Why Do Gay People Love Kingdom Hearts So Much?

[@normal6483]

6:50 I'm sure you get tons of comments about this, but in the original Japenese they actually use masculine pronouns here! The pronoun is "aitsu" and it roughly translates to "that guy" or "dude." It's the pronoun that Sora uses for Riku, and it was changed in this scene during localization. Food for thought.

[@King_Gum]

I took the whole "there is light and darkness in every heart" thing...to heart. It was probably what really made me realise how everybody had potential for good and evil, and how morally complex the world was. Not saying I didn't know this before, but it really made it click for me, and I consider it a foundation of my current understanding of morality.

[@tiff0795]

Kingdom Hearts helped me get out of a deep depression. I took the darkness to mean that of mental illness and depression and by relying on not only your own strength but the love of your friends you can help with that. I've been showing it to my bonus daughter who has PTSD and ADHD so social skills are not her strong suit but she's finding comfort in a relatable character that despite his flaws, is capable of doing amazing things and still has so many people that love him, even when they are not around him.

[@bluewer]

word! being able to relate to a character on a deeper level (roxas and sora in my case) just feels so comforting. also, big hugs to your daughter. i know her struggles all too well :,)

[@tiff0795]

@@bluewer We try our hardest to empathize but also not let her struggles define her 😅 so far so good as all of our friends are neurodivergent (we probably are too just never diagnosed) so we just fill her life with positive role models that make the thing that was meant to "put them in a box" become their greatest strength. Kingdom Hearts I thought she'd attach to the Disney elements of it, but no, she actually loves the story behind it and she's only 6.

[@smb-c3po]

It helped me through my parents' divorce 20 years ago.

[@RafzCampz]

It’s not really rare for every LGBT member to have depression or a disorder, so I’m not surprised. I’m guessing you also lost your father. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@tiff0795]

@@RafzCampz kind of? He's a jerk with anger issues so I dissociated from him and Mom died in 2007

[@csfwatson]

I can't speak on the LGBTQ+ angle as I don't identify as any of those camps, but Sora does connect with me a lot as somebody who is mildly autistic. Like Sora, I'm some chucklehead who might not always know what's going on from time to time but always try to put my best foot forward. Also, I feel like the statement "Sora is a silly little goober who could level the earth if he wanted to" doesn't get mentioned enough, he's arguably one of the strongest characters in fiction.

[@KrimsonKattYT]

Asura from Asura's Wrath says hello. He makes Sora's feats seem like child's play. In LITERALLY THE FIRST BOSS with a single punch he destroyed a god 10 times the size of the earth with a finger the size of a continent, FROM SHEER RAGE ALONE. And it's not even malicious rage, it's righteous anger used to protect the people he cares about, his daughter Mithra, from the forces of the false gods. In the final boss HE LITERALLY KILLS THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE WITH A SINGLE PUNCH even though doing so would destroy himself. The bosses in that game ARE COMPLETELY INSANE and BEYOND HYPE, they make Sora's feats look like a joke even if Sora is incredibly powerful compared to most JRPG protagonists. But Asura is on a whole other level.

[@wwalton]

​@@KrimsonKattYTtbf Sora as a 14 year old fought Xeanorts heartless in a pocket dimension?

[@KrimsonKattYT]

@@wwalton I'm not doubting Sora is powerful. But the strongest protagonist in gaming? Big doubt right there. Sora didn't even actually defeat Ansem. Ansem destroyed himself from the light in the Heart of All Worlds.

[@wwalton]

@@KrimsonKattYT woah woah I never said he beat him but he was already close enough and I know he's not the strongest but neither is Asura despite him being stronger

[@csfwatson]

@@KrimsonKattYT .....bro I didn't even say "strongest protagonist", I literally said "ONE OF the strongest" and then you go on this tangent about "oh but my favorite character this and that" completely sidestepping the entire point of my comment. Also, it's just like Stan Lee once said: the character that the writer wants to win will win. Power scaling is just something fans do for fun that's gotten taken WAY out of hand over the years (cough cough Superman vs Goku cough).

[@notheresir]

Riku's story about accepting who he is and understanding that "this bad thing" inside him could actually benefit him if he just tries to be himself and protect those that matter had always stuck with me as a child, and that's when I realized... oh Im queer. Riku is my favorite character, and his story will always inspire me to become better despite what others say about me, I also walk the path to dawn.

[@smb-c3po]

It's about him accepting the darkness in his heart and accepting his homosexuality.

[@bandarsalh1338]

Tf?

[@braced27]

Smh if this is based on real life chronologys than I must be xemnus so full of disgust and hate for you.

[@ulquiorracifer9205]

@@smb-c3pono stop trying to turn characters into something they’re not

[@smb-c3po]

@@ulquiorracifer9205 Yes, continue to do that anyway.

[@rirururu4697]

I remember a scene in the games when Sora was telling Shiki about how Neku was looking everywhere for her. When Neku got embarrassed about his vulnerability being exposed and told Sora to stop, Sora's response was "what's wrong? You said you need her. That's a good thing." Sora is open and accepting of anyone no matter what their insecurities are or what they're trying to hide, and turns them around as being that person's strength instead. That's a good message for anyone LGBT+ or not.

[@ariscott3437]

Square: I like pretty boys Disney: I like princesses Both: Wanna kiss? And they made a gay baby named Kingdom Hearts.

[@caseunkadios286]

I love this comment. It's so memeable that as soon as I read it a meme image popped into my head and made me laugh. Thank you for that 😂

[@alextaon3358]

honestly, this is exactly why i love kh. sora taught me that i don’t have to be someone im not and i am free to be myself while also it not meaning i am weak or any less for it. also the way it portrays all his friendships. LIKE I SHOULD BE ABLE TO HUG AND SING AND SHARE DEEP THOUGHTS WITH THE HOMIES

[@liampemberton9320]

It’s very simple. Riku is Sora’s boyfriend lol

[@westerfrost3701]

He should be.

[@liampemberton9320]

@@westerfrost3701It’s my personal head cannon that Sora, Riku, and Kairi are all in a polyamorous relationship.

[@Yurei2K]

While I’m not necessarily agreeing with the ship, I’m not gonna be angry about it. Sora being gay doesn’t really affect the story or how he is as a character.

[@psychicuterus1339]

I like to think Sora is bi, Riku is gay and Kairi is a lesbian. Riku and Kairi are super besties and he's always talking with her about his crush on Sora and she's like JUST TELL HIM

[@SMCwasTaken]

Someone needs to check these guys harddrives

[@heroicgangster9981]

Because light + water = rainbowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[@UnVelius]

Facts

[@darksiderwxiii9200]

Why does this sound like a realistic kingdom hearts couple?

[@kopowa2836]

So... Sora and aqua?

[@DDRWakaLaka]

​@@kopowa2836babe, look up what kairi means

[@anfufondoo9401]

@@kopowa2836 sora means sky

[@Sucas_Lounge]

I'm not part of the Lgbtq community, but I found comfort in sora because of his courage and his faith in his friends, he gave me courage to go believe in myself and value my friends with all I have, ive learn so much life lessons from thes franchise that I use it to guide my life and my way, he taught me to let my "heart be my guiding key" and I encourage others to live by those words aswell

[@Wwillow1992]

Historians would say they are just good friends.

[@JetYabuki]

Shinji Hashimoto has said the focus on the series is Sora and Rikus friendship and how it grows, evolves, and changes. I think that’s definitely why I stick around. And also many others.

[@AbsoluteProstitute]

Absolutely not

[@JetYabuki]

@@AbsoluteProstitute so you can’t read? He literally said it in an interview.

