Gay men or women who play D&D

[Urbannen]

I've just noticed this thread, so I thought I'd throw in my two cents worth - sorry no Mormon references, though.

For one, I didn't know that there were many gay gamers at all. My experience gaming as a gay guy is that I always have to restrain myself somewhat in my choices. I am not out to the group I play as I don't know them well outside of gaming. I would probably almost always play female characters, except that I think it would not be well-viewed. I have always identified more with female super-heroes and the like. I also like cutesy characters like fairies and stupid halflings, even though most people wouldn't necessarily think that when they see me - I'm pretty reserved and conservative-looking. (Well, at least I think there should always be cutesy characters thrown in any campaign for common/cute relief, like in a lot of animé. A lot of straight guys don't like that kind of stuff at all.) I also always get the feeling that some straight gamer guys pick up on the fact I'm gay and are somewhat put off by it at first - but maybe that's just my Asperger's kicking in.

I would love to learn more about the yahoo gaymer groups.

 

[Kesh]

My two coppers...

I happen to be bi, myself. The subject hasn't come up in any of my game groups, but I'd love to play a particular gay character I have envisioned. His orientation wouldn't be something that really comes up much, but it is important to his background & history.

Maybe, if I can find the right group, I'll try playing him.

 

[Benben]

I would love to learn more about the yahoo gaymer groups.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gaymers/

I'm a lurker, don't think I've even introduced myself to the list, but the environment is very friendly and welcoming.

Come join us.

 

[fusangite]

In my gaming world, the only young men who are divinely called to serve as Paladins are gay. It's an idea I arrived-at with my longest-term gaming associate (he's played in all of my games, and I in his since 1987) who is gay. He's independently written some fabulously funny documents on what it means to "be a Paladin" -- in a totally allusive medieval variant of modern office-speak so as to never directly state anything about Paladin sexuality.

Anyway, I have two gay players in the campaign I'm running right now; I'd certainly be interested in any ideas on any other ways of integrating homosexuality into the fantasy genre.

Looking at the posts from last year in this thread, I also can't resist remarking that from 1997-2002, I ran two Mormon-themed campaigns, one set in North AMerican in 1237, the other in 1990.

 

[tleilaxu]

one of the members of my group is gay

 

[tleilaxu]

We hear of Gay bashing but i dont recall a baptist or mormon bashing.

i've got plenty of material if you are interested....


(editted in magical smiley)

 

[Argent Silvermage]

What are the feeling of those of us on the East Coast meeting some time. I live in Philly and would be happy to accomodate people for an overnight visit. or we could meet in NYC or DC. any thoughts?

 

[lord irial]

Re: My two coppers...

I happen to be bi, myself. The subject hasn't come up in any of my game groups, but I'd love to play a particular gay character I have envisioned. His orientation wouldn't be something that really comes up much, but it is important to his background & history.

Maybe, if I can find the right group, I'll try playing him.

I know a couple of gay gamers in Anchorage, Kesh, having lived there myself for a couple years (and I and my gaming bf plan on moving back in a few years- to stay, this time). PM me, and I'll try to come up with their contact info.

 

[lord irial]

Anyway, I have two gay players in the campaign I'm running right now; I'd certainly be interested in any ideas on any other ways of integrating homosexuality into the fantasy genre.

One of my gay friends in San Francisco ran a super-hero game where the virus that caused mutations, and thus super-powers, affected only those who were genetically inclined to be gay. Thus, all super-heroes and super-villains were gay, bi, or lesbian (though of course, some were in bitter denial - angst makes for better villainy).

 

[Coreyartus]

I would echo the sentiments of some of the earlier posters about the gaymers list on Yahoo. This is the description of what it is from the home page:


If you’ve often wondered whether you’re the only G/L/Bi/Tv/Tr interested in roleplaying or other entertainment-style games, we’re here to tell you you aren’t alone. “Gaymers” is a non-political roundtable for queer folks and their supporters who’re into gaming. This includes anyone with interests in collectable card games like Magic or Pokemon, roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons, Vampire or Star Trek, board games like Roborally or Kill Dr. Lucky, or even strategy games including Axis and Allies. Heck, we’ll even throw in electronic games from consoles to computers just to get everyone involved. Just one warning, however: We will not tolerate gay-bashing or homophobic remarks. That’s a one-strike-and-you’re-outta-here rule.__ Otherwise, join in, keep your comments civil and friendly and get to know your brothers and sisters with the same interests as yourself.


I, for one, have found the list fantastically helpful. For example, I now know what products and companies are more gay-friendly than others, and can throw my monetary support towards those companies not afraid to provide product that includes my interests. I know what books have been release recently that feature gay characters, and I know of websites that can be referred to for pages and pages of gay-oriented fantasy and horror literature. I know that there are industry professionals that take a sincere interest in my opinions on how to reach out to the gay consumer, because they've joined our list and simply asked us. I know that there are gay industry insiders with their own companies, creating product that speaks to us inclusively.

The list is a way of making sure word-of-mouth spreads, and that we can support those people who support us. It's a validation that yes, others feel the same way you do, and your aren't alone. It's a help guide for personal interaction with your gaming group, as well as a connection to other gaymers that might be looking for a gaming group to play with. The list is honest, unpretentious, non-flaming (ironically), generous, and sincere.

This is sounding like an unabashed plug for the list (like we win a prize for the most members? sheesh....), but so what. If anyone else has any gay-oriented websites they'd like to mention, go for it. It's important that we share as much as we can, so we never have to feel isolated again.

Just my two cents!

--Coreyartus