Kaidan Alenko From Mass Effect Explains Why Same Sex Romances Were So Important

VGS talks to Raphael Sbarge AKA the voice of Kaidan Alenko in the Mass Effect series all about the heights and pitfalls of voice acting and we go in depth into the Mass Effect franchise.

[soniqstylz]

I had him killed every time.

[badvlad]

no its not

[KrisButtar]

I see Bioware as a Canadian company and Canada's view on same sex romances or same sex marriages are cool with it. I also think the subject should come up more often even in gaming, to create awareness and to let people know its ok.

[AedanClarke]

Because something like homosexuality is that clear cut, right? I'd just like to point something out: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are the three largest religions on Earth, which you already know. Each of these religions have the same stance on homosexuality: It's a sin. God, whether He be named Jehovah, Allah, or any of the huge amounts of names for Him, created women to be the man's partner. That's the view of God. So anyone from these religions that abide by God will have the same thoughts on homosexuality as the Word of God is fact (at least to those that believe and are faithful to Him).

Whether you believe in God or whether you're a lukewarm member of these religions in not by concern. The point is, most people on Earth aren't gay and don't approve of homosexuality. That's not to say that they hate homosexuals, only that they themselves don't believe it is alright in the eyes of God. Also, of the American work force, only around 3% (if I remember the stats correctly, which I'm almost completely certain I do) are actually LGBT. While I realize the US isn't the world, it still serves as a good sort of ballpark estimate for the amount of gay people around the world.

Now, I'm not trying to make this some religious argument. I'm simply explaining why homosexuality isn't such a clear cut "Oh, it's good!" as some people would like it to be.

[aliengmr]

Why do you insist on making this about you? What does it matter what percentage of the population is gay?

You don't want to be gay, then don't be! But don't pretend that what 2 people of the same sex do in private has any effect on you.

I'm going to sum up your arguement. The majority of the Earth's population is not gay. Religion says its a sin. So... what?

The Civil Rights Act would not have passed had it been put to the vote. Just because the majority has a voice, doesn't mean we should listen.

There was a time when just being a woman was a sin.

Point is, by what right do any of the major religions claim the moral high ground?

Reality is, this is just the fear of a changing world. Same thing happened with the discovery that the Earth wasn't the center of the universe. Or when slaves were granted their freedom and subsequently granted the same rights as their fellow man. We fear what we don't understand regardless of whether or not it impacts our personal life.

I want my son to grow up in a world that if he was gay he wouldn't have to hide or become so afraid that it kills him. I also don't want him causing the same fear in others. What two men or two women do in private has no effect on me at all. Besides, humanity has committed far worse sins than simply letting two people who love each other get married.

[Sketchy_Galore]

Those three religions share the same view because at the time that view was written those three were all the same religion. All of those religions are based on the Old Testament. It's not too surprising that they all agree on the contents of the Old Testament.

There are many many gods that predate the God of Abraham and have many different views on homosexuality, among other things. It seems strange these days but those old gods were not always considered mere mythology, there were people who absolutely believed in them and they each were the most popular gods in their environment in their own times. The argument from popularity (even if we ignore the fact that you could use the same reasoning to 'prove' Justin Bieber is the greatest musician ever to grace the Earth) falls apart when we consider that many gods have drifted in and out of popularity throughout human history. If the evidence suggests anything it's that the God of Abraham's popularity is seriously waning and, barring some successful holy war, is on its way out.

[AedanClarke]

@aliengmr
*yawn*

When did I make it about me? I just thrw out some facts for you. Just because you can't face that they don't agree with your beliefs doesn't make them any less factual.

[KrisButtar]

@AedanClarke

I'm not sure where you live or how you came to that view. I'm pretty sure a lot of Canadians belong to those religions since you claimed they are the largest, yet its legal here to have same sex marriages, there is also something called "Gay Pride" which is a parade just as big as the Santa Claus parade and aired on TV and the list goes on. So in Canada it does seem to be "clear cut."

Edit:
"Religion has convinced people that there's and invisible man living in the sky, who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a list of ten specific things he doesn't want you to do. And if you do any of these things, he will send you to a special place, of burning and fire and smoke and torture and anguish for you to live forever, and suffer and burn and scream until the end of time. But He loves you. He loves you, and He needs money." - George Carlin.

George Carlin also said that if we feel the need to worship something, worship the sun. We would not exist if it weren't for the sun. AND you can see the sun and feel it.

George Carlin makes a lot more sense than a book rewritten Constantine

[rainslacker]

There are a lot of things in this world that I don't like, or take a dim view of. There are people I don't like, and opinions or views of things that I don't like or sometimes find morally ambiguous.

With all those things, the only ones that I feel anyone that shares a similar opinion has the right to speak out on are the ones that negatively affect them or others.

