Birdo: A Transgender Character in the Mario Franchise
Overview
Birdo is a character in Nintendo’s Mario franchise, first appearing as an enemy in Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988). Over the years, she has become a recurring character in various Mario spin-off games, such as Mario Kart, Mario Party, and Mario Tennis. Birdo is notable for being one of the earliest transgender characters in video game history, with her gender identity being acknowledged in official materials.
Birdo’s Transgender Identity
Birdo’s status as a transgender character was first established in the original Super Mario Bros. 2 instruction manual, which stated:
“He thinks he is a girl and he spits eggs from his mouth. He’d rather be called ‘Birdetta.’”
This description, while written in a dated and somewhat insensitive manner, is widely interpreted as Nintendo’s acknowledgment that Birdo is a transgender character. Over time, her identity has been further reinforced in various game manuals and localizations:
- In Captain Rainbow (2008), a Japan-exclusive game, Birdo is depicted as being arrested for using the women’s restroom, reinforcing her transgender identity.
- Later games have referred to Birdo as female, dropping earlier ambiguous descriptions and solidifying her identity as a trans woman.
- In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2023), Birdo’s return as a playable character was met with renewed discussions about her representation and importance as a trans icon in gaming.
Significance of Birdo’s Representation
Birdo’s presence in the Mario series is significant for LGBTQ+ representation in video games:
- One of the First Trans Characters in Gaming – Given that Birdo debuted in 1988, she stands as one of the earliest examples of a transgender character in video games, predating many forms of mainstream trans representation in media.
- Visibility in a Family-Friendly Franchise – As a recurring character in Nintendo’s games, Birdo exists in a franchise that is widely accessible to players of all ages, normalizing gender diversity in a mainstream, non-stereotypical way.
- LGBTQ+ Gaming Icon – While Nintendo has not frequently emphasized her transgender status in recent years, Birdo remains a cultural touchstone for queer gamers who see her as an early example of gender diversity in gaming.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- A Symbol for Transgender Representation in Gaming – Many LGBTQ+ players view Birdo as an unintentional yet important trans character in video game history.
- Inspired Discussions About Gender in Gaming – Over the years, Birdo’s identity has led to broader discussions about how gender and LGBTQ+ identities are represented in video games.
- Continued Presence in the Mario Universe – Despite her early controversial descriptions, Birdo has remained a beloved character in Mario spin-offs, proving that diversity in gaming characters can endure and thrive.
Conclusion
Birdo’s history as a transgender character in the Mario franchise makes her a unique and historically significant figure in gaming. As one of the earliest trans characters in video games, her presence has sparked conversations about representation and gender identity in media. Though Nintendo does not heavily emphasize her trans identity today, Birdo remains a queer gaming icon and an important part of LGBTQ+ video game history.
