The biggest trans icon ever created has now been added to Jagex’s popular MMORPG RuneScape: The Blahaj.
As part of RuneScape’s 2024 Pride Event on PC and mobile, the game features a digital, legally distinct depiction of IKEA’s beloved shark plushie.
Players can earn and carry the virtual "Legally Distinct Shark Plush" around the world of Gielinor. There are multiple versions available, including a standard shark and ones representing various LGBTQ+ flags.
This plush is exclusive to RuneScape 3 and not available in Old School RuneScape. However, it serves as a meaningful and adorable Pride celebration for the game's community.
Over the past few years, the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the trans community, has adopted IKEA’s Blahaj plush. Initially a meme, the plush shark has become a cultural icon for transgender people worldwide.
Due to its popularity, IKEA has used the Blahaj as a mascot for LGBTQ+ rights. The company featured the Blahaj in advertisements supporting the Swiss Same-Sex Marriage Referendum in 2021 and created a special edition plush with trans flag colors for a giveaway in 2022.
Responses to RuneScape’s inclusion of this plush have been universally positive, especially from those in or supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
A viral post on Twitter from indie trans comics artist The Prettiest Platypus generated significant buzz.
“This made me run to the game, speedrun the event, and then finally finish grinding my attack to 50,” one fan said.
“Is this the signal that I was waiting for to play RuneScape?” another asked.
RuneScape has actively supported Pride for years, first hosting a Pride Event in 2017 and its first in-game Pride Parade in 2020 following worldwide restrictions on IRL events.
RuneScape is available to play for free on PC and mobile.