We live in a society of differences. These differences make up our culture. You don't have to like these differences, but because we are all part of society, we should at least tolerate it, or possibly open up our minds to the fact that maybe we can sometimes be wrong. You know how I came to realize this? Teachings within the bible, or other inspirational texts, which believe loving ones fellow man is important...who'd a thunk.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Everywhere I go now people are trying to convince me to change my views on homosexuality. Games, tv, comic books. It's not going to happen. I'll change my views when God changes his. I don't discriminate, or bully. I even have a few gay friends. But I stand by the bible.

Edit Sarlucic:

I'm one of few Christians nowadays that actually read the bible. That's how I know. I'm not having this argument here though so we can drop it now.

[sarlucic]

How do you know what god thinks about homosexuality?

[rextraordinaire]

If god was not cool with homosexuality, he would have found a way to punish us looooong ago. As it is now, we're not suffering from plague, or having our house infested by the locust or whatever.

I honestly think your god does not give a shit about who wants to have sex with who.

And more importantly, your god has no rights and no power over those that never sworn by his church. Just remember that.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

"If god was not cool with homosexuality, he would have found a way to punish us looooong ago."

Or found a way to forgive us loooooong ago. As he did when Jesus died on the cross. But forgiveness doesn't mean the sin is now not a sin. It just means that he forgives you for doing it. He still expects you turn from sin.

"As it is now, we're not suffering from plague, or having our house infested by the locust or whatever."

.....What are you talking about? The price for sin is death not plagues.... The plagues were just Gods way of getting the Pharoah's attention.

"I honestly think your god does not give a shit about who wants to have sex with who."

That's because you haven't read the bible enough to know what God says about sex. Do you want me to point out some bible verses about sex for you?

http://christianity.about.c...

"And more importantly, your god has no rights and no power over those that never sworn by his church. Just remember that."

LMBO. Listen buddy. Not only does God have the right, he has the ability lol. You're his creation whether you believe it or not. The bible says God causes the sun to rise on both the just and the unjust. Meaning he cares for those who follow him and those that don't. It also says he chastises whom he loves. Not believing in God doesn't exempt you from his authority anymore than not believing in government would exempt you from taxes lol.

[rainslacker]

Basically, unconditional love of God comes with conditions.

Little off topic Exgamer, but I personally don't like the thought of someone else dying for my sins. I take accountability for all my actions, and prefer to apologize to those that I feel I may have hurt by them if need be. If God is truly our creator, and by extension our father, then it's really dysfunctional to think that he would damn some of us to eternal damnation just because I don't follow his every rule. I have no problem with appreciation, but worship should be earned by more than divine right.

@Aeden above
I find inspiration in the work of the bible, but you can't just dismiss "atheist" so readily just because you feel that they will never get it. In fact I'm pretty sure it's one of the doctrines of the church to spread the word of God to the unbeliever...but I guess you can't be fussed with that.

I wouldn't even say that all atheists are unbelievers. Just that some of us believe that a being such as God is probably a lot more than we can comprehend given our limited knowledge. The bible may be the word of God, but it was written by man.

[tetsuhana]

The bible wasn't written by God (who you absurdly personalize as a "him") it was written, edited and mistranslated by a bunch of different PEOPLE over the course of centuries. And if you're talking about leviticus I suggest you actually read what else it says.

No shellfish

No clothes made of two different fabrics

No cutting the sides of your hair or beard

You know, all those things Hasidic JEWS do. According to Paul, the old testament doesn't even apply anymore to christians.

Your religion sucks.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

"The bible wasn't written by God (who you absurdly personalize as a "him") it was written, edited and mistranslated by a bunch of different PEOPLE over the course of centuries."

False. The bible was written by men who were divinely inspired by God to do so. I call him "Him" because he calls himself "Him". And he says in his word that he would preserve it throughout all generations. One only needs to look at the bibles influence and survival in todays world to know that to be the truth.

"And if you're talking about leviticus I suggest you actually read what else it says.

No shellfish

No clothes made of two different fabrics

No cutting the sides of your hair or beard"

Even if those customs applied to people today I think I'd still be okay. I don't eat shellfish. All my clothes are 100% cotton and the sides of my hair and beard are perfectly intact. I can't explain to you in a comment about why those customs were the way they were back in those days but a quick google search would do you some good.

"You know, all those things Hasidic JEWS do. According to Paul, the old testament doesn't even apply anymore to christians."

False. I think you mean the old testaments laws but you're still false either way. How can history not apply anymore lol? The reason for the law was simply to show us we'd be SOL on our own trying to live up to it. But the law is still holy and good. It's true that we are no longer under the law because of Jesus but all that really means is that when we sin we don't have to pay the price (which is death) because Jesus paid it for us. So we are under grace. But Paul is very clear that the law still has purpose.