[@AbsoluteProstitute]

@@JetYabuki it won’t be gay if that’s what ur getting at, it never was and never will be like that between them

[@wichyluvskh]

get a therapist bro

[@JetYabuki]

@@AbsoluteProstitute I didn't say it was, you need to read what I said again.

[@Hulk1566]

Sora is that one friend who is emotionally opened to everyone and silly but is also someone who won't hesitate to fuck anyone who does him or friends wrong. KID LITERALLY SLICED 5 BUILDINGS AT ONCE!

[@Rouseiryuu]

I think Sora still has a lot to grow and express in a matter of feelings. He still has problems expressing anger and frustration, he's had a rough teenhood.

[@jaycewood7071]

Did you know that in the original Japanese version of the game the scenes where Sora is taunted about his crush the pronouns are actually gender neutral and used in game to refer to Riku? I recommend watching “Riku is gay and why it matters” by Tenelleflowers.

[@FateTheArcher]

Xion is someone I heavily related to for years, and I couldn't understand why// until I realized I'm genderfluid. The ambiguity of Xions gender based on how others perceived them; was something I looked at and went "woah- why do I relate to this??" Xion will always be my favorite character for that reason I think

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

@@XionVanitasShi What the hell?!

[@Andi_Thy_Is]

I've had an exceptionally similar experience with being trans, Xion as a character and her story always spoke to me in a way I didn't really fully grasp until my friends started pointing out my different traits and behaviors that could be considered dysphoria.

[@FateTheArcher]

@@NoahtheGameplayer what'd they say? They deleted it

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

@@FateTheArcher it was some person saying "Same man! Thats why I was Inspired by Xion because of LGBT" and it was so out of context

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

@@joelrcj.775 Thats what im saying LOL These people are full of Clowns

[@senu.]

i get you Sora is a comfort character but the true real LGBTQ+ experienced folks will get me if i say Riku is my true comfort character. his whole arc could be heavy symbolism on struggling to deal with our conflicting feelings as young kids , feeling isolated , prayed upon of some sick people that just love to see us as easy targets. the way he has to deal with darkness ,accepting it as something that belongs to him and not something bad. he grows as a character and becomes a stronger version of himself. Man....i love him so much.

[@sinlessdeath4536]

I love the accepting nature of you sky, and thank you for having such a wonderful community as ive been part of for yrs

[@makokitsune6487]

Actually Sora x Kairi ship isn't so heavily implied in Japanese version of the game through its dialogues. Also writing is constantly focused on bond that Sora and Riku are sharing. I recommand the YT video titled "Riku is gay (and why it matters)" since it's not only a preety good essey but also an excellet analysis of Riku's character as a whole.

[@tylercafe1260]

Sora sacrifices himself twice to save Kairi. They even hold hands and share a paupu fruit. Riku and Sora aren't gay they're literally best friends who grew up together since birth and love each other like brothers. That video you recommended is the definition of projection. I have great evidence for it to be the case as well as they do this with a ALL Male Characters with a Friend. "Guy crying over another guy is totally gay and that's progressive" is actually the most regressive thing to ever exist.

[@intervalsofsanity]

@@tylercafe1260 When do they share the paupu fruit?

[@tylercafe1260]

@@intervalsofsanity KH3 Kairi sits down with him and they each eat the fruit from each others hands.

[@ashleemeow]

@@tylercafe1260 Kairi literally says it's just a good luck charm so they won't be separated (and even then, they literally end up separated). Also, in both that scene and the picture in the cave, the star-shaped paopu fruits are literally being crossed. Most people should be able to understand what is trying to be said there...

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

@@tylercafe1260 In the novel, Riku and Sora both say they don't see each other as brothers. Sora also holds Riku's hand several times. Sora and Riku theme song is Dearly Beloved, the main theme. You know when we hear those words in real life? The beginning of Marriage Vows. Also, gay guys do cry over other gays guys. Also, your 'evidence" might just be you projecting.

[@Salva_632]

_My god, the thumbnail and title can be so extremely memed_

[@SagaKM]

I played kingdom hearts since I was a kid, and Sora holds a really special space in my heart. He's the character I most love in any media, and his bravery and emotional strength gives me courage to keep my head up and continue forward, I don't care anymore if there's anyone who won't accept my sexuality, all that matters is that I accept myself, and that's all. Sora and the franchise as a whole helped me during the most difficult moments, maybe I wouldn't be here if I wasn't so tied to this game and mainly to Sora.

[@shinichi4476]

Have you watched the Riku is gay and why it matters video ? Maybe you should. It’s not baseless ramblings, and instead tackles a lot of mistranslation problems as well as how things are written and detailed in the novels (that are approved by Nomura), and interviews ! (And everything is sourced with links in the description) It’s fascinating, and not at all what I was expecting going into it.

[@Brianaherr_writes]

I was 12 years old when the first KH came out, I didn’t realize it back then but I’m asexual and I was just so OVER romantic stories about how it’s always for the one true love and everything always ALWAYS have to be able how people where able to make such big great sacrifices….but for only they’re lovers. I claimed that it was only because it was out played but it was more because I just didn’t understand, on top of that I’ve always been super affectionate towards by friends but everyone always thought I was in love with my guy friends or gay (and going back to the point about Gay being bad that caused it’s own issues.) So it was SUCH a breathe of fresh air to see a main character like Sora that loves his friends so wholeheartedly and unapologetically. It made me feel less weird. That scene in KH2 when he sees Riku for the first time after everything and cries gets to me every time even to this day.

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

tf

[@KrimsonKattYT]

Kingdom Hearts 3 was the sole reason I didn't kill myself back in 2016, no joke. I almost jumped off a building but my dad stopped me by telling me that if I died I would never be able to play kingdom Hearts 3 and even if I survived I would've probably been completely crippled and unable to play video games ever again. I still struggle with depression, though for entirely different reasons, (gender dysphoria, which I didn't have back in 2016) but Kingdom Hearts saved my life and I couldn't thank it enough for that. My hype for KH3 gave me hope to live in my darkest time and got me through a lot of tough moments, and I was so hyped for that game that I couldn't sleep for two months before release. I even bought a PS4 in March 2017 instead of the newly released Switch specifically to play KH3 as well as all the other KH games.

[@crimsonlilyfairy]

i would actually point out that in the original japanese dialogue between sora and kairi, their relationship status is far more...vague. it read more as though sora doesn't know what he feels for her beyond simple friendship, and given how complex his feelings for riku CANONICALLY are, that vagueness is far more telling. it was in fact, the ENGLISH translators that specifically made is SEEM like sora has romantic feelings for kairi, due to them translating gender neutral pronouns as "her" and "she," instead of "they" or "them." and if you look at the body language between sora and kairi in their "big romantic hug" scene in KH2, and their "big romantic paopu" scene, both come across as...kinda stilted and awkward. again, in comparison, sora is far more comfortable, and dare i say, EAGER to cling to riku (compare the sokai hug to the soriku reunion that happens IMMEDIATELY AFTER, or how it took sora a few seconds to hug kairi BACK in 2, but in DDD, he tackles riku the second he wakes up after saving sora, or how physically affectionate he is with riku in general) and there's even gameplay that furthers the idea that sora and riku are perfect together: all of their finisher combos in 2, when riku joins the party officially, their grand finale in the same game against xemnas, where both in perfect sync, the combo-keyblade that is in both DDD AND in KH3, and even in smaller details sprinkled throughout. it stopped being a joke, or a mistake, and it is at the point where it is a choice. and very likely, it will be endgame.

[@berryjunmill9029]

this just made a lot of sense for probably why i love this game so much. im a very emotional person and would do anything for my friends. Sora is everything i wanted to be growing up. im a lesbian but i always connected with Sora and Riku they are my comfort characters.

