Jennifer English is a talented actress who has gained fame and recognition for her roles in video games such as Baldur’s Gate III, Elden Ring, and Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. She is also a proud member and supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and has been open about her sexuality and relationship with her girlfriend, Aliona Baranova.
In this article, we will explore Jennifer’s journey of discovering and embracing her identity, her love story with Aliona, and her achievements and challenges as a queer woman in the entertainment industry.
Jennifer English’s Sexuality
Jennifer has been open and proud about her sexuality and identifies as lesbian, queer, and gay. She has the LGBTQIA+ flag on her Instagram bio and often posts supportive messages for the community. She has also spoken candidly about her journey of self-discovery and acceptance and the challenges she faced growing up in a conservative environment.
Growing up queer in a heteronormative society
Jennifer English was born on May 30, 1983, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England. She grew up in a rural area, where she did not have much exposure to queer culture or representation. She did not know what queer meant until she was about 11 or 12 years old, and even then, the only time she heard the word ‘gay’ was as an insult. She said in an interview with Gayming Magazine.
Jennifer English struggled with her sexuality for a long time, and tried to fit in with the expectations of society. She dated men, and even got engaged to one in 2021, but she called off the wedding and ended the relationship after realizing that she was not happy or fulfilled. She said in an Instagram post:
I was engaged to a man for 9 years. I was unhappy for 9 years. I was living a lie for 9 years. I was scared for 9 years. I was ashamed for 9 years. I was in denial for 9 years. I was miserable for 9 years. I was lonely for 9 years. I was lost for 9 years.
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Finding love and happiness with Aliona Baranova
English’s life changed for the better when she met Aliona Baranova, an actress and performance director, on the set of Baldur’s Gate III in 2021. Aliona, who identifies as bisexual and queer, was the Mocap Performance Director for the game, and Jennifer was cast as the voice and motion capture actor for Shadowheart, one of the main characters. The two hit it off instantly, and developed a strong bond and chemistry. Jennifer said in an interview with Dan Allen Gaming Clips:
We met on the first day of rehearsals, and we just clicked. We had this connection that was undeniable. And we became really good friends, and then we became more than friends. And it was just the most natural thing in the world.
Jennifer and Aliona have been dating since December 2021, and have been sharing their love and happiness with their fans and followers on social media. They have posted pictures and videos of their adventures, such as traveling, hiking, camping, and flying in a hot air balloon. They have also streamed their gameplay of Baldur’s Gate III, and interacted with their community online. Jennifer said in an Instagram post:
Am I done with being a social media hermit? WHO KNOWS BABES. Here’s a picture of me and my beautiful girlfriend in a motherfucking hot air balloon because why not. Hello friends I might be back. This year’s been weird but I’m vibing with it.
Jennifer English’s Career
Jennifer is an actress who has been working in the video game industry since 2017. She has voiced and performed several characters in various games, such as Leya and Various in Divinity: Original Sin II, Willa in Augmented Empire, Nicky in Don’t Mention the B Word, Latenna in Elden Ring, and Bliss in Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. She has also appeared in a TV series called The Killer Beside Me, where she played Sandy Berfield.
However, her most notable role to date is Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate III, a role-playing game developed by Larian Studios and based on the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. Shadowheart is a mysterious and sarcastic half-elf cleric, who joins the player’s party after they both survive a mind flayer attack. She has a complex and intriguing backstory, and a potential romance with the player, regardless of their gender.
Jennifer English has received a lot of praise and recognition for her performance as Shadowheart, both from critics and fans. She has been nominated for several awards, such as the Golden Joystick Awards, the Game Awards, and the BAFTA Games Awards, for her voice acting and motion capture. She has also gained a large and loyal fan base, who admire her talent, charisma, and personality.
English has also been involved in other aspects of the video game industry, such as hosting events, attending conventions, and giving interviews. She has also been vocal about her views on topics such as diversity, inclusion, and representation in video games, and has advocated for more opportunities and recognition for women and LGBTQIA+ people in the industry.
Becoming a video game icon and a queer role model
Jennifer has not only found love and happiness with Aliona, but also success and recognition as an actress. She has voiced and performed several characters in video games, such as Latenna in Elden Ring, Bliss in Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, and various roles in Divinity: Original Sin II and Augmented Empire. However, her most notable and beloved role is Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate III, a game that has been praised for its inclusivity and diversity of characters and romance options. Shadowheart is a mysterious and complex character, who is also a lesbian and a potential love interest for female players.
Jennifer English has received a lot of positive feedback and support from the fans of Baldur’s Gate III, especially from the queer community, who have appreciated her portrayal of Shadowheart and her authenticity as a queer woman. She has also used her platform to raise awareness and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and causes, such as Pride Month, Transgender Day of Remembrance, and the Trevor Project.
She said: I feel very honored and humbled to be a part of this community, and to be able to represent it in some way. I think it’s really important to be visible and vocal, and to show that there’s nothing wrong with being queer, and that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. I think it’s also important to be supportive and inclusive, and to celebrate the diversity and beauty of this community.
Jennifer is an actress, a lesbian, a girlfriend, and a video game icon. She has overcome many challenges and hardships in her life, and has found her true self and happiness with Aliona Baranova. She has also achieved success and recognition as an actress, and has become a role model and inspiration for many queer fans and gamers. She is a shining example of how to live authentically and proudly, and how to love unconditionally and passionately. She is Jennifer English, and she is absolutely fabulous.
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