Gaming

This pastel Pokémon is a new LGBT icon, said gay Twitter

Pokémon, Galarian Ponyta

The newly revealed “gay icon” Pokémon, Galarian Ponyta. (Pokémon/ Twitter)

A new Pokémon has been revealed, and gay Twitter is losing its mind.

Pokémon Sword and Shield, the two new Nintendo Switch games from the franchise set for release on November 15, will feature the new Galar region for gamers to explore.

But last week Nintendo revealed that one of the Pokémon that can be found there is the Galarian Ponyta, a pastel coloured, unicorn-like version of the original Pokémon, although it is exclusive to the Shield version of the game.

According to its bio on the Sword and Shield official website, Galarian Ponyta is a psychic-type “unique horn Pokémon” and it’s abilities are “run away” and “pastel veil.”

The sparkly creatures “have been found in a certain forest of the Galar region since ancient times.

“It is said that they were exposed to the overflowing life energy of the forest over many generations, and this is why their appearance became unique in this region.”

Galarian Ponyta “can absorb the life energy of the surrounding atmosphere and store it in its mane.

“It seems that Ponyta’s mane will become more colourful, and even emit a sparkling glow, if there is a lot of energy around.”

Queer gamers took to social media to worship Galarian Ponyta as a digital gay icon.

One wrote: “Galarian Ponyta said gay rights, my little Ponyta is real I love her so much look at the pastels.”

Another said: “Galarian Ponyta is a gay icon if you disagree you’re homophobic.”

Others noticed the similarity between the colours of the Pokémon’s mane and body and the trans Pride flag.

“Galarian Ponyta said trans rights they told me themselves,” said one Twitter user.

However, the “unique horn Pokémon” is causing some friction in the queer gaming community, as it was revealed to be a psychic type when many on social media believe that as an LGBT+ icon is should have been fairy type.

One person said: “GALARIAN PONYTA ISNT A FAIRY TYPE?? IN WHAT KIND OF WORLD.”

The announcement is also causing a dilemma for others who originally wanted to choose the Sword version of the game, but are now changing their mind.

One wrote: “Galarian ponyta only being in shield is making me switch from my initial choice. I’m truly a gay to my heart.”

Another said: “Since Galarian Ponyta is exclusively screaming trans rights in Pokémon shield, that’s the one I’m getting lads.”

In 2018, a pixel artist gave some classic Pokémon a rainbow makeover for Pride month.

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