[@sno0n266]

You know it’s gay when my Christian mother who is kinda iffy on gay stuff commented on the romantic tension between Sora and Riku in the ending of kh2

[@AndreaMusso99]

Uh, now that I think about it, that explains why I loved this series so much when I was little, and I still do. Little me knew I was gay even before me it seems :v

[@KrimsonKattYT]

Based Avatar Tuner PFP. Best non binary rep in history.

[@Micahtherizard]

weird shit. leave the kids alone

[@cocoellawella9315]

That moment 6:55 in CoM is actually mistranslated in Japanese it says Aitsu which is a gender neutral, masculine leaning pronoun, definitely not ‘her’. Also later in the same game Sora refers to Riku as Aitsu

[@danisle4379]

"He's a silly little goober that can level the earth if he wants to!" Yeah, that's a good sum up! Lol

[@PragMagik]

Your story about Recoded launch kiss and the "gay" taunts coming from within your circle are so heavily relatable to me as someone who was a teenager during that time. As a high schooler who was openly emotional, in theater and dressed nice, I was labelled gay all the time. My last name was even used against me. It wasn't until I went into therapy as an adult that I realized I had repressed that side of myself and realized I don't 100% identify on the binary and have come out as a Demiboy! During High School is when KH2 came out and I remembered using that game as an outlet, seeing Sora care so deeply about his friends, risking life and limb, it was inspiring. To this day I tear up when I hear Dearly Beloved, because Sora's Dearly Beloved are his friends. His friends are his found family, just like many in the LGBTQIA+ community.

[@EdoSora47]

I’ve always thought Sora was bisexual and just has feelings for both Riku and Kairi. He can just be in a poly relationship ;)

[@Lyraaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Funny you mention COM as an example of SoKai being canon: In the original Japanese the text is slightly different, Selphie doesn't mention a "girl" being on Sora's mind. She uses a word similar to the English "dude" in that it *can* be used to refer to a girl, but it's more often used for a boy. Also the English translation of KH3 scrubs out a lot of the gay subtext. Repeatedly through 3 and in the end of DDD, a phrase meaning "most precious person" is used, usually by Riku referring to Sora. It's also the exact phrase used by Herc referring to Meg, the game uses that phrase romantically. But no. English speakers get "Strength to protect what matters" instead of "Strength to protect who's precious to me". TL;DR Riku is canonically gay for Sora, and Sora has canonically not figured himself out yet. My headcanon is that Sora's *probably* aroace?

[@CocoaCatniptv]

This!!! They also made the paopu scene way more romantic (though it can still be taken as platonic). I could see Sora as aroace, but I could also see him as bi, gay or pan. The thing with Sora is he hasn’t had time for that sort of self reflection. He’s also constantly surrounded by m/f Disney couples so he prob doesn’t even realize he has options. I also think it’s possible he did have a crush on Kairi, or at least thought he did. I think a big thing is that as you grow up feelings can change. Which Nomura even stated before kh3 that he wanted to show with the og trio how you grow up and things change.

[@Mikesean45]

I really like this reading of it, though I'd definitely want to know what Japanese audiences thought of those scenes. Language and cultures are complicated and aren't always so easily translated after all.

[@CampingforCool41]

@@Mikesean45Japanese people are also subject to hetnorm too just like all of us so a lot of them gloss over things- however in that one CoM scene on the islands, there’s several examples of jp livestreams where you can see the comments during that part where the jp comments are all like “what? Aitsu? Selphie wouldn’t call Kairi/Namine aitsu” (because it would basically be an insult in that context to call them aitsu) and other comments even guessing on the spot that aitsu is Riku. So they definitely notice, but it gets forgotten or joked about rather than taken as a serious hint about Sora’s true feelings. Because the red herring to making people (and Sora) think it’s all about Kairi IS also part of the story. A convenient way to cover up the queer narrative from censors (especially back in 2004 when CoM came out) and also just a clever portrayal of comphet that Sora experiences.

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

I am sorry , but in the direct Japanese to English translation, in Chain of Memories, Her is never used to describe the person. It is "that person" or "your precious person". Further, After Sora gets the Meteor promise, he starts calling Namine and this person, aitsu, which is a gender neutral but male leaning pronoun that it would be rude to call a girl. He also calls Riku Replica that. And that is why when Selphie says, " He's thinking about "Her"" it is actually "He's thinking about "that guy" /Aitsu". And Sora goes "Umm... I guess", because he is thinking of Riku who is imprinted on Namine. So, Sora is trying to figure out if he is looking for Riku or Namine. After all, when Sora came to the Castle, he was looking for Riku, and that is what Namine used to draw Sora there. She "called out to his Heart" and suddenly, Sora just knows Riku is in the Castle. Also, the place where Namine is standing, and Kairi appears when the Star reverts back to Oathkeeper is the same place Riku was standing before the Real Destiny Island fell to Darkness before Ansem, Seeker of Darkness sent him away. See Recoded. Also, Riku's Light gives Sora the Kingdom Key on that same night, the Sword to protect him. His Crown, so to speak. The insinuation during that scene is Riku wanted to take Sora through his Darkness and they both would have ended up where Sora and Namine are in the illusion of Destiny Islands in Chain of Memories, but on the Real Destroyed Islands. And Sora clasps Namine's hand like Riku wanted Sora to do in KH1. And all the things Sora says to Namine mirror Sora reuniting with Riku/"Ansem " in KH2 in both the games and the novels. And Namine herself explains she cannot create new Memories, just rearrange existing true ones. So, how do Riku Replica and Sora have the Memory of the Meteor promise? If the promise was between Sora and Kairi, how does Riku Replica have it? Further, that promise takes place before KH1 when Kairi gave Sora OathKeeper, and it is implied that Kairi was the meteor, and wasn't on the island yet. So, what... is happening?

[@Moonlight_Ekko]

Yesss I’m so happy you see these three as a throuple/triad! That’s my personal head-canon too

[@applestain]

This video was fine right until you started telling us there was a right way to interpret the series and the relationships within. It was completely unnecessary to even state that, much less shove it in our faces how the heteronormative relationship is canon and correct. (its not. PLEASE do more research beyond just playing the game in english) Also please, note that Riku's story regardless of whether or not SoraxRiku will become canon or not is heavily implied to be a queer story within the text. Sora recipricating those feelings or not has nothing to do with it. You could have easily just talked about Riku and the implications he has, OR if you want to be absolutely sure you talked of a queer character you could have talked about Strelitzia who canonically has feelings for the playable character of Union X regardless of gender. There were so many things you could have slotted into the last half of the video that would have been supported better. You didn't have to finger wag and tell us 'its never going to happen, the straight couple is the only valid conclusion.' The point isnt to say that is or isnt true, and im not surprised nor shocked by that opinion but WHY in the world would you say that in a video dedicated to the lgbtq+ community? Part of me interprets it as a quick and rushed video that you tried to get out before the end of pride month and perhaps you didn't even think about how all that sounded. But please, next time: think and dont rush.

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

also i like the fact that they don't even realize how they are born to begin with, oh yea, BECAUSE THEY HAD STRAIGHT PARENTS, THE NAUTURAL LIFE PATH! like man, kids today are not knowing how babys are born, and we have LGBT teaching them lies

[@caseunkadios286]

​@@NoahtheGameplayer tell that to all the asexual reproductive creatures in the world or the ones that can fluidly change their gender.

