Video games: a trick to ease gender dysphoria symptoms

 

Bless Online is one of many MMORPGs availiable to gamers

In case you haven't heard about it yet (despite the fact that every LGBTQAI+ activist is speaking bout it) gender dysphoria or simply GD is "psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one’s sex assigned at birth and one’s gender identity"[1]. Or, if you want my opinion, GD is a mental disorder or even illness provoked by problems with one's genes. Can’t be cured, unless complete transition to correct gender. I love to simplify things, I know. 

If you were born in 90's or later, you have probably tried playing video games, at least once in your life. With your friends or perhaps kids, or your friends’ kids?
Nowadays, nearly every child plays games, mostly android or iOS mobile games, but hey, who are we to judge? Those may look basic. But gaming industry is diverse and not limited to those only.

When we talk about Triple-A developers, we talk about games like Red Dead Redemption or Grand Theft Auto series. Damn Rockstar. Such titles are different to mobile platformers, developers spend millions of dollars to make them. And they get millions in revenue back. Budget is not the only difference. I would say, budget does not matter. AAA or not – it’s immersion we will talk about here.

Red Dead Online allows you to create your own character and explore Wild West in late 1890s

We have many Asian MMORPGs like Black Desert Online, Final Fantasy, Terra, Blade & Soul and tens of others. These games have a plot, a storyline. But unlike AAA action games like The Last of Us, MMORPGs offer you something unique: open world and character creation. It means that you are allowed to create your own, custom character. Facial features, body, voice and much more. And you are free to roam open world all you want. 

You create your own character and you travel a world full of adventures. The fact that they are online games (Massively Multiplayer Online) adds an option to socialize via in-game text or voice chats. 

Graphics look insanely realistic,but games are immersive not only because of this

This is it. You are free to create your proper self in open world game and find friends, live a life you want to. Of course, there are always limitations. But at least you are free to pick your character’s gender. Let’s just talk about Cyberpunk 2077, where you are allowed to pick your gender, genitals, voice and much more. In fact, Cyberpunk 2077 is a polish made single player game, but it allows you to create your own character. Sadly, no “socialize” feature here. So, let’s get back to MMORPG’s. 

Stunning, isn't it?

Why MMORPGs are so important to trans kids? Because they offer them an opportunity to:

a) play any race, any sex, any look character and even give their character a name and a background;

b) it’s safe to play, except online harassment, but at least you won’t get injured in a physical way or worse;

c) socialize, meet new friends and not be scared for your life.

MMORPGs are best for kids, since children are free to have their own adventure and socialize at the same time

Thus, thanks to online gaming, trans kids and adults have an opportunity to be themselves in a safe environment. 

If you or your child experience strong symptoms of gender dysphoria – try MMORPGs or perhaps other genres of video games. Trans community reports, that even older, 8-bit games help to fight GD! Most of these games are free to play and do not require high end PC. Some can be played on mobile, even older phones. Just give it a try and see it for yourself. Game moaaaar!

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1. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gender-dysphoria/what-is-gender-dysphoria