'League of Legends' Gamer Biofrost Comes Out as Gay

Popular League of Legends esports player Biofrost came out as gay recently, and had an important message for the entire esports community in the process.

Biofrost, whose real name is Vincent, has been on the esports scene since 2015. Now, at 25, he plays as support for Dignitas, a UK-based team, alongside three other international players.

On Saturday, he posted a lengthy statement to Twitter, immediately coming out as gay before admitting it’s something he’s always struggled with and explaining some of his history.

“While my parents were working in China, I moved around a lot from homestay to homestay, which is basically where you live in a stranger’s home. At the age of 8, I was bombarded with homophobic and sexist remarks at home,” he wrote. “I was hyper-conscious of how I should act and tried not to act or sound ‘gay,’ but I was still constantly bullied for it.”

But while many people growing up in homophobic environments these days are able to move away and find a better community as adults, Biofrost says the esports world has still been permeated with homophobia.

“On almost every team I’ve been on, I’ve heard homophobic comments from either my teammates or the staff and felt uncomfortable, even borderline afraid of possibly losing my job if I told the truth,” he admitted.

Despite everything, the gamer says finally comfortable enough with himself to come out to the world, despite the possible repercussions, and used the opportunity to call upon the gaming industry to do better.

“The gaming industry is rampant with sexism, prejudice, and homophobia. I don’t believe there’s a quick fix, but it starts with us holding ourselves to a higher standard and treating everyone with dignity,” he suggested. “We need to educate people in esports of proper conduct within the workplace.”

Although he expressed reservations about coming out, Biofrost’s post was met with support from fans and peers alike.

“I didn’t expect this amount of support and it makes me feel hopeful for the change that we can make in this community,” Biofrost later said. “I’m incredibly thankful for all of you.”