[@Bend818]

I’m gay and can absolutely attest to everything that’s said in this video. I totally connected to Sora/Roxas (i mention the matter because 358/2 Days was my first KH game) and their blend of sensitivity and badassery. Plus the bond they have with their friends (including the queer romantic tension) was also something I deeply identified with

[@987married]

I’ve never felt any queer romantic tension between em

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

you guys need theripist

[@smugaru]

This was such a great way of phrasing all of this and is definitely how I relate to it. I also got into the series at around 14 and how the games handle the topics of emotion, and the power of relationships felt very profound. Sora always being free to express himself wasn't something I picked up on consciously back then, but now I can absolutely agree that it does play a part in my enjoyment of the series as a gay guy. He's quite literally the judgment free zone 😂 (Also, having the Sora x Kairi x Riku throuple be canon would be incredible!!! 👀💛)

[@asch1827]

First and foremost, thank you so much for this wonderful video! As a queer person KH means so much to me, especially Riku and his struggle in KH1 wanting to grow up too fast, his fear of Sora leaving him behind, his betraying Sora, his guilt and redemption, the sacrifices and risks he undertook to protect Sora in 358/2, DDD and 3. Riku's journey of self acceptance in comparison with Sora's innate freedom to simply be himself intertwined with Riku's love for his friends but more importantly his love for Sora just.. punches me in the gut. My love for Riku aside, I think one of KH's most powerful aspects is how anyone can enjoy and interpret the games in any number of ways. KH deep dives into emotions and the heart but in a way that (I think) most people can relate to. Everyone wants love and freedom and acceptance, and the connections with friends is a powerful avenue to channel those feelings. P.S. if you see someone minding their beeswax shipping Sora and Riku and being happy about it and you're immediate thought is "I need to tell them that Sora and Riku will never be canon", you're homophobic.

[@KrimsonKattYT]

I'm not homophobic, but it IS true that Sora x Kairi is the canon ship. The only options now for the canon are Sora x Riku not being a thing or Sora x Kairi x Riku being a thing. It's fine to headcanon Sora x Riku as a silly headcanon/AU, but it is not canon currently and most likely won't be in spite of all the romantic tension between them especially in KH2.

[@parryagent1667]

​@@KrimsonKattYT The fact that you are feeling called out says it all

[@TheKevinKeyblade]

Oh right! Because not accepting headcanons is bad because you say so, gotcha!

[@rosies69]

​@@KrimsonKattYTstop being homophobic and lying. Sora x kairi hasn't been confirmed

[@asch1827]

@@TheKevinKeyblade I didn’t say you have to accept it, it’s a headcanon, it’s someone’s personal opinion. But you don’t have to go out of your way to tell someone you don’t like it/agree with it, that’s like going up to someone at a restaurant and telling them you don’t like the food they’re eating. Literally no point to do that other than to just be combative about this completely harmless thing you personally don’t like seeing

[@starkid910]

6:49 I would honestly say the opposite.... its been everyone else putting the idea in his head that he's supposed to like her because she's a girl and they're friends. When asked about his own feelings, he frequently says he doesn't understand love. A terribly common experience for gay people growing up, myself included, and I believe Nomura understand this

[@parryagent1667]

The part where you start talking about Sora and Kairi ending up together is very random, especially for a video that is supposedly for the queers. And since you mentioned the CoM scene where Soras heart tells him that his most precious person is Kairi, i think its important to inform you that in the Japanese version of the game Soras heart uses the masculine pronoum "Aitsu" to refer to that person. There is a whole Google doc that goes into it: "Aitsu, that guy/person"

[@tenebraequeene]

Being asexual I always felt connected to Sora and the KH cast because of how the story focuses on the love of friendship. Even when Sora and Kairi became canon, i still love how it's vague enough that it feels their bonds never changed. It didn't become their whole personality. Also, i personally headcanon that Sora's pansexual or even bisexual. And that he loves Riku and Kairi equally. He has two hands!

[@mellemadswoestenburg1296]

Technically Sora and Kairi are not canon yet. But yeah i love how Sora never values one of his friends more than the other. It's such a beautiful thing.

[@JetYabuki]

I think that "Sora has two hands" thing is a weird cop out. Like it's not cool if he's with Riku alone, unless you add a girl to the mix is weird. Like ion get how we can have Xenoblade where Rex can get with multiple women but we cant have one game where a dude can get with another dude?

[@Jimmblet]

I was JUST about to comment this! I have the exact same thoughts

[@CocoaCatniptv]

@@JetYabuki People can ship what they want. Iunno though, sometimes the way people come in like “well Sora has two hands” when someone is talking about the hints we’re given that Soriku could be a thing….. It just rubs me the wrong way.

[@JetYabuki]

@@CocoaCatniptv EXACTLY, like people always use Polyamory to shut down the homesexual ships, but never the straight ones 🤔 when Polyamory is not a fix for something. Plus it’s not a popular thing so, when so many people bring it up when we have no gay (MLM) ships rubs me the wrong way too.

[@JetYabuki]

The game doesn’t say Kairi and Sora are canon at all 😭 crazy thing to say in an LGBT KH video ngl

[@onlyacomentarynothingspeci2419]

Youre in denial

[@JetYabuki]

@@onlyacomentarynothingspeci2419*You’re and no I’m not.

[@CocoaCatniptv]

There isn’t any explicit confirmation that they’re canon. Also some things that seem romantic are actually due to the English localization making it that way when the original Japanese was more platonic.

[@KrimsonKattYT]

They kiss in KH3/Remind. They're 100% canon.

[@CampingforCool41]

@@KrimsonKattYTI can’t tell if you are joking because they do not kiss ever in the series lmao you dreamt that up

[@lightyearpig12]

This isn't related to the Kingdom Hearts franchise, but I once wrote a college paper for my LGBT+ narratives class about how the Transformers franchise has resonated with queer audiences where I talked extensively about the Japanese dub of Beast Wars made Tigatron & Airazor gay, the various LGBT characters in the IDW comics, and Nightshade from Transformers Earthspark. My teacher really liked my paper because he grew up with Transformers, and just liked having me in his class in general. I consider myself an ally as well, as I previously wrote a paper for the same class about Janet Mock and her experiences as a transgender person (speaking of which, Xion is definitely trans-coded), and another for my sci-fi and fantasy class comparing the works of Joanna Russ to The Owl House and Steven Universe.

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

disgusting

[@lecheconfleisfr]

thats crazy

[@stefanmaart]

Thank you Sky for this video it is just so well put and so true. I've just always felt so connected to the series through that deep connection of friendship and love that the characters have for each other and how they would literally go to the dark realm for each other especially with Sora whose gone to countless worlds and is so unapologetic himself and also so accepting of everything and everyone he finds in it.

[@scottyarmy2488]

I'm Biromantic (Bi and Asexual). One of the many things I adore about KH is the emphasis on friendship as a valid and valuable form of love. Many Aces and Aros (Aromantics) would love to spend time hanging out with friends but there seems to be a hierarchy that places romantic relationships above friendships. It can feel quite lonely when your friends shelve you for their partner. KH teaches the importance of friendship. I feel like, even if SoRiku isn't canon, it's still nice that their friendship is held in such high regard and can be interpreted either way. You can also interpret it as a QPR, (Queer-platonic relationship), which is basically a type of relationship which blurs the lines between friendship and romantic. And Sora, despite being fictional, has been a fantastic friend to millions for years. So many kids growing up, (and adults, too), found a safe haven in the KH games. And as an Ace, KH has been a series where I can escape a lot of other sexualised media (games, movies, songs etc.) I'm no prude by any means but it's nice just to get a break from it now and then. Anyway, thank you for this video! 🏳️‍🌈

[@ashleemeow]

SKYYYYY! That scene in CoM in Japanese has the Destiny Islands gang using a pronoun that Sora only uses for men and "rough" or evil women (e.g. Larxene)! He has never and would never use it for Kairi! It's also the last word Sora says to the Replica Riku, as an obvious callback to those scenes! SKYYY!

