How Could VR be Used to Help More People Understand the LGBTQ Community?
VR is no longer a niche technology and is slowly creeping into the mainstream. When it becomes an essential household item, it will bring about new methods of promoting inclusivity and could be great for the LGBTQ community.
There’s a strong chance that VR will provide a unique medium for people of all backgrounds to share their stories and celebrate their triumphs in an immersive way. It could allow others to see the world through the lens of an LGBTQ person so they can empathise with them more.
VR Likely to be Mainstream by End of Decade
The virtual reality (VR) market is experiencing rapid growth and significant technological advancements, with projections indicating continued expansion through the next decade. As of 2024, the global VR market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 32.37% from 2024 to 2030, reaching a substantial value of $105.89 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by increasing adoption across various sectors including education, healthcare, and industrial applications (Research Markets).
For VR to enter the mainstream, it will require the backing of major online industries. The online casino sector is usually the earliest adopter of technological developments, with live streaming a prime example of this. One of the most popular ways to play casino games is live casino in Canada, with players able to choose between games like Dragon Tiger and VIP Roulette with real world dealers. These games are already immersive, but the next step is for VR to make them even more engaging. Once the online casino sector adopts VR, it will become mainstream quickly.
Bridging the Empathy Gap With Immersive Storytelling
VR could give people the chance to experience the lives of other people, by literally getting into their shoes. There could be a new form of storytelling that involves the viewer being there at the centre of the story. This could provide LBGTQ filmmakers and television producers with a fantastic new opportunity to share stories from the community in a highly immersive way.
Suppose people from outside the LGBTQ sphere are able to experience some of the trials and tribulations that those in the community regularly face. In that case, it may lead to greater empathy and understanding.
There’s already been one great example of this with Out of Exile: Daniel’s Story. It follows the path of a young gay man who is alienated from his community after coming out. Those who watched it were able to feel a deeper understanding of the social isolation that many people face.
As VR technology becomes more accessible, its potential to influence social attitudes will grow. There’s no doubt that it’s a powerful platform with plenty of potential, and this goes beyond storytelling as well. For instance, it could offer new opportunities for meetups and events to promote LGBTQ awareness.
There’s no doubt that VR is an exciting development, and it could be highly beneficial for LGBTQ people to get their message across. Over the next few years, the technology should creep into the mainstream.
