Players come in all packages. Whether it’s the country they’re from, what they look like, who or what they worship, or who they love, and we’re committed to ensuring that the global gaming community we’re all a part of is a place where every player feels they belong.
In 2018 we celebrated IDAHOTB, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia externally for the first time. After years of working on how we support all Rioters, we felt it was time to invite everyone in the global gaming community to stand with those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Last year over 3.5 million players worldwide made their support of IDAHOTB known with the purchase and equipment of the Rainbow Fluft icon. After loading onto Summoner’s Rift they were greeted with an explosion of delightful rainbow poros. Players will once again be able to purchase the Rainbow Fluft icon in the store for 1 Blue Essence until May 30th, but this year we’ve decided to up our game.
This time around anyone sporting the Rainbow Fluft icon will have a unique homeguard trail animation that leaves behind a sparkling rainbow as their champion leaves base as well as a unique background to deck out their in-client profile. We hope players everywhere feel empowered to be themselves and know that Rioters and millions of other players around the world accept you for who you are.
We’re also building upon our longstanding support of both The Trevor Project and the It Gets Better Project. Mirroring our efforts last IDAHOTB, we’re splitting a $100,000 donation to the two charities. This year’s donations are going to TrevorSpace, a worldwide online community for LGBTQIA+ youth, and the It Gets Better Project’s Global Summits, which enable international IGBP affiliates to work with their local LGBTQIA+ organizations.
"The It Gets Better Project is proud to partner with Riot Games for a second year in honor of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. Rioters have proven themselves over and over again that their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion is unwavering. Their efforts are essential to building a positive, supportive, and respectful gaming community for all people,” shared Brian Wenke, Executive Director of the It Gets Better Project.
"Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are twice as likely to be electronically bullied than their peers, so we know how much of a positive impact it will have on LGBTQ+ youth nationwide to see themselves represented in a massively popular game like League of Legends," said Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project. "LGBTQ+ young people deserve safe, inclusive environments no matter where they are, and we're grateful to Riot Games for taking steps to ensure LGBTQ+ youth know they are seen, loved, and not alone."
We’re so excited to continue working alongside these two organizations that do amazing work with LGBTQIA+ youth. And we stand with players all over the world against hatred and bigotry within the global gaming community.
