Queer Vox calls on Arc System Works to acknowledge inauthentic casting of Bridget
Queer Vox, a not-for-profit training academy that specializes in promoting and forming a community for LGBTQIA+ voiceover actors, has called on Arc System Works to acknowledge the hurt they’ve done in the inauthentic casting of a character in Guilty Gear Strive.
The character in question is Bridget, the latest character to join the Guilty Gear Strive roster, revealed last weekend during EVO 2022. The popularity of this yo-yo-loving gal has only rocketed at the coming out scene during her route that confirms Bridget is a trans woman, a major milestone for video game characters in the fighting game scene.
However, as Queer Vox themselves acknowledges, “a victory can often be accompanied by disappointment” and the casting of Bridget seems to be no different in this regard. This is due to the fact that the voice actor cast as Bridget is not a trans woman. As such, Arc System Works failed to provide an “authentic casting” for a trans character that’s already become so beloved by the LGBTQ community.
In a short thread, Queer Vox explained why they had no problem with the actor cast, but why the casting from Arc System Works failed to understand the monumental importance of casting a trans actor to take on the role of Bridget.
“Queer actors – especially trans, non-binary and genderqueer humans – are overlooked for a variety of reasons; including: false perceptions of these identities should “sound;”, the myth that there are no trained actors among them; and a misguided attempt to set rules on how one should be “queer” and thus more palatable/comprehensible to mainstream audiences.” The Twitter thread, as seen above, states.
Queer Vox went on to explain that such castings of trans characters with cis actors encourages (regardless of intent) cisgender people to earn wealth and further their careers by telling “trans stories, while trans folk cannot.”
Most importantly, Queer Vox points out that the effect of inauthentic casting ultimately leads to queer actors looking to work in voicework are effectively withheld from opportunities, thereby strangling attempts to further their career.
It should also be noted that Bridget’s voice actor, Kelly Ohanian, has also shown their support to the LGBTQ+ community, while also acknowledging the need to be more mindful about casting of trans and gender nonconforming characters.
LGBTQ+ voice actors within video games also added their voices towards better casting, and treatment of marginalized actors. Erika Ishii, known for their work in Apex Legends as Valkyrie and various characters in Critical Role and Dimension 20, stated: “Until trans actors are fairly considered for cis roles, it’s *imperative* that trans actors have the opportunity to play trans roles.
“Thank you to the agents, studios, actors, and fans who support this inclusion and have been pushing progress in our industry. We still have a tremendous fight ahead of us.”
The non-profit clarifies that it does not wish to “call out” Arc System Works, but does wish the developers and those involved in the decision making of casting Bridget to acknowledge the harm of it, and do better in the future – even offering their own assistance if necessary.
“Our door is always open to these companies should they wish to have dialogue on how to improve their queer authenticity and diversity initiatives in the future.”
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