Sexuality

Sexuality is defined as one's sexual orientation, activity, and capacity for accompanying feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors toward others.
It is a theme in the Fallout series that has also been embedded into gameplay mechanics; Fallout 2 is considered one of the earliest video games to allow same-sex marriage, and began the introduction of non-heterosexual characters into the series. Fallout: New Vegas has sleeping partners as well as the perks Cherchez La Femme and Confirmed Bachelor. 
Additionally, Fallout: New Vegas expanded on sexuality with the introduction of the first known non-binary characters in the series, Doctor Dala. Fallout 76 would also later add both Burke and Orlando. For a detailed breakdown and history of LGBT representation in the series, please see this article.
==Background==
The New California Republic prohibits persecution and discrimination on the basis of sexuality, but some service members, such as Major Knight, still attempt to hide their orientation in order to avoid any potential scrutiny from peers.The Courier: "[Confirmed Bachelor] You didn't tell me your name."Knight: ""The Courier: "What do you mean?"Knight: " "The Courier: "Didn't realize NCR was so spineless."Knight: "Now wait a minute - Republic's a sight better than... other alternatives. Women are serving here, after all. The rest... well, might take some time. And they're more accepting back West, like I said. In the meantime..."The Courier: "Forget it, then, you're a waste of time."Knight: "Wait... wait a minute. Look. Some things in the NCR are... aren't ideal. But I want to help. "The Courier: "So is that a "no," you don't want to be friends, or..."Knight: "I... would, perhaps some other time. When my orders take me to Vegas, perhaps. Wish things were different, but might take some time. "(Knight's dialogue)Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide Collector's Edition p. 457: "New California Republic; EqualityBy law, the NCR prohibits persecution and discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or religious belief (so long as said religion does not advocate violence). Legal protection of Ghouls and other mutants was added in 2205, though enforcement of these rights has been spotty. For the most part, the NCR's practices live up to its ideals, but there has been some retrenchment since the death of President Tandi. Aaron Kimball's popularity was amplified by a reactionary undercurrent, especially among males, calling out a need for a "strong man" to lead the NCR forward. In the years since Kimball took office, male military officers have been promoted disproportionately to females, and discourse arguing the differences between males and females has reappeared."(Fallout: New Vegas Official Game Guide/Behind the Bright Lights & Big City) Other NCR service members speak about their sexuality freely, such as Dr. Alex Richards at Camp Forlorn Hope, who will express to a male Courier that he is "always a sucker for a pretty face" or exclaim that "the room just got a little bit hotter" when the Courier approaches.Alex Richards: "I'm always a sucker for a pretty face. What can I do for you, my fine dear?"Alex Richards: "I think it just got a little bit hotter in here. Is there something I can do for you?"Alex Richards" "There's my little buttercup. What can I do for you?"(Alex Richard's dialogue) Corporal Betsy will boldly express her interest, imagining out loud a female Courier and herself "at Gomorrah, rolled up in those silk sheets" and mentions she has leave coming up, and to let her know if they will be around.Corporal Betsy: "You and me at Gomorrah, rolled up in those silk sheets. I got leave coming up in a bit, so let me know if you'll be around."(Corporal Betsy's dialogue)
Other institutions, such as the Brotherhood of Steel, are more pragmatic concerning sexuality as a whole, focused on procreation.The Courier: "What happened?"Veronica Santangelo: "She left the Brotherhood. Wanted to put some distance between herself and her parents. Since our membership isn't open to outsiders, some members think that obligates all of us to procreate. You can guess which camp her parents belonged to."(Veronica Santangelo's dialogue) In the Eastern division of the Brotherhood, physical relationships are regulated by way of prohibiting fraternization with local individuals.Kells: ""(Kells' dialogue)Cade: " "The Sole Survivor: "That happens often enough for you to have a question about it?"Cade: " Fortunately, the Brotherhood finds that type of behavior absolutely distasteful. Since you haven't spent too much time in the wasteland, I'll assume your answer is 'no.'"(Cade's dialogue)The Prydwen terminal entries; Knight-Captain Cade's terminal, Medical File OG-133ES [Treated] Members of Caesar's Legion have the same expectations, but their society does not offer the same free will. Legionaries must meet child count quotas but even if so, still choose to be discreet with partners, lest they face consequences including death.The Courier: "Sounds like life in the Legion is tough."Jimmy: "It's tough on both sides of the fence, really. I think women have it worse. They're like money, given as rewards. Honestly, as long as men meet obligations and the child count, "friendships" are a sight more equal than the level of most Legion husbands and wives."