20 Games That Have Secret Black Trans Side Characters You Probably Missed

Video games are increasingly reflecting the diversity of the real world, often tucking fascinating stories of intersectional identities into side quests, codex entries, and optional dialogue. While some characters stand in the spotlight, others require a keen eye to discover, offering rich backstory and representation for Black transgender and non-binary communities. These characters often serve as meaningful additions to their respective universes, adding layers of depth that many players might overlook during a casual playthrough. The following titles feature Black trans or non-binary side characters who bring unique perspectives and vibrancy to the gaming landscape.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

Mindy Blanchard is a lieutenant in the Howlers gang who players can encounter during the Dust District missions. While her trans identity is not explicitly stated in her main dialogue, it is confirmed through the use of the Heart, which reveals secrets about NPCs. The Heart whispers that Mindy “became someone new” and shed her old identity to find her true self, a sentiment confirmed by the developers as referencing her transition. She is a tough, no-nonsense figure who aids Emily or Corvo, providing a rare example of a Black trans woman in a gritty steampunk setting.

‘Watch Dogs 2’ (2016)

Miranda Comay is a confident and principled city councilwoman who plays a supporting role in the game’s narrative. As a close friend of the protagonist Marcus Holloway, she fights against the corrupt Blume Corporation and the invasive ctOS system. Her identity as a trans woman is revealed through bio information and dialogue regarding the Church of the New Dawn, who attempt to blackmail her with her medical history. Miranda refuses to be shamed, standing as a resilient political figure who prioritizes justice over personal persecution.

‘Horizon Forbidden West’ (2022)

In the side quest “A Soldier’s March,” Aloy meets Wekatta, a member of the sky-dwelling Tenakth tribe. Wekatta is a Black trans woman who serves as a pen-maker and lore keeper for her people, having left the path of a soldier to pursue her true calling. She mentions that she was once considered “crazy” for wearing armor belonging to a different gender, but eventually, her tribe accepted her for who she is. Her story is a touching example of acceptance within the game’s post-apocalyptic cultures.

‘Rainbow Six Siege’ (2015)

The operator known as Sens, or Néon Ngoma Mutombo, was introduced in the Operation Vector Glare update. Hailing from Belgium with Congolese heritage, Sens is a non-binary combat engineer who uses a specialized projector system to create tactical barriers. Their bio and in-game lore consistently use they/them pronouns, and they are voiced by a non-binary actor. Sens brings a blend of tactical brilliance and psychology to the team, representing a modern approach to character diversity in tactical shooters.

‘Battlefield 2042’ (2021)

Emma “Sundance” Rosier is an Assault Specialist known for their wingsuit and explosive gadgetry. They are a non-binary character of French and African descent, a detail confirmed by the developers and reflected in their character bio. Sundance is often described as a fearless and chaotic force on the battlefield, standing out for their distinct personality and high-risk playstyle. Their identity is seamlessly integrated into the roster, treated as a factual part of their background rather than a plot point.

‘Concord’ (2024)

Bazz is a playable Freegunner who utilizes throwing knives and high mobility to dominate combat. She is explicitly written as a Black trans woman, a detail woven into her character background and lore entries within the Galactic Guide. Bazz was rejected from her family’s criminal syndicate lineage due to her transition, which motivated her to strike out on her own as a mercenary. Although the game had a short lifespan, Bazz remains a notable example of a Black trans woman in a triple-A hero shooter.

‘Boyfriend Dungeon’ (2021)

Rowan is a scythe wielder and a dateable character who exudes a mysterious, gothic energy. They are a Black non-binary character who struggles with the recent loss of a loved one and the challenges of navigating the future. Players can date Rowan, unlocking intimate story moments that explore themes of grief, identity, and emotional vulnerability. Their narrative provides a nuanced look at non-binary experiences within the context of a modern fantasy dating sim.

‘Destiny 2’ (2017)

Introduced in the Lightfall expansion, Nimbus is a Cloud Strider and the protector of the city of Neomuna. They are a non-binary character with silver, metallic skin and Black-coded features, voiced by a Black non-binary actor. Nimbus uses they/them pronouns and serves as a major vendor and ally to the Guardian throughout the campaign. Their youthful energy and eagerness to live up to the legacy of the Cloud Striders make them a central figure in the expansion’s lore.

‘ValiDate’ (2022)

This visual novel focuses on the chaotic dating lives of singles in a city, featuring a highly diverse cast. Emhari, one of the playable protagonists, is a Black non-binary character navigating the complexities of modern relationships. The game allows players to explore Emhari’s internal monologue and struggles with vulnerability, offering a deeply personal perspective. The writing shines in its authentic representation of queer people of color, making Emhari’s route a standout.

