Cyberpunk 2077 has weathered its share of criticism, from glitches to subpar graphics, prompting CD Projekt Red to offer refunds. However, one of the biggest complaints comes from the LGBTQ community. The game offers character customization and representation without dictating gender. The real issue: Gender is assigned by voice. Only deep-voiced characters can be identified as male, while higher-pitched characters are identified as female.
For Cyberpunk 2077 to identify characters by voice perpetuates the harmful notion that stereotypical traits can categorize gender. This feature also validates "clocking" trans people by external characteristics, which is particularly troubling considering trans people are proportionately among the most at-risk targets of hate crimes in the United States. Cyberpunk 2077's lack of meaningful LGBTQ representation and strange fetishized posters of trans women only contribute to the problem.
As a result, trans and gender-nonconforming gamers called for a boycott of Cyberpunk 2077 due to its transphobic stereotypes. According to Conde Nast's LGBT-focused website them., some Twitch users have also pledged not to play or stream Cyberpunk 2077 on their platform. For anyone looking to participate in the boycott, players can use that money to support trans organizations instead.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is run by trans people, for trans people. This nonprofit grassroots hotline offers direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Trans Lifeline also provides a Family & Friends Hotline for friends, partners, family members and professionals supporting trans loved ones and community members. Either hotline can be accessed by calling the main U.S. or Canada phone number on the website.
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee freedom for all people to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence. SRLP's primary mission is to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex or gender-nonconforming.
Trans Student Educational Resources
Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER) is a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender-nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment. They are the ultimate resource for contacting schools and taking action to fight discrimination with education. TSER also teaches trans activists how to be effective organizers.
The Okra Project
The Okra Project is a New York City-based grassroots organization that supports black trans, non-binary and gender-nonconforming people. Named after the edible plant captive Africans sneaked onto ships for food, The Okra Project's mission is to hire and train Black trans people as chefs who provide meals for Black trans people in their homes with a focus on African diasporic cuisines.
TransTech Social Enterprises
TransTech Social Enterprises tackles trans unemployment. The organization is an incubator for LGBTQ talent, focusing on economically empowering transgender people, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer people and allies with practical, career-ready skills. As CEO and founder Angelica Ross says, "At TransTech, we've created a space for trans people to come together, work together, laugh together, go to lunch together. There's strength in numbers."
Audre Lorde Project
The Audre Lorde Project (ALP) is a Brooklyn, New York-based organization for LGBTQ people of color. Its namesake is the lesbian-feminist poet and activist Audre Lorde. ALP focuses on community organizing via nonviolent activism regarding progressive issues within New York City, relating to LGBTQ communities, AIDS and HIV, prison reform and organizing among youth of color.
Related: Cyberpunk 2077 is a DISASTER on Last Generation Consoles
Transgender Law Center
Grounded in legal expertise and racial justice, the Transgender Law Center is committed to changing laws, policies and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.
Keep Reading: Gamers Need to Hold CD Projekt Red Accountable for Cyberpunk 2077's Atrocious Release