[@CampingforCool41]

It’s so painful seeing that scene being used as proof that “obviously” his feelings are for Kairi when you see how jp players/viewers during that scene were like “wtf? Is she talking about Riku” because neither Selphie nor Sora would ever use that pronoun for Kairi. But I can’t blame him for not knowing about that stuff. Still wish sokai wouldn’t be called “obviously canon” in this video celebrating the queer appeal of kh 💀 especially since…it’s not canon.

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

@@CampingforCool41 In fact, most of the interactions with Namine in the illusion of Destiny Island is what Riku wanted to happen with Sora on the Real Destiny Island. The scenes that take place in the Illusion of Destiny Islands are the same places Riku stands throughout the Real version, but it is the way Riku would have wanted it to be. (Sora being there, Sora actually going with him). And Sora finding Namine mirrors Sora finding Riku/"Ansem" in Two. And the Lure Namine uses on Sora's Heart to get him to climb the Castle is the idea that "Riku is in the Castle". Therefore, Riku influences the Illusions of Worlds Sora goes to. Riku's and Sora's memories are the True Memories that the Organization are lying about.

[@dominicfromgermany]

Love how you talked about this, really insightful and gave me my "aha that's why he asked us a few days back" moment 😊🎉❤ happy pride y'all 🏳️‍🌈🌟

[@HaunaMyKiki]

Sora x Riku is valid, albeit debatable in some circles... .... But I think we can *ALL* agree that Axel/Lea x Saix/Isa give off strong "bitter ex bf" energy

[@Sora418]

I can guarantee I’m way more physically affective with the people I’m close to thanks to this franchise

[@bananasoup5959]

Aitsu…

[@ricemilk413]

as a gay person who just got into KH I agree but damn, it's pretty ironic you used this exact scene from chain of memories to prove how sora likes kairi, when there's that whole "aitsu" pronoun thing and translation.

[@SuccubiPie]

Pretty sure someone's brought it up by now. But if they haven't, see the JAPANESE script of the games. He isn't thinking of only Kairi in Chain of memories. In fact, there's a lot of cut/edited lines that are in favor of Riku in KH3.

[@simonescarpati7146]

I describe myself as a very emotional person. I’m always there for my friends when they need something and I will do everything just to see them smile. I’m bisexual myself and I can say that Sora made me feel more secure about who I am and don’t hide my emotions. I don’t care if people think that being part of the LGBTQ+ community is bad, I only care about my friends. I always put them first because seeing them happy makes me happy. Just as Sora does too, when I need to stand for them, I will, even though I might get offended or even something bad happens, I don’t care as long as my friends are happy and safe. 🩷💜💙 P.S. loving your content, keep it up!

[@MarioLord14]

I’m also a LGBTQ Ally, and I can easily see why Sora is a “Sympathetic Comfort Character” for the community. Our boi is just being himself, and that’s wholesome af.

[@MNSprime21]

I’ll never forget the first time I discovered KH1. It was the first KH game I played & finished by myself. This was a big deal for me because this is also the first game in my life that I have completed by myself. What it taught me was courage & determination. My curiosity & desire for the games story is what drove me to finish the game despite my fear of failure & the challenges I would face (especially against the monsters that scared me in the game). The message of courage can also apply to allow yourself to grow and accept yourself, especially with those of the LGBT community who had to deal with an unaccepting family/group of friends. Let me clarify that I’m not a member of the community. However, the nice thing about KH is that the messages are universal. The fact that it reflects on so many people of any kind, KH did something right.

[@Doco160]

I'd love to see how you feel about Riku being gay xD To me he's more of the gay icon than Sora....that being said I'm gay and Sora is kinda why my personality is the way it is so yeah...Sora helped me be myself for sure. I actually don't think SoKai *is* the canon currently! We know the English versions of the games scrubbed out more obvious gay stuff and made stuff with Kairi more romantic, but even then I still find it more convincing that they're just friends. This doesn't mean I think Soriku will be canon either. I just think that as it stands, SoKai isn't as guaranteed as you suggest. All this being said, Riku is gay af and I hope we get explicit confirmation of this, whatever happens I'll always be a fan of KH and will play.

[@DDRWakaLaka]

also some of the heartless are absolutely daddy

[@PongIsDrawing]

I’m a massive Soriku shipper, but I think it’s perfectly fine to ship Sokai too. It’s not a game about romance, so shipping the characters is just for fun, and that’s what makes fanfic/fan art great! Just do what makes ya happy!🏳‍🌈❤😘

[@yuvalaltman1967]

I have to say before this video, it was never occur to me how much sora feel good with himself and why its was one of the reason I love him so much, I'm in place in my life when I let my fears control my mentality and push me away from my dream, but not anymore. thank you for this video🙏🏻 it inspire me to be myself and love myslef no matter what will happend in the future

[@Lichtverbunden]

I might write about what touches me so much about Kingdom Hearts another time. For now, I just want to say this: There is so, so, so much, we all can learn from the interactions in Kingdom Hearts. Emotions, relationships, connection, being yourself, compassion, understanding the metaphors for light, and darkness, neither of them being good nor bad. What are heartless, and what are nobodies, when looking at them as metaphors as well. In my perspective they are both some kind of manifestation of trauma. I could say even more, but I will leave it at this. I am gay, but I don't define myself by that. It is a part of me. I don't feel like being a part of any groups. I am me. Though I was never part of any groups, being the "weird" one. Being ignored, rejected, and bullied a lot of the time. And at least when it comes to me, I believe that I am gay, due to a lot of trauma I experienced very early on. This is not to say that this is everyone. But it is me.

[@bluewer]

i ain’t gonna lie aqua made me feel pretty gay (i am a woman)

[@caseunkadios286]

I understand how you feel. I'm a gay male and aqua made me feel pretty straight, I remember the first time I saw her I told my sister " if aqua asked me out in person I'd date her in a heart beat" haha so even though we are coming at this topic from two separate angels, I do understand how you feel. Have a wonderful and loving day 😄

[@gamerzgames]

Kingdom hearts first got me through C***d with the manga and then got me through my mom’s cancer with the games

[@gengargamer5657]

Huh, no wonder I’ve been gravitating towards this series so hard.

[@caseunkadios286]

Could you check out the original Japanese text and translate it for there seems to be a slight disparity in the English text to the Japanese text making it "seem" that sora x kiri is cannon when that doesn't really seem the case and makes it force kiri as the main love character when it seems that actually riku is the true main love character. That and as a small request could you please do a deep dive video over" is sora actually gay or not" and his and rikus relationship together. I've been looking over the internet/youtube, but all I can find is riku is gay videos. Please and thank you

[@shinichi4476]

The Riku is gay and why it matters video from Tenelle actually does a deep dive into their relationship and Sora as well, the title can be a bit misleading

[@Sucas_Lounge]

And for me I never could figure out why people want sora and riku and kairi to be a thing...id honestly prefer it if they just all stayed friends and stay to what kingdom hearts was supposed to convey, friendship and how powerful strong ones can be, if they were to make it where he dated both or riku or kairi, it ruin that

[@CampingforCool41]

Kh can still be about valuing friendships while having a romance.

[@Sucas_Lounge]

@@CampingforCool41 Then it takes away from the core aspect of what Kingdom Hearts shows, hinting at romance and actually giving it is very different. Square should just stick to what Kingdom Hearts is about, and that's friendship, nothing more nothing less, I want to experience the story of Kingdom hearts and the friendship it shows, I don't want to see another new plot line in the already hundreds.

[@CampingforCool41]

@@Sucas_Lounge it’s not a new plotline if it’s been building since 2004 and also you’ve had 20+ years of “friendship only”

[@Sucas_Lounge]

@@CampingforCool41 Such vague hints I wouldn't call building, hell its more like very hard to find easter eggs, and also yeah this franchise is about friendship, so id like it to end with friendship, ill take another 100 years of it before love thanks.

