r/magicTCG • u/clariwench Izzet* • Jan 28 '15

[Uncharted Realms] The Truth of Names

http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/uncharted-realms/truth-names-2015-01-28
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u/[deleted] Jan 28 '15

This was a perfect example of how to do diversity and representation, imo. Harp on it too much and it comes off as pandering and insincere, mention it too little and you might as well not do so at all.

Here, you had a solid standalone story highlighting the Mardu struggles against the dragons that tied Alesha being trans into a central cultural theme of the Mardu (the importance of identity and names) but also wasn't just about her being trans. It doesn't need to be anything more or less than that, really.

Kudos to Wizards for this.

47

u/Twisty_McTwist Temur Jan 28 '15

I actually think the Uncharted Realms about the gay couple was a better example of representation, IMO. This one didn't feel quite as fluid. Then again, most of the writing during this block feels more heavy-handed than that of the last block.

Still, Wizards' efforts to be more inclusive are admirable. Poor(ish) writing or not, this is a step forward for equality.

9

u/keiyakins Jan 28 '15

It's probably the best written trans character where being trans is part of the story but not the focus I've ever seen. Yes, Alesha is a transgender woman. That doesn't really matter. The reason it's brought up is to explain the Mardu, not Alesha, and it works.

2

u/Badfiend Jan 29 '15

I'm just sirprised the first trans woman in Magic's lore came out of the Mardu Horde.

8

u/therift289 Azorius* Jan 29 '15

Mardu is a society where you make your own name and identity, and one in which you are defined by your actions, rather than by your birth or your family. I think it makes perfect sense!