Hogwarts Legacy has broken records as one of the fastest-selling games of all time, despite a boycott attempt. The game offers players the chance to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, learn new spells, and complete quests. However, what has really caught players’ attention is the character of Professor Mirabel Garlick, the Herbology teacher, and her undeniable charm.
Professor Garlick’s appearance, with her long red braids and elfin face, has made her a fan-favorite, with players around the world falling head over heels for her. The internet is awash with fan edits, memes, and streamers thirsting over her. What’s more, the character’s sexual orientation has been confirmed by the official Hogwarts Legacy guide – Professor Garlick is a lesbian.
LGBTQ+ representation in the Harry Potter universe has been a topic of discussion for years, and the inclusion of a lesbian character in Hogwarts Legacy is a step in the right direction. Nora Treadwell, an archaeologist and explorer, mentions her wife in-game, and players get to meet Priya Treadwell, a “brilliant” potion-maker who runs a shop. However, it’s Professor Garlick who has captured the hearts of fans and brought attention to the lack of queer representation in the Wizarding World.
It’s important to note that despite the widespread love for Professor Garlick, some comments about her on social media are not suitable for the game’s intended young teen audience. Nevertheless, Professor Garlick’s popularity highlights the potential for LGBTQ+ representation in the gaming industry and beyond. It also offers a message of hope for LGBTQ+ gamers who have often felt excluded from mainstream media. As long as characters like Professor Garlick are given the spotlight, there’s potential for queer gamers to finally see themselves represented in their favorite fictional worlds.