[@CampingforCool41]

@@Sucas_Lounge I’m sorry but I don’t see how Mickey explaining to our faces that Riku feels fearless and strong because he cares so much about his precious person that other feelings disappear is vague but ok

[@The_13th_Voyager]

Kingdom Hearts has broken me emotionally, but it also helped me to find myself and realize that every aspect of who I am is equally valid. Sora and Ven taught me to do what I can to help those I care about, Riku taught me the value of balance, and then there's Roxas. Roxas taught me to never stop fighting to assert my existence on my own terms, not prohibited by social stigma. To me, Kingdom Hearts is a comfort series. It's something I can retreat to if I feel lost and in need of guidance. I always knew I was gay since I was fourteen. But I was too shy to come out about it. Then came along Sora and Roxas, who each taught me that my feelings are absolutely valid and that I shouldn't be ashamed for who I am at heart. Sorry for ranting, I just needed to vent a bit. Now I'm gonna cry. Thank you, Skyward Wing. Thank you, Sora, Ventus, Riku and Roxas. And thank you Tetsuya Nomura, for helping me accept myself.

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

How is that any Reference to your life at all? its a Freaking Game that is meant for kids

[@The_13th_Voyager]

@@NoahtheGameplayer I was just sharing what Kingdom Hearts means to me, more so what the characters have taught me in turn. I kept my life vague in the original post because I didn't want anyone trying to say dox me

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

@@The_13th_Voyager and yet you said it here which can also Dox you, sign... People I swear

[@The_13th_Voyager]

@@NoahtheGameplayer Point taken. Look, how about we simply go our separate ways and leave each other be. Sound fair?

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

@@The_13th_Voyager it would sound fair if you delete the comment

[@Nobody_Shroom]

My friend really sent this to me without explanation. I think he's suggesting something💀

[@Notretrobread]

@@Nobody_Shroom ;)

[@Mysticist]

I know it wasn’t intentional but I love the idea of these two guys you met using their gayness to throw you off to win at BBS multiplayer XD I actually remember a similar moment to what you described feeling when I was told as a kid that a couple of my neighbors, two women, were getting married. I remember saying that it was weird but then immediately wondered why I felt that way. I think that’s generally normal for people, especially kids, who just aren’t exposed to certain concepts. Human beings are programmed to be cautious about anything outside of our experience so we often have a knee jerk negative reaction. What’s important is how quickly we can self correct and recognize that just because we’re not used to something doesn’t make it bad.

[@CherikoSol]

As a kid KH taught me my emotions weren't a mistake. That I could walk this world true to myself. Sora taught me how to live in the light. Later in adulthood, Riku taught me that my darkness was okay. It's just another part of who I am. I could go on and on about how every character in KH taught me how to take on the world. Yet, I'm positive when other people read on how others reminisce about the series. You get a glance on why Kingdom Hearts is so important to its fans and even non fans.

[@wtdrmfrthwbzn]

i realized some months ago that i think KH was kinda my queer awakening in a way? both in sexuality and in gender it started with Axel and Roxas, specifically, the scene "you can't turn your back on the Organization! get on their bad side and they'll destroy you!" "no one would miss me." "that's not true! ... i would." when i first saw that, i felt a very certain special bond between them that i don't think i'd really seen between male characters before? i interpreted it as obviously~ platonic at first, i think because internalized homophobia from society, and like, i knew queer people existed but i'd never really seen/experienced/had a connection with them? idk. so later when i reevaluated Akuroku's relationship and was like "what if romantic tho" it just kinda clicked into place, like i couldn't see the subtext any other way after that, and that led me to i guess even considering the possibility of same-gender couples in fiction and appreciating queerness... so yeah i think they were basically my gateway to figuring myself out more eventually. it think it started here

[@lecheconfleisfr]

its rlly not that deep bro

[@wtdrmfrthwbzn]

@@lecheconfleisfr lmao why are you here

[@Andi_Thy_Is]

Seeing everyone's personal stories in the comments is genuinely bringing me to tears. I've been working on a way to share my FULL story with the series, but I'll just say that the Kingdom Hearts series has always followed me in life, every major milestone is marked by something related to the series. Characters who spoke to me on far deeper personal levels that i could have ever understood when i was young are Xion, Roxas, Sora, Riku, much of the cast but those four mainly for the same or different reasons than each other. Coming out as bi and trans was in large part, courage brought on by these characters, these phenomenal, sweet, complex, layered, loveable characters.

[@Mysticist]

At the “heart” of it I think it’s because KH is fundamentally about exploring the nature of identity which obviously resonates with a lot of queer people. I’m not gay but I came back to the series as an adult having recently started identifying as Androgynous and I realized how cool it was to grow up playing as a hero who could be both masculine and feminine. I totally agree that Sora loves both Kairi and Riku, but since they’re rather different I don’t think he knows really how to deal with it. Like his relationship with Riku by DDD is like two people who are really comfortable with each other in their honeymoon phase where they are just super sweet and supportive of each other but maybe haven’t fully come to understand each others flaws. Especially since Riku is more mature than Sora. Meanwhile I think the nervous awkwardness between Sora and Kairi that is often attributed to comphet is actually totally normal for people who are crushing on each other and have maybe built up some unrealistic expectations of each other. It’s just that the writing hasn’t given them enough time together to get closer. That’s why Remind and MoM was such a step up.

[@AlexandreOSilva03]

Generally, I don't watch videos in other languages. Because I'm not fluent in English and I understand very little, but I added automatic subtitles because I was curious about the title. Kingdom Hearts is my favorite franchise, even though it has some problems. I don't know why, but it's a game that helps me relax. The soundtrack brings me peace and comfort, and people like me, gay in my case, need an outlet. And KH is that valve for me. I liked your analysis and I had never stopped to think about Sora the way you described him. I confess that I always saw him as an irritating character and a blind optimist. Now I will see him with different eyes. PS: The text was translated by Google Translate, if there is something written wrong, please highlight it.

[@bitterboba2857]

Fantasy setting with acceptance of who you are + children = attracting gay fanbase. Ask Owl House and Amphibia fans.

[@KrimsonKattYT]

Neither Sora or Riku are children by KH3. They're all in their late teens at the earliest. In KH1 Sora and Kairi are 14 while Riku is 15. there's a year long timeskip until KH2 so in that game Sora and Kairi 15 nearing 16 while Riku is 17 nearing 18. By KH3 Sora and Kairi definitely at least 16 (probably 17) and Riku is confirmed to be an adult. At this point most of the cast are adults too or are canonicly ageless. Aqua and Terra are both adults and Ventus' actual age is unknown. Roxas, Xion, and Namine are ageless due to being nobodies/replicas. Axel and all organization members are adults. Mickey is obviously an adult as are most if not all of the Disney cast. There are more adults in the KH cast than kids and even Sora and Kairi are close to adulthood. Heck, due to the 2 year timeskip before KH4 Riku would be 20 and Sora and Kairi would be 19, making the ENTIRE CAST adults.

[@bitterboba2857]

@@KrimsonKattYT not only do they constantly become adults and we watch them progress in age, they literally have a whole bunch of other characters that are children.

[@KrimsonKattYT]

@@bitterboba2857 Like who? Hewy Dewy and Loiey? Peter Pan and the lost boys? Those are Disney characters and definitely aren't prominent. All the OCs are adults and at the absolute least in their late teens, as typical for JRPG protagonists. Some character ages are weird like Roxas, Xion, Namine, etc due to being artificial beings, but other than those every character is of age. Ventus is probably thousands of years old.

