Caution: The following article may contain spoilers for Persona 3 and Persona 3: Reload. The Persona series has faced criticism for its handling of LGBTQ+ themes, but Persona 3: Reload has made an effort to remove transphobic content from a particular scene. The scene in question involves a group of characters attempting to flirt with women at the beach, where Akihiko, Junpei, and the protagonist approach a character known as the “Beautiful Lady.” In the original version, the interaction takes a transphobic turn when the character’s facial hair is revealed, and another character responds with a line that could be seen as offensive. In Persona 3 Portable, the character is referred to as “Beautiful Lady,” but the fear-inducing dialogue is still present. However, Persona 3: Reload has altered the dialogue to change the context of the scene. Although the outcome remains the same – the party runs away from the woman – the reason for their departure is now different. Instead of being because the woman is trans, it is now due to her claim that the sun is artificial and that regular sunscreen is ineffective. Her name even changes to “Delusional Lady” in the revised dialogue. She attempts to sell the party special “sunscreens” for an exorbitant price, claiming that ordinary sunscreen is useless against the artificial sun that was supposedly launched into space in the 1980s. The imagery remains strange, but the transphobic undertones have been eliminated in this updated version.This isn’t the first instance of Atlus making changes to address homophobia or transphobia in the Persona series. In 2020, Atlus modified certain scenes in Persona 5 that were deemed offensive by Western fans for the release of Persona 5 Royal. For more on Persona 3: Reload, you can read our review, where Michael Higham awarded it a 9/10. “With fantastic updates and numerous subtle changes, Persona 3: Reload presents a timeless tale of tragedy and hope with sincerity,” Higham remarked. When he’s not working, you can find him immersed in fantasy literature or engaging in a game of Dungeons & Dragons.