"Your religion sucks"

SMH I would like to make note that I was not the one that started the insults. Just so everyone knows. I know everyone likes to make Christians out to be bigots and close minded but please take note here who threw the first stone.

[coolbeans]

"According to Paul, the old testament doesn't even apply anymore to christians."

That's not exactly true. When weighing in what laws "carry on," examination of Leviticus' tenets can be separated into 3 categories:

Ceremonial
Judicial/Civil
Moral

Since New Testament passages bring up 10 Commandments and Jesus provides further understanding to some of them, it can be understood that the Moral references in the New Testament remain the same...well, forever in God's eyes. Not so for ceremonial and judicial/civil.

Anyways, just thought I'd share that tidbit. There's more thorough examinations on this by googling what I stated above.

[Anon1974]

Wow, this ExgamerLegends guy is a piece of work. Sends you his bigoted message via PM, complaining about how everyone is against Christians, then blocks you from answering. I'm not even against Christians. Love em! Many of my friends are Christian. I'm just against bigots using their particular, made up storybook to defend their own bigotry. Everyone else should be too. Remember, the bible didn't even say "homosexual" until the 1940's. The passages in Leviticus were references to a type of ritual, temple prostitution that was practiced at the time, not loving, committed same sex relationships between adults. Context is important. If you actually studied the bible, you'd know that.

Your view of the bible doesn't automatically trump everyone else's religions or views. Millions of Christians don't believe your interpretation of the bible. Are you really so arrogant that you believe that your particular view of the bible is the only way it can be interpreted? People have used the bible over the centuries to justify everything from mass murders to slavery. You honestly believe that YOU know exactly what God intended when he guided men to write down his word thousands of years ago? Do you even know the history of your own Bible?

The only way you’ll get through life accepting and with an open mind. You want to focus on ancient biblical passages, you really want to study the bible? How about you start with Leviticus 19:18 and 19:34 and then work your way through Luke 10:25-28.

To me, you seem to be demonstrating a clear lack of understanding of the very religion you claim to be adhering to. But I haven’t studied the bible. I read it a couple of times, and that was decades ago. I suggest, rather than attacking others on the internet, you take some time to discuss the matter with your reverend, minister, priest of whatever it is your particular religion has, and receive some guidance. If you’d like, come back to me afterwards. I’d love to hear what he had to say on the matter.

By the way, in regards to the "Your religion sucks" comment, I don't agree that Christianity sucks. I have good friends who are church going Christians that have no issue with same sex unions. I think ExgamerLegends flawed and twisted interpretation of the Bible to fit his own personal views sucks. But it's certainly not the first time the Bible's verses have been contorted to suit a particular viewpoint and it won't be the last.

[aliengmr]

Yet you don't think your "friends" should have the same rights as you. You think them beneath you because of a book.

Thing is, its not about you. No one is saying you need to be gay. We're saying let those who are be treated fairly and equally.

You can't make the claim that you don't discriminate while supporting the denial of equal rights.

On the upside, its a small comfort to know that fewer Christians are clinging to a book written centuries ago.

[Sketchy_Galore]

I'm honestly not trying to attack you but isn't it kinda self-centered to see the presence of gays in videogames, movies etc as an attempt to change your views on the subject? Shouldn't you instead just see it as equal representation for people who are not like you or don't believe the things you believe?

There are plenty of people in your country who believe God wants women covered from head to toe, showing nothing but their eyes to anybody but their husband. I'm sure you'd agree with me that the presence of women who aren't completely covered in games and movies is not an attack on these people's beliefs or even an attempt to change their views on the subject. No, it's just an acknowledgement that there are people out there in the world who do not share that belief.

You read the Bible and decided that it must have been inspired by the supernatural creator of the Universe. You believe that this supernatural creature inspired men to write about how homosexuality is immoral. You're well within your rights to believe this but surely you understand that there are people out there who do not share this belief. Are these people not entitled to be represented in media and to express their own opinion? Why does it have to be taken as an attack on you and your beliefs or at the very least as some kind of ploy to convert you and change your opinion?

You as a heterosexual can buy any game you like and experience some kind of heterosexual love story, with a handful offering a different option should you choose it. A homosexual can buy a handful of games that give the option of experiencing a homosexual or heterosexual love story or a huuuuuge amount that force a heterosexual love story. Surely you see how crazy it is to feel somehow attacked by an agenda because of this.

[Anon1974]

"Everywhere I go now people are trying to convince me to change my views"

That's rather self centered, don't you think? So when someone dares to offer an opinion that runs contrary to your own, they're attempting to change your viewpoint? Maybe they're just offering their views, like you are above?

If you want to take some biblical passage regarding temple prostitution out of context and use it shape your views, that's your prerogative, although I'd take a moment and consider the fact that the word "homosexual" didn't even exist until the 19th century. Kinda makes you wonder, what did people think the bible meant before we came up with a term for homosexual, doesn't it? Also interesting is the that language we know was used in those times for homosexual acts isn't condemned in the bible. In fact, the bible makes zero reference to homosexuality as sexual orientation.