[@simsarethebest925456]

Honestly, I view Sora as someone who's a little oblivious (bc he is), so while Riku may like him as more than a friend, Sora just thinks they are homies

[@KingdomKey-ik4xk]

Kingdom Hearts has always been my favorite mess of a series when I was a bit younger, and it still is to this day. Sure, the plot's a clutter, but there's still a fun time to be had in this series. While we're on the topic of LGBTQ+, I even know someone who decided to transition (and I didn't ask why, because I knew it was none of my beeswax), and I respect her decision to having transitioned genders. Hell, GameChamp3k is transgender, and she uses feminine/nonbinary pronouns. Corina Boettger. Valeria Rodriguez. Both voice actors, both enbies. People shouldn't be afraid to come out as LGBTQ+ because of hateful people (who frankly should be locked in the closet).

[@JKBeck-dw7dd]

Heavy Sora/Riku subtext aside, for me personally, it was Riku and Roxas's individual stories that helped me as an LGBT kid. I was a young teen in a... pretty loudly homophobic village (to put it mildly) when KH2 came out, and I played CoM right after that. Roxas's story about being told he isn't meant to exist and is inherently 'bad' for that, even though he has no control over it, as well as his overall theme of fighting for his identity and right to exist struck a chord. And Riku's story in CoM about learning to accept the part of himself that everyone calls 'bad/evil' so he could forgive himself for having that inside him, and learn to walk forward embracing it, and thereby becoming stronger/better for it? Verrrry much struck a chord as a gay kid who'd been told over and over that being gay was evil. To this day, those two are probably my favorite characters in all media. :)

[@jijitters]

i said this to you on twitter but you ignored our concerns so i need to say it here too - sora and riku ending up together is a real possibility. it is *not* allyship for you to basically call all the people who see that stupid. it is not a guarantee that sora and kairi are ending up together. but even if you believe that, including that in *this* video is insulting. it was very cruel of you to ask for queer kh fans' feelings and opinions only to use them against us and laugh at us. kingdom hearts is gay and you are not an ally.

[@phinixable]

Kingdom hearts was my first game that showed me the world of gaming. my mom brought it home, thinking it was a fun disney game (Can't blame her at that point) and yeah. My brother gifted me his old playstation 2 because he got himself a slim one. And even if I didn't understand much from it with my 8 years, it was still a really funny game. And I loved every single second I played as Sora. Wielding his Key, firinga bunch of magic to his enemies while being the kindest person on the planet.... yeah I believe he really connects hearts :')

[@thekestrel1931]

Gotta say this is a heartwarming vid! As a middle aged gaymer myself, KH has been a fav of mine since the original when I bought the shiny covered hardcopy for the PS2 when I was 19 years of age. Not saying it helped me realize who I was, I already knew back then, didn't have the bottle to come out til a good few years later, but when I played any of the KH series, it was my shameless escape from reality, a world that absorbed me and had me hooked. This vid has probably articulated why better than I ever could, thanks for the relatable content skyward 👍

[@dubbie7879]

a little correction, i believe those scenes about sora thinking about HER again is actually gender neutral in the japanese version. take this with a grain of salt as i don't know japanese. i have only heard this from a few other people.

[@CampingforCool41]

The pronoun used is technically gender neutral but very male-leaning especially in the context of the scene because it would be seen as very rude for them to use aitsu for Kairi/Namine.

[@thekiraworshipper2962]

It's true that the prounoun is more male-leaning, but in the context of the scene it's refering to Kairi/Namine. Later on when Sora meets up with Riku at Destiny Islands, Riku also refers to an "aitsu," which basically confirms this since why would Riku talk like that about himself. There is also an Ultimania (Ultimania Alpha) where this scene is talked about which confirms that they are talking about Kairi/Namine.

[@CampingforCool41]

@@thekiraworshipper2962 lol right because they would have definitely explained that Selphie and Tidus and Waka are teasing Sora about his crush on Riku in 2004. Why do you think they felt the need to explain it in the first place? Because it’s bizarre. Selphie would not naturally use aitsu for another girl her age that she considers a friend, it would be considered very rude. You watch let’s plays of jp players and they react confused to the use of aitsu too. Why use such a word if it’s referring to Namine or Kairi, since the player already knows Namine is replacing Kairi memories. It’s not like it’s a mystery. But Namine is also replacing Riku memories (which is obviously never made explicit because, again, it was fucking 2004) and do you know the only time Sora uses “Aitsu” to specifically refer to Namine (whereas otherwise he uses ano ko)? It’s when he’s recalling the meteor shower memory/promise. Which is ridiculously heavily implied to be a memory Sora and Riku shared. So in a way yeah, Aitsu IS referring to Namine but only in that she’s putting herself in Riku’s place in this memory. And why does “Riku” also use Aitsu in that section? Because he’s not actually Riku, he’s a construction, a blend of Sora’s real memories and Namine’s manipulations of those memories. But I’m sure I could write a whole novel and no amount of contextual evidence would be enough for you because a summary blurb written in 2004 by someone who didn’t even work on the game says aitsu is referring to Kairi.

[@dubbie7879]

@@CampingforCool41 Seeing this five months later but you ate that shit up and said exactly what i wanted to say :3

[@kayzaac]

Woah, first time seeing that Hilary Duff ad, and I did not expect to get hit that HARD with words from a respectable actress from my past. Also I really didn't expect this kinda video on the channel, or to hear you talk about your thoughts on the matter in the first half. Like, hearing understanding words on this matter from sources I don't usually expect to hear them from also hits me hard sometimes, and judging by the way I almost shed a couple tears listening, I think this was one of those times. Thanks Sky.

[@sorahearts3317]

Honestly as someone who is both gay and a KH fanboy this video alone proves to me exactly why you're one of my favorite KH content creators. I'm not sure if you're LGBT yourself but I appreciate you standing up for us ❤️ also Sora is definitely a chad having both a boyfriend and girlfriend in my head canon as well.

[@magicninja107]

Honestly I think it's the feeling of playing with my family. We had a ps2 and would spend HOURS on kh2. God that was fun. I try to model sora a little bit in kindness.

[@intervalsofsanity]

If this is a video about gay people (and posted during pride month) how come you mention Sora and Kairi so randomly? You mention it's canon (it's not canon, it's ALSO interpretation, but funny you only mention it when it's about Riku), but have you read the original text of the games? When translating things, lots of dialogues are changed because of homophobia. This wasn't the first time and it won't be the last time they do it because of it. You mentioned your shock when you saw two guys kissing in front of you, but maybe you're still indoctrinated because you make the het ship "canon" (without proof) and the gay ship HAS to be interpretation. I don't know why your opinion about Sora/Kairi isn't interpretation too. I think that comment of yours was kind of a bad move (more so because of the month).

[@zoned.jin10thgradeyoutuber45]

This dropped on my birthday BEST GIFT EVER

[@JapanFreak2595]

Listen, I don’t care how anyone feels about what is or isn’t canon; but can’t tell me that Sora bagging two hotties at the same time isn’t some Bisexual King shit. The physical embodiment of, “Wait a minute, I have TWO hands!”

[@sophkat7211]

When I got into gaming in 2013 through Kingdom Hearts, and saw the Days movie via KH 1.5 Remix, I couldn't help but interpret Axel and Saix's relationship as that of divorced lovers and wanted nothing more than for them to get back together. 10 years later, I realized I'm bisexual through falling in love with my online best friend while bonding through our love for Lea and Isa and our romantic interpretation of their journey. Overall I have met many wonderful friends through Kingdom Hearts and it can be such a loving accepting and wonderful space. As we say: It's impossible to be a Kingdom Hearts fan and homophobic 😆

[@bluewer]

i have found a wild akusai shipper in the comments. Best day ever

[@sophkat7211]

@bluewer Hehe thank you!!! I post a lot about them on Twitter, and there's a lot of love for them after KH3 which makes me so happy, their arc is so beautiful. I love childhood friends to enemies to lovers. ❤️💙

[@matteolacerra7054]

5:25 I’d say, he WAS also this. As you can see 90% of the clips of sora showing his badassary are from kh2fm, since that was the last game in which he was portraited like that. In that game he also showed his edgier side of personality too, he didn’t hesitate to get mad and talk back to org members, a trait he lost in the next games in which for the most part he just cries, which isn’t necessarily worst, but must be admitted they changed his character

[@rirururu4697]

I feel like Sora from KH3 had his self-esteem knocked down a peg after the constant "my friends are my power," failing the mark of mastery exam, and the whole scene where he said he was worthless without his friends.

