The Code of Us: Who’s your avatar, LGBTQIA+ edition

Key Concepts:

• Avatar: A digital representation of oneself used for self-expression.
• Alter Ego: A different version of oneself, often used in the digital space.
• Self-Expression: The act of conveying one's personality, feelings, or identity.
• Intersectionality: The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.

Avatar as Self-Expression and Alter Ego

The speaker emphasizes that an avatar is a tool for self-expression, acting as an alter ego in the digital realm. The digital space offers unlimited resources and creativity to portray who one wants to be or who one truly is, even if their outward appearance doesn't always reflect their inner self.

Valerie: A Case Study in Avatar Design

The speaker's avatar, named Valerie, is presented as a detailed representation of her personality. Specific features like skin tone, hair length, and accessories are carefully chosen to reflect her essence and interests.

• Hair: Rainbow hair is used to showcase rainbow pride.
• Clothing: A pink cheongsam (qipao), a traditional Chinese costume, paired with a blazer, symbolizes the intersectionality between Western and Eastern cultures, reflecting the speaker's identity.

Emotional Connection and Identity

Seeing the avatar makes the speaker feel happy and proud because Valerie embodies confidence and cheerfulness, qualities the speaker identifies with. Avatars provide the freedom to express aspects of oneself that may not be immediately apparent in everyday life.

Avatars in Different Contexts

The speaker highlights the beauty of using different avatars to express oneself in various situations, acknowledging that people have different identities and exist in different places. This adaptability allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive representation of the self.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think an avatar is something that we use to express ourself. I use it as my alter ego."
• "In the digital space, you have unlimited resources and unlimited creativity to kind of tell the story of who you want to be or who you are."
• "Avatars give you that freedom to to kind of be whoever you want or showcase whatever you want."
• "We are in different places and we have different identities. So just a different avatar that expresses you in different situations, that is something that's very beautiful for me."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The speaker views avatars as powerful tools for self-expression and identity exploration in the digital world. By carefully crafting an avatar, individuals can showcase their personality, values, and cultural background, creating a representation that resonates with their inner self and allows them to express different facets of their identity in various contexts. The example of "Valerie" demonstrates how specific design choices can convey complex aspects of one's identity and create a sense of pride and connection.