You're certainly allowed to interpret the bible how you like though. The church has been altering biblical meanings for centuries, so you're certainly allowed to take what you want from the text. Don't think for a second though think that that gives you the right to impose your viewpoints on the way others choose to live their lives.

Although, I would imagine as one of the few "Christians who actually read the bible" it must be tough walking around and seeing all those women without head coverings. Or seeing people eat pork despite biblical teachings...that must rile you up as well. Or people who eat lobster, crabs, clams, etc...because that would be "detestable to you" as the bible claims. Or all the other things the bible prohibits like round haircuts, football, fortune telling, tattoos, clothing made out of fabric blends, wearing gold...etc. But as a good Christian, I'm sure you follow what Jesus had to say about homosexuals. Oh wait. That's right. Jesus said nothing on the subject.

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.

[Dan_scruggs]

Hope you don't eat shellfish either. I hear that's an abomination too.

[PooEgg]

@exgamer

While you personally might not discriminate against or bully gay people, the reality is that many people do.

Ask yourself this, would you still be a Christian if the 'popular' view on Christianity was that you are all a bunch of sinners, and you should be forced to either switch religions, lie about being a Christian, or be bullied and in some cases beaten for your beliefs? Because that is what it is like to be Gay in society today, and just as you would not want to have to hide the fact that you are a Christian, Gays are no longer happy hiding the fact that they are gay. And that is why they are becoming more vocal.

I have a few good friends who are very devoted Christians, and for many years they have tried to help me to understand the reasons why they are Christian, and why I should consider that path. When they do this I listen to their views, because even if they are different from what I believe I respect that they need to share their love of Christianity with me. You say you have a few gay friends, but you are here complaining about people who are trying to change your views on homosexuality, if you were a better friend, and the good Christian you say that you are, I suspect you would simply listen to their side of the story, and be understanding to their plight.

A bigot is still a bigot, even if he hides his bigotry behind a cross. So be a good Christian, but don't be a bigot.

[Protosism]

I feel the same way man. I'm always respectful of homosexuality, even if I don't approve of it but the moment my opinion comes up on the topic I get attacked for being a,"Bigot". Just let me believe what I want.

[fsfsxii]

Bioware are horny lol

[bad naruto]

dogs

[rextraordinaire]

I think it's good that homosexuality is not so hidden in video games anymore.

I like having the choice, but I don't mind when the main character is heterosexual by story cannons.

I can name a few games that had straight main characters but still displayed homosexuals without making an event out of it. Persona series, Shadow hearts (Yeah, shadow hearts went for a comical approach, but I didn't find it offensive, it kind of went well with the grand guignole mood of the games).

And some games that included the choice without making much out of it, like Skyrim or the Sims.

Honorable mention to Valkyria Chronicles; with such a huge army at your command, it was nice to have some homosexuals in it.

[jc48573]

the problem is that male Shepard wasn't gay in the other games. Suddenly having that choice seems a little forced. Even my gay buddy felt that way about the inconsistency: "why make him gay now?" He never asked Bioware to make him gay, he just wonders if they were planning on giving the choice to make Shepard gay, then why didn't they do that from the very beginning and not just on the last part of the trilogy.

[Sketchy_Galore]

You saw him dance in the first two games, right?

[rextraordinaire]

They didn't "Make him gay". He could still date females.

If you really wonder about what final sexual orientation Shepard has, I would rather say it's bisexual to some extent.

As for the last part of trilogy, maybe it's just that there was no man before ME3 that really caught his attention. (I would have gone with Joker, but that's just me...)

[PooEgg]

It wasn't that male Shepard wasn't gay in the other games, it was simply that he didn't have a choice. And yes not having a choice was exactly the problem with the earlier games.

@rlacorne

I accidentally hit Disagree, when I meant to agree with you.

[aLucidMind]

BioWare actually stated that it was originally planned for Ashley and Kaidan to be romanced by both male and female but time constraints caused them to be unable to make gender specific dialogue and so they just cut it out. It isn't inconsistency, it is still understandable as to why Male-Shep didn't go after Kaidan or any other guy or why Kaidan didn't seem into Male-Shep.

Shepard and Kaidan may not have found each other attractive and only as friends. Their preference may be more focused on women, as in they're more assertive with women but more coy with men. In ME3, the whole "my friend's been there for me all this time *falls in love*" kind of thing would have happened. Nothing about this addition is unreasonable or a retcon.

[isarai]

It's as simple as this. The gay community plays video games to, and when you have a game where you can connect with other characters on a more intimate level. only being able to choose between straight relationships robs them of a big part of the experience that everyone else gets to have.

[True_Samurai]

Sorry on ME1 I chose hoes before bros lol