Celebrating LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces & Positivity in Games!

One of my favourite celebrations is here — Pride Month! This year, I wanted to highlight some of the games that offered me a safe space or showcased LGBTQ+ positivity for those who want to add more rainbows to their days this June. These are in no particular order, so let's begin with…

Sticky Business

• Developer: Spellgarden Games
• Publisher: Assemble Entertainment
• Genres: Wholesome, casual, job simulator
• Check it out onSteam!

I was gifted Sticky Business a while back, and while I adored the wholesome content and creativity-focused gameplay, one of the things that stuck out to me the most was how LGBTQ+ positive the experience is. From the customers' stories to various ways to make stickers celebrating diversity!

Spellgarden Games' titles are some of the most positive and wholesome experiences I've enjoyed, and they make a point to add representation to LGBTQ+ wherever they can! I spent more hours than I can count creating stickers celebrating all of our flags.

Thrifty Business

• Developer: Spellgarden Games
• Publisher: Spellgarden Games
• Genres: Wholesome, casual, job simulator
• Check it out on Steam!

On a similar vein, if creativity and stickers aren't your thing, Spellgarden Games recently released Thrifty Business — a vibrant and colourful job simulator where you run a thrift shop. This time, there was even more focus on LGBTQ+, or at least, it was more evident due to the hands-on approach with customers.

While playing the game, I could barely get enough of the positive representation; it's casual, wholesome, and accurate. I loved that, as someone who doesn't have social spaces like those in real life, I was at least able to enjoy them in a peaceful game.

Calico

• Developer: Peachy Keen Games
• Publisher: Whitethorn Games
• Genres: Cute, Casual, Cats
• Check it out on Steam!

So, if you can muster through bugs and a bit of jank, this is a fantastic title if you're looking for something that's LGBTQ+ friendly! There is tons of representation in it; in fact, two of my favourite characters are a lesbian couple! It's 100% a great experience to cuddle your beloved while playing.

Although I really love Calico, I understand why some people have reservations about the number of bugs and issues. It didn't detract from my experience, as the gameplay is overall wacky to begin with!

Celeste

• Developer: Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games, Ltd.
• Publisher: Maddy Makes Games Inc.
• Genres: Precision Platformer, Difficult, Pixelated
• Check it out on Steam!

While Celeste doesn't ever outright state why Madeline is climbing the peak, if you do some digging, you'll find out that she's actually a trans woman. I was lucky enough to know this from the first time I played the game!

Having this context made Celeste one of the most intensely emotional experiences I've had while gaming; I'm not trans myself, but I know and love someone who is. Not having this information readily available isn't a bad thing, of course: it allows the player to put themselves in the protagonist's shoes more easily. Still, now you know!

Fireside Feelings

• Developer: Team Empreinte
• Publisher: N/A
• Genres: Dialogue Heavy, Cozy, Emotional
• Check it out on Steam!

While I'm not sure Fireside Feelings can really count as a game-game, I decided I'd add it to the list. This cosy title invites players to create an avatar and truly anonymously share their story with others.

Through an asynchronous conversation, players will be prompted to answer a question in the game, and they will get to read the other person's answer. Social pressure is gone because they're not really there, allowing those who have trouble having a spotlight on them to let it all go.

I chose to add it in the end because although I've been severely lucky to find my wife and be able to have a safe and happy life together, Pride Month isn't just rainbows and butterflies to everyone. If you need a place to let it out, this might just be a great title for you! That being said, please seek help if you're struggling emotionally. Please, stay safe!

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Obviously, there are tons of other games out there that celebrate LGBTQ+; Life is Strange, League of Legends, Tavern Talk Stories: Dreamwalker, or the many dating sims that allow you to date whomever you want, for example! But I wanted this list to be the ones that have made me feel at home, seen, and loved. Maybe they'll do the same for you! Happy Pride Month!