Although writer JK Rowling has earned a notoriety for her constant transphobic comments, the Wizarding World certainly aspires to be inclusive and not follow in its creator’s unfortunate footsteps. According to the latest reports, the upcoming video game of the franchise, titled Hogwarts Legacywill present the first trans character in this famous universe of wizards and witches.
The trans character in question responds to the name of Sirona Ryanwho in Hogwarts Legacy turns out to be the owner of the Las Tres Broomsticks tavern in the town of Hogsmeade; She is a favorite among Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry students when it comes to enjoying a delicious Butterbeer.
The player, when approaching Sirona to ask her about a goblin named Lodgok, will subtly learn details about the innkeeper’s gender identity. She reveals that, when she was a schoolgirl, her classmates were slow to discover that she “was actually a witch and not a wizard.”
“I hadn’t seen him for years. [a Lodgok] when he came a few months ago”, Sirona replies to the player (via Variety). “But he recognized me instantly, which is more than I can say for some of my own classmates. It took them a second to realize that she was actually a witch, not a wizard.”
Hogwarts Legacy is an upcoming open-world role-playing video game, set in the 19th century Wizarding World. It consists of an immersive experience that will allow players to explore Hogwarts and its surroundings, while learning about spells and potions as fifth year students.
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At the end of January, the director of Hogwarts Legacy, Alan Tew, issued a statement regarding JK Rowling’s negative stance towards transgender people and whether this would become an obstacle to sales. Although he was ambiguous with his words, the creator mentioned that there will always be challenges when developing and launching any video game, and in this case, he considered that the fans’ love for the Magical World would keep the ship afloat.
“We know it’s a diverse audience,” Tew added. “For us, it’s about making sure that audiences, who have always dreamed of having this game, have the opportunity to feel welcome again. May he have a home here and may it be a good place to tell his story.”
Hogwarts Legacy It will hit the global market on February 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/C and PC.
Antonio G. Spindola I have very bad memory. Out of solidarity with my memories, I choose to lose myself too. Preferably in a movie theater.
