Solider 76 is Overwatch's Second Confirmed LGBT Character
Its been just over two years since Blizzard revealed that Tracer was gay. Today they have quietly released a new story, Bastet, which confirms that Soldier 76 is also LGBT.
The comic reveals that he had a boyfriend, Vincent, who he almost got married to before the Omnic Crisis.
The latest story follows Ana as she finds Jack Morrison in the streets of Cairo after the Switzerland explosion. Taking him back to her hideout, he looks through his photos and Ana catches him looking at a photo of himself with a dark-haired man.
“Vincent… I haven’t thought about him in years,” Ana said.
“Still keeping a candle lit for him?”
Jack shook his head. “Nothing like that.”
“You’ve never looked in on him? You must have been curious. All the surveillance power in the world. I bet Gabe would have put a Blackwatch agent on him if you asked,” Ana said.
Jack glared at her.
“Okay, touchy subject.”
Jack laughed. “He got married. They’re very happy. I’m happy for him.”
Ana was unconvinced. In the early days, Jack talked about him often, floating a dream that the war would end quickly, and maybe he’d have a chance to return to a normal life. But a normal life was never the reward for people like us.
“Vincent deserved a happier life than the one I could give him.” Jack sighed.
“We both knew that I could never put anything above my duty. Everything I fought for was to protect people like him... That’s the sacrifice I made.”
“Relationships don’t work out so well for us, do they?” Ana said, unconsciously running her thumb over where her wedding ring used to be.
This is the first time we've had a significant look into Jack Morrison's backstory and its marvellous. It is wonderful to see Blizzard follow through on their commitment to LGBT inclusion in the Overwatch franchise and beyond. The fact Blizzard didn't make a song and dance out of it, makes it so much the sweeter.
Other games companies, listen up -- this is how it should be done.
Update: Overwatch writer Michael Chu confirmed on Twitter that both Soldier 76 and his ex-boyfriend Vincent identify as gay men.
Jack Dixon is a gamer, cinephile, and more than likely he's the guy who's ignoring you on Grindr. Tweet him @Jackaphobia. Support his writing on Patreon!