‘Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To’ (2023)

Demar is a core character in this colorful, music-driven puzzle game. He is a Black, trans-masculine demon who loves fashion and upbeat vibes, contributing to the game’s incredibly inclusive atmosphere. The game celebrates QTPOC identities openly, with Demar’s character design and dialogue reflecting a joyful and stylish existence. His interactions with other characters are filled with charm, cementing him as a fan favorite in the indie scene.

‘I Was a Teenage Exocolonist’ (2022)

Nomi-Nomi is a non-binary character who players grow up alongside in this narrative RPG. While their race is depicted as part of the colony’s diverse genetic makeup, they are widely interpreted as a person of color and are voiced by a non-binary actor. Nomi explores their gender identity throughout the timeline of the game, eventually adopting new pronouns and expressing themselves through art and storytelling. Their arc is one of the most heartwarming explorations of self-discovery in recent gaming history.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

Players exploring the cyberpunk city of Neon may encounter Dani Garcia in the Euphorika lounge. Dani is a recruitabale companion who is a trans woman, voiced by trans actor Blu del Barrio. She speaks openly about her past and her reasons for seeking a new life among the stars, offering a grounded and realistic portrayal of a trans person in the future. Her skills in robotics make her a valuable asset to any crew, blending utility with representation.

‘We Are OFK’ (2022)

Carter Flores is the visual effects artist for the fictional indie pop band OFK, whose story is told through this biopic game. Carter is a Black non-binary character who provides the technical wizardry behind the band’s digital concerts. They are a tech genius with a dry wit, often serving as the grounding force for the more chaotic members of the group. Carter’s quiet confidence and technical expertise defy common tropes, offering a fresh take on the “tech guy” archetype.

‘Get In The Car, Loser!’ (2021)

Grace is one of the party members in this RPG about a lesbian road trip to stop the apocalypse. She is a Black trans woman who fights with divine powers and brings a sense of maturity and strength to the group. Grace’s dialogue often touches on her experiences and worldview, providing a mature perspective that balances the game’s humor. Her presence is integral to the team’s dynamic, offering both magical support and emotional wisdom.

‘Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp’ (2020)

Milo Belladonna is a reaper and a romanceable character who is the series’ first non-binary love interest. Milo is depicted with greyish skin and dreadlocks, coding them as a person of color within the monster universe. They are a social media influencer with a deadly sense of style, using they/them pronouns throughout the game. Milo’s route is hilarious and charming, normalizing non-binary identity in a setting filled with supernatural chaos.

‘Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers’ (2022)

Sym is an opponent and eventual friend in this arcade-themed visual novel. Sym is a non-binary character with dark skin and a distinctive, futuristic sense of fashion. They challenge the player to think differently about competition and community, playing a key role in the game’s rival team dynamic. Sym’s narrative arc allows for a romance that explores mutual respect and the breaking down of competitive barriers.

‘Splatoon 3’ (2022)

Shiver, a member of the idol group Deep Cut, is a character with dark skin and ambiguous gender coding who many fans interpret as non-binary. In the Japanese version of the game, Shiver uses first-person pronouns that are gender-neutral, and the game avoids gendered terms when referring to them. As a shark-taming bandit, Shiver brings a cool, edgy aesthetic to the game’s Splatfests. This subtle inclusion aligns with Nintendo’s increasing experimentation with gender-neutral character designs.

‘Hades’ (2020)

Chaos, the primordial originator of all things, is depicted as a floating, multi-faced entity with dark, stony skin. They are agender, using they/them pronouns and existing outside the binary concepts of gods and mortals. Chaos is an optional vendor and quest giver who provides powerful boons to Zagreus at the cost of temporary health. Their design and voice acting convey an ancient, otherworldly presence that transcends human gender norms entirely.

‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

Through various updates and expansions, The Sims 4 has added pre-made townies that represent the Black trans community. With the “High School Years” expansion and subsequent base game updates, characters like Ash Harjo were introduced with diverse gender identities and backgrounds. Players can find these characters wandering the neighborhoods, attending school, or working in local businesses. The game’s robust gender customization update also allows for the creation of Black trans Sims with specific pronouns and physical details.

‘Extreme Meatpunks Forever’ (2018)

This cult indie game features a cast composed almost entirely of queer and trans people of color. Players control four gay disasters beating up neo-nazis in giant meat mechs, with characters like Brad offering specific Black trans representation. The narrative is unapologetically queer, diving deep into the anxieties and triumphs of marginalized identities in a dystopian setting. It is a raw and powerful experience that centers characters who are rarely given the spotlight in mainstream gaming.

Share your favorite hidden character details or other examples of representation you’ve found in the comments!