I never thought a weekend movie binge would reignite an old passion, but here I am. After rewatching the Warcraft movie, I found myself itching to return to World of Warcraft (WoW), a game that once held a huge place in my life. Like many others, I had drifted away from Azeroth, stepping out of the game for over five years. But as a transgender woman, returning to this world after a long hiatus has been a pleasantly surprising experience. Not only has the game evolved dramatically, but it now includes actual transgender representation—a milestone that I, and many others, never expected in an MMO as long-standing as WoW.
A Fresh Start in a Familiar World
Logging back in, I decided to start over from scratch rather than picking up my old characters. So much had changed that I wanted to experience it all fresh—like a new adventure. I’d only read about the expansions I missed (Battle for Azeroth, Shadowlands, Dragonflight, and the newly released The War Within), and stepping into the game now, I felt both excitement and trepidation. Would the magic still be there? Would I still enjoy it the way I once did?
The answer, I hope, will be a resounding yes.
From the first moments of character creation, I noticed one of the biggest and most affirming changes for transgender players—expanded customization options. The ability to mix and match features, avoid gender-locked choices, and freely express yourself through your character felt incredibly freeing. When I first played WoW years ago, I often felt constrained by the rigid character models. Now, I was able to craft a character that truly felt like me—a small but powerful step in feeling seen in a game I loved.
The Transgender Representation I Never Expected
One of the most unexpected joys of returning to WoW was discovering that Blizzard had included transgender representation in the game. The Dragonflight expansion introduced Pelagos, a character who is openly transgender and, in a moment of true in-game significance, ascends to become the Arbiter of the Shadowlands.
Pelagos’ story isn’t just a one-off mention or a passing reference—his transition is part of his character arc. In a game where deep lore and world-building matter, this level of representation is a significant step forward. For years, LGBTQ+ representation in major games often felt like an afterthought, but seeing a trans character given a meaningful role in World of Warcraft was validating. It’s a reminder that we, as transgender players, belong in the worlds we love.
Another pleasant surprise was learning that Chromie, the beloved bronze dragon who takes the form of a gnome, is also transgender. Blizzard confirmed in recent years that Chromie was assigned male at birth but identifies as female. This representation, while subtle, is another step in making WoW’s world feel more inclusive. For long-time players, seeing an iconic character like Chromie officially recognized as transgender reinforces the idea that trans people belong in every facet of storytelling—even in high fantasy settings.
The Expansions I Missed: A Quick Catch-Up
Coming back after five years, I was immediately hit with the realization of how much I had missed. While I haven’t yet explored these expansions firsthand, I’ve been eager to read up on them, and I’m excited to see what they have in store:
Battle for Azeroth (2018)
This expansion was all about faction war, rekindling the conflict between the Horde and Alliance. It introduced two major new continents—Kul Tiras and Zandalar—as well as allied races, which expanded character creation options significantly. The storyline had some great moments, but it was a bit divisive among the player base due to its heavy focus on war and faction loyalty.
Shadowlands (2020)
Shadowlands introduced an entirely new concept—the afterlife of Azeroth. This expansion was where Pelagos was introduced, making it particularly important for trans representation. Players explored four major zones tied to different covenants, each with its own themes and characters. The expansion was a major departure from traditional WoW settings, diving deep into cosmic and philosophical themes. I look forward to experiencing it firsthand.
Dragonflight (2022)
This expansion was a breath of fresh air, shifting away from the doom-and-gloom of previous stories to focus on dragons, exploration, and player freedom. It introduced the Dracthyr, a new race/class combination, and revamped the game’s talent system, bringing back more choice and customization. The representation in this expansion, particularly through Pelagos, was one of its standout moments, and I can’t wait to dive in.
The War Within (2024)
WoW’s newest expansion, The War Within, focuses on underground realms and the return of some fan-favorite characters. While I haven’t explored everything yet, it’s clear that Blizzard has been fine-tuning gameplay and storytelling to be more immersive and rewarding. It’s exciting to think about what awaits me as I progress through these expansions.
Why Representation in Gaming Matters
As a transgender gamer, I know firsthand how powerful it is to see yourself represented in media. It’s easy to dismiss video games as just entertainment, but for many of us, they’re a form of escape—a place where we can be ourselves, free from judgment.
In the past, LGBTQ+ representation in gaming was rare, and when it did exist, it often felt tokenized. But now, with characters like Pelagos and Chromie in WoW, we’re seeing genuine efforts to include transgender stories in meaningful ways. This isn’t just about visibility; it’s about creating spaces where transgender gamers feel like they belong.
Gaming communities, especially in MMOs, can sometimes be hostile to marginalized players. However, in my experience since returning, I’ve found that WoW’s player base has become more diverse and welcoming. While toxicity still exists (as it does in most online spaces), it’s heartening to see more inclusive guilds, LGBTQ+ community events, and open discussions about representation in gaming.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve never played World of Warcraft, or if you, like me, stepped away from it years ago, now might be the perfect time to dive back in. The game has evolved in ways that make it more welcoming than ever. With improved character customization, actual transgender representation, and a wealth of new content, WoW has become a space where many different kinds of players can find a home.
For transgender gamers who crave representation and a sense of belonging in their virtual worlds, WoW offers something special. It’s not perfect—no game is—but it’s a step in the right direction. And sometimes, stepping into a fantasy world can remind us that our own journeys, both in gaming and in life, are filled with unexpected discoveries and moments of joy.
So, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone considering their first steps into Azeroth, know that there’s a place for you here. And who knows? Maybe I’ll see you in-game. If you’d like to group up, you can find me on my character Vallyn on the Illidan server, playing on the Alliance side. A new adventure is only a login away.
