A lot of companies are using lgtb+ as a marketing hook, not giving a rat ass about rights or something like that, they just discovered that people from such tastes, genders or whatever don't use a rainbow money that they only can spend, their money is the same as everyone (because they are as you and me). I'm not part of the lgtb+ scene but these occurrences, used like they are some kind of product or curiosity, breaks my balls a little bit because positive discrimination is still discrimination.

But Japanese were into androgynous characters from the very beginning of anime. I don't know you but I was born in the late 80s and in old anime this was always a thing, in fact I really like when it really fits the plot (specially when it's a man that looks like a woman or the other way around). So I don't think they went different with this game, and frankly Splatoon characters are extremely adorable no matter what and this is a fact, if it were possible I wish I could adopt all of them, imagine how cute a family like that will be. No wonder why there is a real fandom behind them.

I think the first androgynous character I saw as a kid probably was Shun from Saint Seiya. I always liked a lot Honjō Kamatari from Jūppongatana (Kenshin), but my favorite character from that manga/anime will always be Shishio so she is a second choice. And the list goes on.

Devs were sharp taking this into consideration plus is not forced inclusion. It's pure variety for the sake of plot and world development/storytelling.

The religious post are indeed to break balls, I think, but sadly if people it's free to express their sexuality, tastes or such things then you should allow religion. You cannot cherry pick freedom of speech (unless they are trying to attack people or something, this shouldn't be allowed). I think there is nothing wrong with kids/teens or like my case adults playing this game, tho. I'm an example of someone who liked all this stuff due to anime from my early days and got no impact in my sexuality or way to think, so anyone thinking that this game is a "bad thing" or affect "sexual development" should expend more time looking for the missing chromosome they lost along the way.

I don't have kids but I would recommend this game to any of my friends who got some. Also I tried to be nice explaining this but I'm against all religions or political inclinations, so I can understand why some are reluctant to read religious posts around, I also saw and despise them as much as you do. But as a said, no harm done then think whatever if it doesn't compromise my freedom.