[@truthspeeker1]

You know there's this trend I've noticed in Shonen writing. In things like Demon slayer, My Hero Acca, and Spy X Family the protagonists are starting to show more emotional range. Where most of them are stoic hyper masculine knuckle heads in some way Tanjiro, Deku, and Anya are willing to be vulnerable and expressive of more than just rage/determination. We need more protagonists that have a full range of emotions AND be able to whup anyone's ASS! And I think before any of those characters Sora came first. I think that's the reason why I was always drawn to him.

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

*what the heck are you talking about*

[@Salikino]

OMG I ship Sora with Riku AND Kairi too I’m so glad I’m not the only one!!!

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

wtf?

[@Salikino]

@@NoahtheGameplayer What’s the problem?

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

They care about each other, not love each other #StopForceRelationship

[@Salikino]

@@NoahtheGameplayer I can ship whoever I want. #letpeopleship

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

@@Salikino ok then, willowfenter X hitler

[@IcyHotCos]

I’ve come back to this video Atleast 10 times it makes me very happy 💕

[@psychicuterus1339]

I remember clearly the first time I found out about this saga: I was 5, on my friend's house, celebrating his birthday. I'm an introvert and anxious and the party has been going for hours, so while they're outside in the pool I ask my friend if I can play with his PS2, since I'm a little tired. I go through his library and the first Kingdom Hearts cover gets my attention, it was completely different from his other games. I see Sora on the back, thinking he was a girl because usually cartoons don't give boys pretty eyelashes. As a tomboy, I loved this, I loved seeing a boy being ""feminine"". I thought "hey, he breaks the status quo, like me!" I put it on and I IMMEDIATELY fall in love with the game. Months later that same friend gave me his copy because he didn't want it. I felt so, so happy. Sora's heart is just a safe space. Literally and figuratively. I was so happy with a character like him. And there were Disney characters too! I loved House of Mouse at that age, so crossovers were always a thing I liked. And that makes me think: I always see queer people breaking the status quo with their art. Why make the same thing over and over again instead of going nuts and just being happy? I don't know about Nomura's orientation, but yeah, his creation feels super queer. And for an aroace like me, a saga that talks about friendship with so much love means the world to me. I'm 27 now and I still get emotional over these characters.

[@gmaingaccount6478]

Thank you for highlighting the topic cuz I wondered abt it too. As a gay guy myself I never understood why I got so drawn into kingdom hearts whether it was the colourful characters, the aesthetic, the cameo of final fantasy and disney characters or something else. But I think you nailed it on the head saying that the game makes a comfortable space to be who you are without judgement and like what you like. Especially with DDD the relationship development between sora and riku resembles something similar a strong queer relationship where they have each others back. Thats prob my fav game story wise because of the development.

[@Fate_Wielder3283]

Because like every other franchise in existence gay people like to fabricate false gay ships that are never canon and are never OFFICIAL from the creators themselves. It’s honestly infuriating because it’s a form of insult and disrespect towards the creators and their hard work and dedication towards their material and instead a bunch of weirdos are perverting their works for their own selfish desires. I’ll approve official gay ships like in owl house and steven universe since the creators made them official, but fabricated ones made by weirdoes I won’t approve and will hate anyone who believes in them and encourages it onto others.

[@Fate_Wielder3283]

@archivemi obviously they’re ruining everything the creators worked on for years. Would you like it if someone ruined your art work, stories, and projects after spending years on it, no you would not.

[@lostsignals2985]

@@Fate_Wielder3283how does that ruin anything

[@Fate_Wielder3283]

@@lostsignals2985 by making it look like what the creator presented didn’t meet your standards or interests so you change it to actually meet your requirements and share it with others stating that it’s official when it’s a fabricated lie.

[@CampingforCool41]

Nomura gave an interview in 2015 where he was asked about a gay kh ship and his reply was that they want players to be able to enjoy the characters however they want regardless of whether it was intended. Nomura has stated so many times that he wants people to be able to imagine things however they want and to leave room open for interpretation, yes even when it comes to gay ships. You are the only one with a problem with it here. So stop speaking for the creators about how they feel about it.

[@Fate_Wielder3283]

@@CampingforCool41 So thats one creator for one franchise, what about the rest have they said anything about fanfic ships. Cause you can’t claim that just because one creator is ok with fanfics doesn’t mean all creators are ok with fanfics. So unless you provide more articles and claims from other creators speak for yourself not others, Idiot!!

[@evaundertale2247]

I want to say Kairi and Sora are gonna be canon but the way Nomura is so indifferent with her and stating the games is based around Sora and Rikus bond. The only reason I think Kairi generally is getting benched is how Nomura doesn't really do much with her and the most sad thing being she wasn't originally a part of melody of memories and added around the end of development. And the fact kh 4 leading up to sounding like another Riku and Sora focus game not that I don't think Kairi is important but from interviews of the Japanese actors saying they thought the scene wasn't ment to be romantic and they filmed takes of not a paopu scene. With the Japanese translation being more based on the full story in Nomura's eyes I think kh 3 got a bit wrong in that aspect. Like the remind dlc starting with the picture of the Paopu scene reference the Japanese version of the conversation. Either way if it's end game cool but at the moment I generally think Sora doesn't know his feelings or just more focus on his friendship with everyone at the moment. Even in the journals (not sure if it's different in kh 2 or 3) I've been replaying kh 1 it acknowledges Kairi's deep feelings for Sora but not his. I mean show don't tell can be argued but that also means Sora's reaction to Kairi giving him the paopu fruit doesn't match up with him having feelings. But yeah that's at least my personal view on it as replaying the games cause they hide character motives alot of the time and blink and you miss moments. Like I didn't know the princess of heart having dialog in none voiced cutscenes. Or talking to Kairi before going to the secret place I didn't think she mentioned Riku anywhere else in the game even if it's just a little line it made me generally think she still worries about Riku in kh 1 instead of being slightly indifferent in some cutscenes in kh 1.

[@evaundertale2247]

Ended up editing and adding a bit and fixing some of the spelling errors and made my comment actually readable 😭

[@FreyRosfield]

I am openly gay, and at first it was really hard to accept myself, actually, it took YEARS for me to fully accept myself And Sora was a huge part in this, the way he loves his friends, he's not afraid to show his emotions, he is so genuine and kind and loving, and one line that really stuck to me is in KH2 when he finds out that Riku has took Ansem's appearance and he accepts riku no questions asked, because no matter what he looks on the outside, it is still Riku on the inside, and i took that to heart I really strive to be just like him 🤧🤧🤧

[@NoahtheGameplayer]

🎼 Another Fatherless Child 🎼

[@michaelbrent1536]

Other characters, like Pit(kid Icarus Uprising),Shulk(Xenoblade Chronicles),Rex(Xenoblade 2),Link(Legend of Zelda),Aang(Avatar The Last Airbender),Naruto,Luffy,Goku,Jack Frost(Dreamwork Rise of the Guardians) and Hiccup(Dreamwork How to Train Your Dragon) are like Sora ! !