Bonus post: Being Queer, Non-Binary, and an Expat in the Gaming Industry: Identity, Culture, and Localization

For those of us who identify as queer and non-binary, navigating the gaming industry can feel both empowering and isolating. And when you add the layer of being an expat (living in a new country, away from your roots and familiar cultural codes) it becomes a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and adaptation.

As a Mexican living in Spain, I’ve found myself constantly balancing the thrill of being part of an innovative, creative industry with the challenges of living authentically in a new environment. And working in localization adds yet another dimension to this experience.

In localization, we’re bridging cultures, adapting languages, and ensuring that the content resonates with players across the globe. This role isn’t just about technical accuracy, it’s about cultural sensitivity and emotional connection. As a queer, non-binary person, localization feels deeply personal. In a way, we’re constantly translating our identities, adapting our expressions and language to fit into different environments, much like localizing a game for different players.

Living at the Intersection of Identity, Industry, and Culture

The gaming industry, with its imaginative worlds and boundless possibilities, should be a natural place for self-expression. But even here, being visibly queer and non-binary presents unique challenges, especially as an expat. In Spain, I’m working in an industry that celebrates diversity, but I often find myself navigating spaces that may not fully understand the unique experiences I bring. There’s a duality in being an outsider by nationality and by identity, while also carrying the responsibility to represent both my culture and my queerness authentically.

Working in localization has allowed me to appreciate the complexities of cultural adaptation in a new way. Just as localization professionals strive to keep the essence of a story intact while making it accessible to a different audience, as queer expats, we’re constantly balancing how much of ourselves we reveal, how we express our identities, and how we integrate aspects of our culture and personal story into new spaces.

The Power of Representation Through Localization

Having queer and non-binary characters in games isn’t just about adding diversity, it’s about making sure that players feel seen, respected, and included. Representation becomes even more meaningful when it transcends borders, speaking to players in different languages and cultures. Games like Agatha: All along, with characters who embrace their power and authenticity, serve as a reminder that our stories matter (episode 7 was mindblowing for me, it was about accepting your own truth no matter what is going to come). For queer, non-binary, and expat players, this type of representation is not only validating but also empowering.

In localization, however, bringing these characters to life means going beyond words. It’s about preserving the depth and intention behind each character and story, ensuring that nothing is lost in translation. For example, the choice of pronouns, cultural references, and even humor needs to be carefully adapted to resonate with players in different languages. Each decision in localization can make a character feel either relatable or foreign to the player, impacting the emotional connection they form with the game.

As someone who lives between cultures, I understand the importance of maintaining authenticity through adaptation. The way I describe my identity in Spanish might differ from how I would in English, and the same goes for the games we bring to players. Localization professionals have a unique responsibility to make sure that queer characters and themes feel authentic, no matter where or how players experience them.

Resilience in an Ever Changing Landscape

Being queer, non-binary, and an expat means building a certain level of resilience, especially in an industry as dynamic as gaming. Every shift in the cultural landscape, both in our host country and back home reminds us that acceptance can feel fragile, and that our identities sometimes require adaptation. But in these moments of uncertainty, we find our strength.

The journey of being an expat in localization is about constant adaptation while staying true to who we are. Working with languages, I see firsthand how powerful words are in shaping identities and perceptions. We’re resilient because we have to be—whether we’re navigating cultural nuances, language barriers, or societal expectations. Every day, we’re carving paths, ensuring that the stories we translate maintain their essence, just as we strive to maintain ours.

Moving Forward Together

The gaming industry has incredible potential to lead the way in inclusivity, and every queer, non-binary, and expat professional working in localization brings us closer to a future where everyone feels represented, valued, and safe. Localization is a powerful tool, allowing us to create worlds that reflect the vast diversity of human experience, and it starts with honoring our own identities.

For me, being queer, non-binary, and a Mexican expat in Spain isn’t just a personal journey it’s an opportunity to challenge the industry to be better. Localization isn’t just about adapting language; it’s about connecting people and making sure stories resonate across cultures, without losing their heart. Even when the world feels uncertain, each step we take brings us closer to a world where everyone can see themselves in the games we create, in the languages they speak, and in the identities they hold dear.

This is why we’re here, and this is why we keep pushing forward. Please be safe there.