Photo by Sophie Emeny on Unsplash
It’s Pride Month, and companies are marking the occasion in a number of ways. But are they really pushing for a more diverse culture or jumping on the bandwagon? Connor Pollitt, co-founder of new Manchester-based esports organisation Vanilla Spice Esports, shares his thoughts in this guest opinion piece.
It’s no secret that companies in general appear to stand in solidarity with the ever-growing LGBTQIA+ community, as the scope of adequate representation continues to change.
And it’s no more prevalent than during Pride Month, aiming to be an extended period of inclusivity under the well-known rainbow flag.
Within esports, it is without doubt that the most relevant organisations and players have no problems with their promotion of LGBTQIA+ ideals and incorporating this into their image.
This is often outlined in tweets such as the ones shown below from UK university esports tournament provider NUEL, in addition to charities supported by Cloud9 throughout the year.
What is more interesting, however, is the critical response on social media from a proportion of esports followers in relation to these tweets, highlighted in replies shown in response to the FaZe Clan logo change on June 1st 2022.
While this was supported by several in the community, there were a number of responses which called out FaZe for this promotion of Pride Month, responses ranging from feeling insulted, suggesting this is used as a means for promotion to serve their finances, or calling out FaZe for ‘hypocrisy’ over comments made by one of their players.
In a now deleted tweet, a player known as FaZe Virus, the first Saudi player to be signed to the org, distanced himself from the promotion of Pride Month. This tweet gained traction, presenting a number of responses from critics before being removed.
While spewing a tirade of hate towards the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, or at any time for that matter, is incredibly insensitive and out of touch, several stood up for him and his ideals.
Whilst not absent from controversy themselves, Riot Games has continued to stand with Pride Month and support LGBTQIA+ gamers with annual in-game rainbow-themed items.
Riot announced its Pride Month 2022 activities recently, including free content in League of Legends, Valorant, TFT, Wild Rift and Legends of Runeterra. This was Riot’s seventh year celebrating Pride.
One might wonder how sincere this gesture is considering Riot’s history of gender discrimination and sexual harassment – though it did settle the lawsuit last year – but it is notable to see the absence of Pride promotion in other games. Several do have promotions, like Rocket League’s ‘Shine Through’ bundle.
Whilst it is clear these organisations will continue to promote the positive messages that Pride Month brings, it is unclear what proportion of followers are in support of these changes or believe there is a separate incentive behind the scenes.
It leaves the question – what is the correct way to respond to a comment like Virus’s? And should commercial companies be getting involved in Pride Month, or is it more beneficial to leave vital work to well-established charities? In the meantime, we can all work on being more accepting of those closest to us to start with.
Related article: Celebrating Pride Month – UK & Ireland esports personalities share their view on LGBTQIA+ issues