(Jimmy's dialogue) In case of suspicion, legionaries may try to dispose of evidence by murdering their partners.The Courier: "I hear you were a slave of Caesar's Legion."Jimmy: "What Marco said is true. The Legion attacked my village when I was 16. My parents were killed as examples. The rest of us, chained and dragged to some kind of camp. A Centurion there chose me as his tent servant. He was handsome, and gentle, most of the time. Said it was our secret, and he'd protect me. Gave me little gifts, stupid things. But Caesar punishes homosexuality with death, and we nearly got caught, and there were suspicions. So when he took me out into the desert... Well, I knew he was going to get rid of me. So I kicked him where it counts and I ran. And then swam. And ran some more. Wound up here."(Jimmy's dialogue) Sexual norms in the Legion are a source of speculation among wastelanders.The Courier: "[Confirmed Bachelor] As long as we keep it on that level."Rose of Sharon Cassidy: " "(Rose of Sharon Cassidy's dialogue)The Courier: "Any thoughts about Caesar's Legion?"Veronica Santangelo: "Silliest dressed band of raping, slaving marauders you'll see east of California, I'll say that. Where's that touch of Old World class? Although I hear the soldiers mount each other as much as they mount their women, so maybe they did keep a little something from the Empire. No such privilege for the women, though. Figures. So... to answer your question... they're a bunch of hypocritical jerkwads. "(Veronica Santangelo's dialogue)
Indifference is also a common attitude, with prostitution and escorts employed more prevalently than outlawed, and robots such as Fisto utilized for the purpose."Slavery, gambling, and prostitution are not permitted within city limits."(Bulletin board sign)Beatrix Russell: "I'm all boot knives and leather, friend - and a ghoul, besides. What kind of weirdo wants what I've got?"The Courier: "Turns out there are customers looking for someone just like you."Beatrix Russell: "Weirdos into bullwhips and necrosis, eh? Doesn't sound half-bad... What am I thinking? I'm no whore, and I ain't about to hand my ass over to some penny-ante hustler like he owns me."The Courier: "You'd be an independent - with a deep discount on the booze, maybe?"Beatrix Russell: "[SUCCEEDED] Hmm. They do have a damn good selection of hooch over at the Wrangler. Tell the Garrets I'll stop by to work out terms."(Beatrix Russel's dialogue)The Courier: "Thing is, Fisto's a *heavy-duty* piece of equipment, built to last...[Barter 40]"James Garret: "[SUCCEEDED] You're right, you're right! Something like this, it's worth a little extra because it's going to keep on satisfying you... Those disgusting fetishists, I mean. Something wrong with someone if they got to fuck a machine."(James Garret's dialogue) Valued employees of the Bishops can expect to have their orientation accommodated without prejudice by the family head.John Bishop: "Not exactly... (Smiles.) What I got is an OFFER: How about becoming part of the Family? I got big plans, and I could use you: you're resourceful, tough, and you get things DONE. That's the kind of soldier I need."The Chosen One: "I'm interested. What's in it for me?"John Bishop: "All right then, bottom line:"John Bishop: "You got a taste for women? I can make sure you're NEVER lonely again. Maybe you don't like the bitches, that's fine, I'll get you some glitterboys you can park your meat in."John Bishop: "You got any young stud you fancy? I'll set you up with all the pretty boys you want. Or maybe you swing the other way, eh? I'll make sure you have a partner for every day of the week."The Chosen One: "Keep talking."John Bishop: "You like to fly, get high, wire up? I can get you all of that. You want weapons, new hardware, a better piece of iron to plug some schlep with? All that bullshit…yours. IF… (Raises a finger.) IF you join the family."(John Bishop's dialogue) New Vegas' ruling force, Mr. House, mirrors the sentiment of the Bishops, stating that he cares little for what people do in their private time, focusing only on how they can contribute to his goals of technological and economic prosperity.The Courier: "What's to keep you from abusing your power?"Robert House: "My judgement. I have no interest in abusing others, just as I have no interest in legislating or otherwise dictating what people do in their private time."(Robert House's dialogue) Some living in Vaults likewise prioritize genetic diversity in terms of procreation.The Lone Wanderer: "You simply don't have enough people to stay isolated down here forever."Alphonse Almodovar: "I admit, in the 200 years since the war, our numbers have dwindled a little. But we have enough genetic diversity for... a few more generations. My God, you're right. We won't last another hundred years, whether or not we get supplies from the outside. We're the last bastion of pure humanity, and we're doomed."(Alphonse Almodovar's dialogue)
==Characters==
===LGBTQIA+===
:Note: This list excludes some characters due to categorization. See Romanceable companions and "No gender required" under Other relationships.
;Fallout 2
* Miria and Davin, children of Grisham, are both bisexual.
*Leslie Anne Bishop is bisexual.
*Francis may be gay or bisexual.
;Fallout 3
* Carol, a ghoul in a relationship with Greta.
* Greta, a ghoul in a relationship with Carol.
* Anthony Ling, a gay proprietor living at Tenpenny Tower.
* Flak and Shrapnel, a same-sex couple with a stall at Rivet City.
;Fallout: New Vegas
* Veronica Santangelo, former girlfriend of Christine Royce.
* Arcade Gannon, can be recruited with Confirmed Bachelor.
