter users shared @Malkythera shared a blocked version of the comic, which carried a message in Russian saying it is not available in Russia due to the law.
Another Twitter users @YellowAfterLife translated the message which reads: “In accordance with russian law we cannot share this comic with our players on territory of Russian Federation”
The lead writer for the game, Michael Chu back in November confirmed that in an upcoming update characters will be revealed as LGBT.
And now the comic reveals that Tracer is the first LGBT+ character.
In the comic, Tracer is shown in her London home trying to choose a gift for her partner. Later in the comic her relationship with Emily is revealed.
Needless to say, Emily is thrilled with the gift Tracer gets for her, sort of by accident.
You can read the whole comic ‘Reflections’ here.
Chu said to fans in a Q&A session earlier this year: “It’s very important for us to have diversity and inclusiveness of all types, and that includes LGBT characters. There are definitely LGBT heroes in Overwatch. That’s multiple heroes.
“We want the stories about characters relationships – not just romantic, but familial relationships and stuff like that — to come out in the course of stories that we feel really do them justice. It’s something that absolutely is important to us.”
Fans hoped the Russian character Zarya will be one of many to come out.
The game was initially released in May, but writers decided to hold of on revealing which characters are LGBT so as players can get to know them without bias.
The update has cause huge excitement in the community, and is challenging perceptions of video games not representing LGBT people.
Curtis Free, from London Gaymers, told GSN: “By having a visible LGBTI character in such a popular title, Blizzard is sending the gaming community a message that its games are for everyone.
“There are a growing number of games that feature LGBTI characters as part of their storytelling, and plenty of role playing games now enable you to choose the partners you wish to romance.
“The very important distinction with Overwatch is that a main, playable character is being defined as LGBTI… and it really highlights the commitment Blizzard have to opening minds and normalising LGBTI characters and heroes,” he added.
Overwatch joins the leagues with over production companies that are beginning to portray more LGBT characters after popular demand.
The move came after fans of the Marvel universe put pressure on the company to give Captain America a boyfriend.
Disney are also being pressured, with fans of Frozen wanting the company to give princess Elsa a girlfriend.
