Call me old fashioned but I believe the modern day obsession with equality and political correctness has no place in a fantasy world.
Fantasy intrigue and conflicts are driven by racism, brutality, and hatred. Elves and dwarfs should have issues getting along, halflings are fat, orcs are scum, drow are worse. Barmaids are buxom and blacksmiths are burly blokes. The Barbarian tribes of the north are brutal and illiterate, and their society is driven by male supremacy.
Give me the stereotypical fantasy realm and I'll be happy.