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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Jester David" data-source="post: 7697393" data-attributes="member: 37579">I don't know you. And odds are you're a decent guy. Someone who'd be welcome at my table and I'd be happy to play dice with. And you'd feel accepted there, because we're all gamers. This issue is not all groups are equally accepting. Not all groups would be happy at having a LGBTQ player. And such a player wouldn't know until they're at their house surrounded by them. Imagine looking for a new group, playing with them, and horror of realizing everyone at the table hates you for who you are and how you were born. Or not even just hates. Feels uncomfortable. Being at a table with people who you make uncomfortable doesn't make for a great gaming experience and isn't how you relax after a long work week.Picture being at a table with people who loved Force Awakens while you hated it (or vice versa). The references they make, the way they talk, it all just feels like a slight. But turn that up to 11, as it's not just a movie you liked but how you view yourself or people you love. I have some people at my table with different political views than mine. Which can get tricky, but we can avoid that issue. It's possible for the most part, but still requires active thought. It's much harder when it's your identity. We all should know this feeling of being unwelcome and outsiders, because I'm pretty sure we've all been the only gamer at work or a party. The gathering of friends of a friend. Maybe a geeky joke was made and you have to laugh and pretend not to be hurt inside. The person making the disparaging comment about D&D or video games or comic books, and you just want to scream at them but can't. But that's not the entire issue, because the game extends beyond just play at home. There's also public play. Game stores. Because that adds a rando element. Game stores need to actively work to be inclusive, and present themselves as a safe space.And there's representation in gaming publications. Which is a factor since two of the people involved in the panel work for major publishers. There can be some acknowledgement of ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and the like in the products. Seeing a character that is like you can be huge for groups and communities that have limited representation and role models. WotC has been better at including People of Colour in their art and products, but in the four adventures they've released for 5th Edition, how many transgender or homosexual or gender fluid characters have there been? In the end it's not just about making LGBTQ not an issue, but making everyone feel welcome in the hobby. Because gaming is awesome and we want everyone to game.</blockquote>

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