Reporting harassment and discrimination in League of Legends as an LGBTQ+ player involves utilizing Riot Games’ built-in reporting tools, documenting incidents, and seeking support from LGBTQ+ gaming communities to ensure a safer and more inclusive gaming environment.

League of Legends, like many online gaming communities, can unfortunately be a space where harassment and discrimination occur. For LGBTQ+ players, these issues can be particularly acute. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to **how to report harassment and discrimination as an LGBTQ+ player in League of Legends: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025**, ensuring that your voice is heard and contributing to a more inclusive gaming environment.

Understanding Harassment and Discrimination in League of Legends

Before diving into the reporting process, it’s crucial to understand what constitutes harassment and discrimination within the context of League of Legends. This understanding helps in correctly identifying and reporting incidents that violate Riot Games’ policies and community guidelines.

Defining Harassment and Discrimination

Harassment encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from offensive jokes to targeted attacks. Discrimination, on the other hand, specifically targets individuals based on their identity, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

Examples of Unacceptable Behavior

Examples include hate speech, slurs, targeted insults based on someone’s LGBTQ+ identity, and repeated unwanted advances. Recognizing these behaviors is the first step in combating them.

  • Hate Speech: Using derogatory language targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Targeted Insults: Directing insults specifically at someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Unwanted Advances: Repeatedly making romantic or sexual advances after being rejected.
  • Misgendering: Deliberately using the wrong pronouns to refer to a transgender or non-binary person.

Riot Games has zero tolerance policy related to hate speech, discrimination and harassment. Keep evidence of these behaviors, such as screenshots, to help with the reporting of this person. The evidence can be added when you report the individual.

A close-up screenshot of the League of Legends in-game chat, highlighting a specific instance of hate speech directed towards an LGBTQ+ player. The surrounding text is blurred to focus on the offensive message.

Step 1: Document the Incident

The first and most crucial step in reporting harassment and discrimination is to document the incident thoroughly. This documentation will serve as evidence to support your report and help Riot Games take appropriate action. Here’s how to effectively document the incident.

Taking Screenshots

Capture screenshots of the offensive chat logs, messages, or any other form of communication where the harassment occurred. Make sure the screenshots clearly show the offending player’s username and the content of the harassment.

Recording Game Replays

If the harassment occurred through in-game actions or voice communication, record the game replay. Replays can provide valuable context and evidence of the offending player’s behavior.

It’s important to keep records of the time and date of the incident, names of the players involved, and any other relevant details. The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your report will be.

An LGBTQ+ League of Legends player sitting and looking frustrated by their screen, seemingly in reaction to an instance of hate speech occurring in a match. They may be taking a screenshot of the event.

Step 2: Utilize Riot Games’ Reporting Tools

Riot Games provides several in-game and out-of-game tools for reporting harassment and discrimination. Utilizing these tools is essential to bring the offending player’s behavior to the attention of Riot Games’ moderation team.

In-Game Reporting

During a match and after the game is finished, players have the ability to report other users for a variety of offensive behaviors or anything that goes against the game’s TOS or community guidelines.

Post-Game Reporting

After a match, you can report players through the post-game lobby. Select the offending player’s profile, click on the report button, and provide a detailed explanation of the harassment.

  • Accessing the Report Function: After the game, click on the offending player’s name.
  • Selecting the Appropriate Category: Choose the category that best describes the harassment, such as “hate speech” or “offensive language.”
  • Providing Detailed Explanation: Give a detailed account of what happened, including specific quotes and actions.

Reporting Through Riot Games Support

For more severe cases or incidents that occur outside of the game, you can submit a support ticket through Riot Games’ website. Attach any relevant screenshots or recordings to your ticket.

Step 3: Seek Support from LGBTQ+ Gaming Communities

Dealing with harassment and discrimination can be emotionally taxing. Seeking support from LGBTQ+ gaming communities can provide you with a safe space to share your experiences and receive encouragement.

Finding Safe Spaces Online

Online communities and forums dedicated to LGBTQ+ gamers can offer a supportive environment. These spaces often have moderators who ensure that discussions remain respectful and inclusive.

Sharing Your Experiences

Sharing your experiences with others can help you process your emotions and find solidarity. It can also raise awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ gamers and encourage others to report harassment.

LGBTQ+ gaming communities can offer advice on how to handle harassment, provide emotional support, and advocate for a more inclusive gaming environment within League of Legends.

Step 4: Advocate for Change Within the League of Legends Community

Beyond reporting individual incidents, advocating for change within the League of Legends community can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ players. Consider the ways that could make a real difference within the game itself.

Raising Awareness

Use your voice to raise awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ gamers. Share your experiences, write articles, or create videos to educate others about the importance of inclusivity and respect.

Promoting Inclusivity

Promote inclusivity by actively supporting LGBTQ+ players and allies. Create or join LGBTQ+ friendly clubs, participate in inclusive gaming events, and challenge discriminatory behavior whenever you see it.

By advocating for change, you can help create a gaming environment where all players feel safe, respected, and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Key Point Brief Description
📸 Document Incidents Take screenshots and record replays of harassment for evidence.
📣 Use Reporting Tools Report offenders in-game and via Riot Games Support.
🫂 Seek Community Support Connect with LGBTQ+ gaming communities for encouragement.
🛡️ Advocate for Change Raise awareness and promote inclusivity within the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of behavior should I report?

You should report any behavior that violates Riot Games’ community guidelines, including hate speech, targeted harassment, threats, and discriminatory remarks based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

How do I take a good screenshot for evidence?

Make sure the screenshot clearly shows the offending player’s username, the date and time of the incident, and the content of the harassing message. Crop out any unnecessary parts of the screen.

What if the harassment occurs outside of a game?

If the harassment occurs outside of a game, such as on social media or in a private message, take screenshots of the incident and submit a support ticket through Riot Games’ website with the evidence.

Where can I find LGBTQ+ gaming communities?

You can find LGBTQ+ gaming communities on platforms like Discord, Reddit, and various online forums dedicated to gaming. Search for groups that specifically mention LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

What actions can Riot Games take against the offender?

Riot Games can take various actions against offenders, including issuing warnings, temporary suspensions, permanent bans, and removal of privileges within the game. The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the offense.

Conclusion

Reporting harassment and discrimination as an LGBTQ+ player in League of Legends is a critical step in creating a more inclusive and respectful gaming environment. By documenting incidents, utilizing Riot Games’ reporting tools, seeking support from LGBTQ+ gaming communities, and advocating for change, you can contribute to a safer and more welcoming experience for all players.

Maria Eduarda

A journalism student and passionate about communication, she has been working as a content intern for 1 year and 3 months, producing creative and informative texts about decoration and construction. With an eye for detail and a focus on the reader, she writes with ease and clarity to help the public make more informed decisions in their daily lives.