Representation in media matters—and in the world of video games and film, LGBTQ+ characters are no longer relegated to the background or used solely as comedic sidekicks. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a powerful wave of queer characters taking center stage, becoming heroes, villains, icons, and inspirations in their own right.

In honor of Pride Month, The Game of Nerds is spotlighting some of the best LGBTQ+ characters in video games and movies. These characters are not only compelling from a narrative standpoint—they’re also helping push the boundaries of inclusivity, authenticity, and visibility in fandom spaces.

Whether you’re a gamer, cinephile, or just love great storytelling, these characters deserve a spot on your Pride Month celebration list.

Ellie – The Last of Us (Video Game Series)

Arguably one of the most well-known LGBTQ+ protagonists in modern gaming, Ellie from The Last of Us series has become an icon for queer gamers. First introduced in the 2013 game, her sexuality is more fully explored in The Last of Us: Left Behind, where a flashback reveals her romantic relationship with her best friend, Riley.

In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie takes the lead role—and her relationship with Dina is portrayed with depth, nuance, and emotional weight. Naughty Dog’s commitment to making Ellie’s identity central (not secondary) to her character is a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in AAA gaming.

Why She Matters: Ellie isn’t defined by her sexuality, but it’s also not ignored. She exists fully as a queer protagonist navigating love, loss, trauma, and survival—all within one of the most acclaimed game series of the last decade.

Max and Chloe – Life Is Strange (Video Game Series)

The Life Is Strange franchise stands out for its emotional storytelling and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The original game centers around Max Caulfield, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. Throughout the game, her deepening bond with childhood friend Chloe Price can be shaped into a romantic one based on player choices.

In Life Is Strange: Before the Storm, Chloe’s love interest Rachel Amber is explored, offering another intimate look at queer teenage love. Later games like True Colors continue this legacy of allowing players to explore same-gender romance.

Why They Matter: These characters showed early on that LGBTQ+ love stories could be the emotional core of a game, not just a side plot or Easter egg.

Alex Chen – Life Is Strange: True Colors

Another standout from the Life Is Strange universe, Alex Chen is a bisexual protagonist whose story explores grief, empathy, and community. Players can choose for her to romance either Steph or Ryan, making her one of the few canonically queer protagonists in a major narrative-driven game.

Why She Matters: Alex is a rare example of an Asian-American bisexual lead, and her identity is presented as a natural part of her character—not tokenized or dramatized.

Bill – The Last of Us (TV Adaptation)

Though The Last of Us game hinted at Bill’s sexuality, it wasn’t until the HBO adaptation that we saw his full love story come to life. Episode 3, titled “Long, Long Time”, explores Bill’s relationship with Frank, a tender and heartbreaking portrait of queer love during an apocalypse.

Why He Matters: This episode became a cultural moment—not just for the show but for LGBTQ+ storytelling in genre television. It was a reminder that even in horror, love endures.

Albus Dumbledore – Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

While J.K. Rowling’s post-series revelation about Dumbledore’s sexuality stirred debate, The Secrets of Dumbledorefinally made it canon. In the film, it’s openly acknowledged that Albus Dumbledore was romantically in love with Gellert Grindelwald, adding new emotional complexity to their conflict.

Why He Matters: As one of the most iconic characters in fantasy literature and film, Dumbledore’s queerness being acknowledged onscreen was a long overdue step—even if it’s still controversial among fans.

America Chavez – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

America Chavez is Marvel’s first Latina lesbian superhero to appear in a major live-action film. Portrayed by Xochitl Gomez, she’s introduced as a dimension-hopping teen trying to understand her powers. While her queerness isn’t a central plot point in her debut, her iconic LGBTQ+ pin and mention of her two moms affirms her identity.

Why She Matters: America brings long-needed intersectionality to the MCU: a queer, Latina superhero who’s destined for greatness. And with more multiverse adventures on the horizon, her future is looking bright.

Lando Calrissian – Solo: A Star Wars Story

It was revealed during promotion for Solo that Lando Calrissian is pansexual. While not explicitly portrayed in the film, the subtextual relationship between Lando and L3-37 sparked interest—and debate—among fans.

Why He Matters: While the representation wasn’t as visible as some hoped, Lando’s pansexuality being confirmed by creators marked a small step forward for LGBTQ+ inclusion in one of the world’s biggest franchises.

David Rose – Schitt’s Creek

Switching gears to TV, David Rose, played by Dan Levy, became a standout LGBTQ+ icon in Schitt’s Creek. His relationship with Patrick is one of the healthiest, most heartwarming portrayals of queer love on television. The show’s decision to exist in a world free of homophobia makes David’s journey even more uplifting.

Why He Matters: David’s fluid sexuality and confident sense of self made him a role model—and his wedding finale felt like a personal win for LGBTQ+ audiences everywhere.

Waylon Smithers – The Simpsons

After decades of subtle coding and jokes, Smithers officially came out in a 2016 episode titled “The Burns Cage.” Since then, he’s had romantic plotlines, including a boyfriend in the 2021 episode “Portrait of a Lackey on Fire.”

Why He Matters: Smithers is one of the earliest queer characters in animation, and his arc reflects how long-running series can evolve with time—and get better at representation.

Sylas – League of Legends

In League of Legends, Sylas is a revolutionary mage who also happens to be canonically gay. The 2022 short story “Silence for the Damned” made his sexuality explicitly clear, with no room for ambiguity.

Why He Matters: League of Legends is one of the most-played games globally, and having a confirmed LGBTQ+ champion in its expansive lore helps normalize queer identity in competitive gaming spaces.

Honorable Mentions

  • Amity and Luz (The Owl House) – Disney’s first lead same-sex couple in animation.
  • Deadpool (Deadpool 2) – Pansexual, chaotic, and proud.
  • Yara Greyjoy (Game of Thrones) – Openly bisexual and unapologetically fierce.
  • Mae Borowski (Night in the Woods) – A bi protagonist in a thoughtful indie game.

Final Thoughts: Why Representation Still Matters

LGBTQ+ representation in games and movies isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about affirming that queer people deserve stories, complexity, and screen time. Whether through AAA video games, indie titles, blockbusters, or streaming shows, these characters reflect the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

As Pride Month reminds us to celebrate, advocate, and reflect, diving into stories that uplift queer voices is more than entertainment—it’s an act of solidarity.

These characters are heroes, villains, lovers, fighters, and everything in between. And in every pixel or frame they appear, they help shape a more inclusive pop culture landscape.