The gaymer community is buzzing right now as news articles are popping up about Mortal Kombat X's first gay character in the series! Kung Jin, one of the new Shaolin monks, reveals he is gay during a cutscene with with Raiden (conversation starts at 12:35):
I've watched this scene a couple of times now, and one of the things that has impressed me is how the dialogue is very subtle. Someone who isn't paying attention to the context would miss it completely:
Kung Jin: "You wanted me to attack you. Why?"
Raiden: "To release your anger. Make you amenable to reason."
Kung Jin: "And make me feel like $h!t."
Raiden: "Self-loathing has always been an unfortunate part of your makeup. There lies ahead a brighter path. One that will truly honor your ancestors. One that is worthy of you. Go to the Wu Shi Academy. Join the Shaolin. Like Kung Lao before you."
Kung Jin: "I can't... They won't... accept --"
Raiden: "They care only about what is in your heart. Not whom your heart desires."
It isn't explicitly stated, but Kung Jin's sexuality was confirmed in a tweet by Mortal Kombat X's cinematic director Dominic Cianciolo. While there is a minority upset that Kung Jin's sexuality is not explicitly stated, I'm actually happy they introduced it this way. The focal point of Kung Jin's character is not his sexuality, but it's rather a part of who he is. He is also a reformed thief, an archer, a monk, and a member of the Special Forces Unit. His sexual preference is a part of his character, but it’s not the only thing that defines him. I feel that gaymers will relate to him in that way since many of us spend a portion of our lives either in the closet or implicitly referencing our heart's desires.
YAY for diversity in games!!!