Slash fiction to mainstream: An analysis of strategies used for queering characters in League of Legends

Abstract

Six long-established characters in the video game League of Legends (Riot Games, 2009) have recently been queered by the game's producers pairing them in same-sex relationships. These relationships have been revealed or hinted at through official auxiliary material wherein the narrative of League of Legends exists. This strategy of queering characters through establishing same-sex relationships mirrors a practice rooted in fandom: slash fiction. Though fans and producers are using similar strategies to queer League of Legends, historically producers have had different motivations for creating queer content, often resulting in queerbaiting. However, the queering of Caitlyn and Vi points to the potential of the ability of strategies that mirror fan practices to bring queer resistance to mainstream media when used by producers.