Community:LGBTQ culture in VRChat

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Official VRChat logo, with a 'progress' LGBTQIA+ flag as its background; displayed on social media approximately in June and July.

LGBTQ culture (an acronym, referring to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning" persons) in VRChat is socially notable and accepted on the platform; including and not limited to people who are genderqueer, and non-binary gender identities, as well as asexual orientations.

Overview

VRChat has been widely regarded as a supportive space for many individuals who are of queer identities, with a significant portion of the user base identifying with various queer identities. Numerous queer communities exist on the platform, one of the most notable being "Trans Academy", a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which has been recognized and supported by VRChat.

LGBTQ and VRChat

The "Pride" Holopod from VRChat Home (2024).

At VRChat's core, VRChat has, since the very beginning, opposed hate speech and intolerance against orientation and gender identity, as an enforceable punishment.

As part of the Quick World Searches keywords, on the Search tab of the Main Menu, there are search terms for 'LGBTQ', as well as 'rainbow'. One of VRChat's Quick Menu clock settings features an "LGBTQ+ clock" option, expressing the clock with a colorful rainbow pattern.

In June 2024, VRChat updated the VRChat Home world to include multiple pride flags as well as messages of support from the staff team and was available until July 8th. VRChat has also made social media posts in 2023 and 2024, observing Pride Month and recognizing the LGBT community beyond June.

Gender expression in VRChat

VRCat, with a 'progress' pride flag.

VRChat can immerse a user, through the use of avatars that can match with one's gender identity, or experiment with other identities. Avatars can range in their gender expression, ranging from feminine, androgynous, and masculine. These avatars allow users to express themselves in a myriad of ways, one might not typically be able to.

Some users may or may not identify with the gender their avatar presents, for example, some cisgender men who use female presenting avatars may simply enjoy the appearance, or the variety of clothing, accessories, or features available. Others, such as transwomen may use feminine presenting avatars for comfort or to better align themselves with their identity.

A speech, being given at the Trans Academy, for "Trans Day of Visibility 2024".

Experiencing oneself in an avatar of a different gender may form new perceptions of aesthetics or preferences over time. Exploring one's gender in VRChat is common, and allows one to express themselves however they desire in a safe environment.

Gender, and the Proteus effect

The Proteus effect is defined as an exchange where a user can identify and immerse themselves with the appearance of their avatar, and choose to express a similar likeness in the real world, as their natural appearance. This can also include appearances that can reflect a different gender, or express their gender identity.

Community resources on VRChat and gender

• Identity, Gender, and VRChat (Why is everyone in VR an anime girl?) published by Straszfilms, on February 3, 2021.
• Why are there SO many Trans people in VRChat? Gender, Identity, and Self Discovery. published by The Virtual Reality Show (PHIA), on April 11, 2023.
• Wearing Female Avatars in VRChat published by Twice, on September 23, 2023.
• Saving Trans Lives in VR: The VRChat Trans Academy published by Azael, on October 12, 2023.

See also

• Community:Culture
• Trans Academy
• LGBTQ portal on Wikipedia