Today’s new Overwatch comic was delightful and, among other things, revealed that Tracer is queer. She shares a nice smooch with her partner, Emily, and that’s pretty much the end of it. Russia, however, has deemed it to be too much.
As pointed out by Twitter users like Malkythera, the comic is unreadable on the Russian version of Overwatch’s website. All you can access is the cover, which has a message plastered over it. Per a translation, it reads, “In accordance with Russian law we cannot share this comic with our players on territory of Russian Federation.”
Rather notoriously, Russia has federally outlawed anything it deems to be “gay propaganda” that might be promoted toward minors.
On paper, this means people are subject to fines, imprisonment, or deportation for anything from public demonstrations, to speeches, to discussions of gay rights with Russian youths. Over the years, the laws have prompted protests (especially when the 2014 Olympics were held in Sochi) and ire from human rights groups across the globe.
Given that the Overwatch holiday comic shows Tracer kissing Emily, it’s not hard to understand why this happened in Russia. It’s still heartbreaking, though, not just because of what happened (it is, after all, a comic about a video game), but because of what it represents.
We like to talk about how there are rough times ahead, but for many, they’re behind as well. Worth keeping in mind that for some people, this is just another chapter in a very long, heavily censored story.
Comments
13 responses to “Overwatch Comic Banned In Russia Over Gay Propaganda Law”
A shame they didn’t make her partner Zarya. 😉
There ideals are to different
Remind me why people thought Zarya was going to be the gay character
She still is a gay icon as far as I know
Because butch looking females have to be gay.
Russia’s stance on same sex relationships is totally disgraceful. It’s also really shitty that same sex couples can’t get married in Australia.
I am still surprised the Americas beat Australia to it.
Australia isn’t as open minded as people think.
We voted in Hanson and Turnbull aha I think that speaks volumes within itself.
Propaganda?
PROPAGANDA?!
Strongman Putin is afraid of itty bitty Tracer and I find it hilarious.
In Soviet Russia, gay propaganda bans YOU! Or something like that.
Russia:
Watch out, this harmless comic might turn people Gay
Wih the incoming Trump administration and with Ted Cruz looking increasingly likely to push through his controversial First Amendment Defense Act bill through the Republican-controlled Congress, I genuinely fear something as stupid as this Russian gay propaganda ban will happen in America.
Question, was t.A.T.u. ever considered to be gay propaganda?