Queer and Digital: How LGBTQ+ Creators Are Shaping the Entertainment World
The entertainment industry is constantly changing and is increasingly defined by influencers. Today, we are seeing a growing number of LGBTQ+ creators who are making their voices heard and gaining recognition for their contributions to social media and online entertainment. LGBTQ+ artists, developers, and content creators are helping to make the internet more inclusive and welcoming with their content.
Digital Diversity and New Opportunities
Until now, there has been little data and few studies on gambling behavior among sexual minorities, but more and more research is addressing this gap and getting to the bottom of questions about gambling behavior for LGBTQ+ identities. And the data shows that audiences are growing more and more diverse, and products need to adapt accordingly.
In order to cater to a broad audience, more and more diverse entertainment offerings are appearing. For example, an article by casinobeats shows that the market for Interac casinos – online gaming platforms with Canada-specific payment methods – are growing rapidly and becoming increasingly popular among diverse users due to their convenience and security. Such trends illustrate how entertainment industries are constantly changing and adapting traditional offerings to specific audiences. The expansion of the entertainment industry is thus creating new opportunities for creative niche projects and is also inspiring queer developers and creators, whether on YouTube, TikTok, or Twitch, to get involved in the development of games or internet content that goes beyond traditional genres and appeals to a new target audience. They produce or inspire content outside the mainstream, engage with historical material, or create completely new worlds in which, for example, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or non-binary characters appear naturally.
LGBTQ+ Gamers and Games are on the Rise
Despite the common misconception that the stereotypical video gamer is a white, heterosexual, cisgender man between the ages of 18 and 34, data from a GLAAD study shows that 17% of active gamers are LGBTQ individuals. This is an increase of 70% from the 10% recorded in the 2020 Nielsen report. The data shows that the number of active LGBTQ+ gamers is on the rise. The growing number of gamers can be attributed to the fact that more and more content is being created that appeals to this target group. By LGBTQ+ for LGBTQ+ and for general awareness. Titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Fire Emblem: Engage, In Stars and Time, and This Bed We Made introduce LGBTQ+ characters and themes and create more inclusivity and awareness about sexual identity in gaming.
Such projects not only show how stereotypes can be overcome but also challenge the larger industry to embrace more inclusive content.
The Role of Early Queerer Creators
Queer creators have been shaping the digital entertainment world since early on. David Gaider and Danielle Bunten Berry, for example, have made a decisive impact in the video game industry. Gaider, who worked as a writer and designer on BioWare's Dragon Age series, was one of the first to introduce openly gay and bisexual characters in major role-playing games. At the time, this was considered a bold move, and it continues to have an impact today, as Gaider's stories have helped make LGBTQ+ characters more visible.
Danielle Bunten Berry, for her part, is considered a pioneer of multiplayer gaming. Back in the 1980s, she developed the iconic multiplayer video game M.U.L.E., a strategy game that focused on collaborative, interactive play. Her concept would be adopted decades later by streaming and online platforms. As a trans woman, Berry fought for recognition at a time when LGBTQ+ identities were still barely visible in the tech world. Her ideas continue to inspire queer developers worldwide to this day.
These and other early role models demonstrate that LGBTQ+ creatives not only contributed to the industry but also continue to push it forward.
LGBTQ+ Content for More Awareness
Queer identities are becoming increasingly established not only in gaming but also in other areas of entertainment, resulting in diverse streaming and social media offerings. Creators and influencers not only generate LGBTQ+ content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch, but also inspire others with their personal stories and the challenges they face as queer creators. This content ranges from everyday stories to personal experiences and also addresses political discourses that often leave little room for sexual minorities.
Studies show that such content is not only important for members of this group but also has an impact on society at large. According to GLAAD, 80% of heterosexual people surveyed who regularly encounter LGBTQ+ content in entertainment and advertising say that it makes them more supportive of LGBTQ+ equality. In contrast, awareness among people who do not consume such content tends to be limited. In other words, visible queer stories and content create understanding and awareness.
Please play responsibly. The 2SLGBTQiA+ community is known to be at higher risk for gambling-related harm due to a range of social and economic factors. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are support services available in British Columbia. Contact the BC Gambling Support Line at 1-888-795-6111, available 24/7, or visit www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca for confidential help, information, and free counselling.