* Rose of Sharon Cassidy, mentions not caring who she shares a bed with when drunkRose of Sharon Cassidy: "Oh. Damn, no offense meant. Sometimes I get so drunk, I don't care who I share a bed with, so that's fine with me."(Rose of Sharon Cassidy's dialogue)
* Alex Richards, flirts with a male Courier with the Confirmed Bachelor perk.
* Corporal Betsy, flirts with a female Courier.
* Jimmy, had a relationship with a male centurion in Caesar's Legion.
* Major Knight, discretely responds to a male Courier's advances.
* Manny Vargas, responds positively to a male Courier flirting with him.
* Elaine, mentioned in a letter as missing Angela's kisses.
* Angela, see above.
* Dobson O'Gill, was in a love triangle with Alan Dalton and Jenny DeSoto.
* Alan Dalton, was in a love triangle with Dobson O'Gill and Jenny DeSoto.
* Christine Royce, former girlfriend of Veronica Santangelo.
* Doctor Dala, the first known non-binary character in the series.
;Fallout 4
* Mel, exclusively flirts with a male Sole Survivor.
* Deb, wife of Kay (Creation Kit only, not alluded to in-game, though they share a residence).
* Kay, wife of Deb (Creation Kit only, not alluded to in-game, though they share a residence).
* Duff, in a relationship with Professor Scara.
* Professor Scara, in a relationship with Duff.
* Miranda Song, was in a relationship with a woman who left her.
* Andre Michaud, husband of John.
* John, husband of Andre Michaud.
* Keith McKinney, confesses to being in love with Ezra Parker.
* Lily Bell, partner of Mary Jane.
* Mary Jane, partner of Lily Bell.
; Fallout 76
* Miguel Caldera, boyfriend of Garry Wilkins.
* Garry Wilkins, boyfriend of Miguel Caldera.
* Freddie Lang, girlfriend of Lucie.
* Lucie, girlfriend of Freddie Lang.
* Kelly, was attracted to Anya.
* Deborah Timmerman, partner of Shelley van Lowe.
* Shelley van Lowe, partner of Deborah Timmerman.
* Catherine, ex-partner of the Settler wanderer.
* Settler wanderer, mentions having both female and male ex-partners.
* Gnash, mentions having a preference for "bad boys".
* Johnny Weston, mentions to the player character that he does not mind "shacking up" with them, regardless of gender.
* Burke, the second known non-binary character in the series.
* Katherine Swan, mentions having an ex-girlfriend.
* Xerxo, expresses openness to intimacy with the player character, regardless of gender.Vault Dweller: "I'm probably going to regret this. Fine, let's do this."Xerxo: "Well, as flattered as I am by the proposition, I'm only allowed to perform the ancient Zebulonian love dance with high ranking government officials. If you would like, however, we can stand near each other, and exchange nearby gases. I understand that is what qualifies as intimacy among your species."(Xerxo's dialogue)
* Orlando, identifies as non-binary.
* Longing refugee, mentions having an imprisoned wife.
* Pete Myers, shown to be questioning his sexuality.A Vault Dweller: "So, you're just not into women?"Pete Myers: "I dunno, maybe not? Or maybe I am? This wasteland is complicated enough. Trying to understand myself too? Oof. But, hey, good talk, right?"(Pete Myers' dialogue)
; Van Buren
* Dorris, her sexuality is deliberately vague, but she is rumoured to prefer women.
* Mary-Joe, a bisexual trog.
* Trisha, presumably bisexual, uses sex with both males and females to further her interests.
===Romanceable companions===
Some companions and allies in Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 respectively can be romanced via the affinity gameplay mechanic, regardless of the player character's gender.
===Other relationships===
Player characters can also engage in physical relationships with other characters outside of the affinity mechanic, listed below.
;Specific gender required
;No gender required
==Rating==
In Fallout 2, any sexual act is tied to an unique sex rating mechanic, determined by primary statistics and optional perks, traits, and reputation titles such as Sex Appeal, Kama Sutra Master, Sexpert, and Gigolo. A calculation of the player character's current stats takes place every time they have sex. 
\frac{(CH * 50 + EN * 25 + AG * 13 + ST * 12)}{100}+(\star)\ge{9}
The formula named "obj_sex_rating" in the game files produces a number 1 through 15, the numbers rounding up and down. The higher the number, the more favorable the outcome. Ratings include great (9) required for porn star or gigolo reputation title, good (7), normal (5), bad (3), and horrible (2). The star is the formula is for sex perks, the following of which grant these bonuses to the formula check, including +2 with Kama Sutra Master, +2 if a Sexpert, and +1 with Sex Appeal.
==Appearances==
Themes of sexuality appear in Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, Fallout 76 and Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel.
==Behind the scenes==
Fallout: New Vegas game director Joshua Sawyer came up with the idea of creating perks for various sexualities, including Confirmed Bachelor and Cherchez La Femme.Q&A session with Josh Sawyer during a live charity stream. (reference begins at 10:12:23)
==See also==
* Prostitution
==References==
Non-game
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