[CURRENT ISSUE] Sims 4 Gender and Pronoun Issue
Sims has improved for making more options for those whose gender identity isn't what was assigned at birth. This is very modern and progressive, despite the game's fashion itself being dated and limiting. However, there is still an issue at hand. With all these new options, players who enjoy building a story with their Sims will eventually perceive their Sim(s) gender identity differently over time. This change, like in real life, at least in America, actually dismantles the welcoming and accepting front that is put on.
Firstly, gender expression. Gender expression is, as the name implies, is a way someone communicates, verbally or not, the gender they identify as. It may, however, be contrary to what you identify as. Despite that, gender expression in the Sims is very tied to what you identify as, even now. For example, if a player were to change their mind about the gender identity of the Sim (i.e. a "male" Sim is now a female or vice versa), this could change the clothing that the Sim was wearing to a style that is "even more so" feminine or masculine. This is contrary to the message this game is putting out, that being "Gender doesn't have to do with clothes; it's just a game. No one has genitals, so what even is the point of enforcing this?" There should be an option in the game that doesn't randomize their clothes. That way, no one has to start over on finding their outfits again and keeping on theme with the game's message.
Changing your Sim's gender should not discount the fact that gender is fluid and anyone can wear whatever they want, no matter if they are a man, woman, or anyone in between. Speaking on behalf of anyone who isn't a man or woman, we aren't in the game.
Finally, pronouns. Not everyone is of the two genders listed above. It's a spectrum, it is complex. There is no reason why an entire demographic of people should be excluded from the game. An option to change your Sim's pronouns is needed. And not just the standard they/them, but we should be able to type out what our pronouns should be, for those with neopronouns - pronouns that are not traditional - can be included as well. Furthermore, there are people who go by multiple pronouns, most commonly two sets, they shouldn't have to choose which one they prefer. Now, how would this work during gameplay? Well, those who use two sets of pronouns sometimes prefer to hear it used simultaneously in a sentence ("He went to the store to buy food, but they forgot their wallet and went home.") Notifications and descriptions about the Sim can be typed that way too. If a player decides down the road that they don't want their Sim going by multiple pronouns, this can be undone, along with the inverse.
To close my statement, there are still many issues with the Sims 4 regards to gender and pronouns, but this game has taken big strides. I don't see how anyone can be upset with a few more.
Also, I'm aromantic, which means I don't have romantic attraction at all. I wouldn't want to see Sims that I would've planned on feeling the same way as me to feel Flirty at all. Could you, like, make it possible to not have that emotion at all in this game? I'm thinking an aromantic trait, but some players could be offended by that. Idk man I just don't want my Sim to feel like that, you know?
