Fans of the Netflix series OA might have recognised a familiar face in the new The Last of Us 2 trailer.
Yes! Lev from the Last of Us 2 is played by Ian Alexander, a trans PoC actor! Ian has previously appeared in OA, as a trans actor playing a trans role.
It’s currently unconfirmed if Lev the character is also a trans male, but signs hopefully point to yes. Ian is a well known trans, queer and PoC activist, so presumedly this role is respectful. Ian himself seems excited about the upcoming game:
SURPRISE. https://t.co/TLOfsWl1Na
— IAN (@ianaIexander) October 30, 2017
This is one, if not the first time any AAA game has introduced a trans character in their trailer, let alone acted by a trans person. Exciting leaps and bounds for trans representation in games. Hopefully Lev is handled well.
This year we’re starting to see trans characters represented in games. Hopefully with more inclusion starting to occur, there will be more roles for trans actors and voice actors. It’s massive to me, a trans man, to see that gaming, especially AAA gaming is starting to assume more of an accepting role.
Excited to see what comes out of this series and this talented actor.
About the Author
Sav
Sav is a games developer, programmer, journalist, zine maker and writer. Find him around Melbourne, writing, testing games, running from deadlines and attending pro-queer, pro-trans, and pro feminist rallies. His favourite game is Silent Hill 4- but he knows Silent Hill 2 is the best.
