LGBTQ+ Supporters Criticize Apex Legends Tournament [Update]

• Apex Legends champions diversity with LGBTQIA+ characters and Pride Flag cosmetics.
• Community backlash against Respawn's participation in a tournament in Saudi Arabia.
• Apex Legends to participate in Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Mixed reactions from fans due to Saudi Arabia's stance on LGBTQIA+ rights.
• Saudi Arabia's laws criminalize same-sex relationships and gender expression.

Apex Legends: A Game That Champions Diversity

With a gun slung over his shoulder, the hero shooter, Apex Legends, stands as a beacon of inclusivity in the gaming community. It has become a safe haven for players from the LGBTQIA+ community, offering an array of playable LGBTQIA+ characters and special in-game Pride Flag cosmetics to express their identities freely.

Respawn, the game's developer, has even gone as far as to voice their support for trans rights within the game itself, further cementing their commitment to inclusivity.

Backlash from the Community

However, the announcement of Respawn's participation in a competitive tournament in Saudi Arabia, a country known for its severe restrictions on LGBTQIA+ rights, has stirred controversy and backlash from the community.

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Esports World Cup Controversy

Apex Legends is set to participate in the Esports World Cup, a multi-game tournament scheduled to take place this summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Other games to be featured include Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Overwatch 2, another hero shooter that includes queer characters.

While some fans were excited about Apex Legends being featured in the tournament, others expressed discomfort with the event being held in a region that criminalizes queer relationships and expression.

Saudi Arabia's Stance on LGBTQIA+ Rights

Saudi Arabia has outlawed same-sex relationships, activities, and gender expression for trans people, as per Sharia law, a legal framework based on Islamic scripture. In Saudi Arabia, sex outside of marriage is broadly illegal. Consequently, since same-sex marriage is also illegal, same-sex relations are considered criminal acts. There have been reports of severe punishments, including the death penalty.

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