when a games conference main goal ceases to be about the games, I think it becomes something else. and that something else is no bad thing.
San Fran. Hosts GAYMERX, The World's First Gay Video Gamer Convention Last Weekend
- Thread starter lenovox1
- Start date
when a games conference main goal ceases to be about the games, I think it becomes something else. and that something else is no bad thing.
DigitalSmoke
Banned
My picture is that id like to see us all just join a non racial/sexual/sexual prefference branded convention, because
as soon as any of the types are named within the title, it states a public prefference.
How am I not seeing "The bigger picture" ?
Your convention takes place at the end of a rainbow, and is hosted by a unicorn.
That is to say that it's unrealistically idealistic.
ZombiePlatypus
Member
A vanilla gaming convention will always be the main convention by default because the other shows are niche and attract smaller numbers. People will still flock together to stuff like E3 cause that's where all the big stuff will go down. These smaller shows serve a completely different purpose.
Midnight Moon
Banned
http://www.facebook.com/houstongaymers
I think that page works not really sure. But yeah it's a monthly event where gay (or straight) gamers get together and drink, play games, meet other guys/girls, etc.
It's fun I had a blast last time.
I think that page works not really sure. But yeah it's a monthly event where gay (or straight) gamers get together and drink, play games, meet other guys/girls, etc.
It's fun I had a blast last time. Pound_lb003
Member
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realise that while long-term societal acceptance will become a reality, it currently is not. That is why conventions like this exist - because the the current LGBT community probably won't be alive to see the extinction of hetero-normativity.
Maybe Holland is indeed in front of the herd, with London behind in that regard (I actually don't think so), but if that's the case this argument probably won't end with an agreement unless you acknowledge it's not as peachy everywhere - and isn't at an advanced enough stage for you to question the existence of a convention like it.
ViewtifulJC
Banned
SmokeyDave...
Poltergust
Member
Because you are completely forgetting that discrimination exists.
What you'd like to see is not physically possible in the world we currently live in, which is why events like these are necessary.
Tell me, why do you think Gay Pride parades are held?
Massive Duck. C.M.
Banned
I hope the NSA is getting this down, so in the future when children take a virtual library tour, they can show that humanity used to be much less advanced, and make the children feel better about how far they've come.
I think the main focus of the conference was gaming? EA and Bioware talked about games. The whole point was to create a place for gamers to gather in a judgment free place. It doesn't seem like the actual focus was gay rights, etc.
TurnipFritters
Member
http://www.facebook.com/houstongaymers
I think that page works not really sure. But yeah it's a monthly event where gay (or straight) gaymers get together and drink, play games, meet other guys/girls, etc.
Yes but why is it necessary to get together with other GLBT people who share your interests and have fun???
Circle Jerk
Member
Because people who are LGBT have told you MULTIPLE TIMES why it needs to exist yet you still refuse to listen to them. How do you not get that?
For the costumes, obviously!
In gaming communities the two biggest groups that are picked on are females and gay people. The reason for a convention like this is that it's safer to go there than say E3 or PAX. I know a gay couple that actively have to avoid being seen at events because they're scared of being beaten up or talked down to by people (which happened a few times for them). It's not key that it's a separate event, but rather that it's a safe one. If E3 and PAX didn't have any homophobes I think there wouldn't be a reason for something like this. By that same reasoning I wouldn't mind having a female oriented gaming convention, or any other minority group that doesn't feel safe in a general convention.
DigitalSmoke
Banned
What are you talking about i replied to 3 people, not even counting this one, relax.
This was a GAY GAMERS convention NOT A GAMES CONVENTION
Why do people don't get this?
TheHollowNight
Member
Reading through this thread has been a bit of a roller coaster.
On one hand I'm glad my membership was accepted after the lengthy wait (yay!), because it seems the majority of people in this forum are pretty grounded with these sorts of topics (pretty difficult to find considering the mentality of a lot of gaming culture on the internet).
On the other hand, I do find it unsettling that some people contest against the idea of having such conventions as GAYMER. People dishing out the tried and tested "gaming conventions aren't exclusively straight so what gives?" response clearly do not understand the reasoning, because they simply aren't affected by it themselves. Of course all games conventions are open to people of any sexuality, but do they actively cater to these niche audiences? Nope. As much as I'd love for this to be a null issue, it just isn't. To ignore the problem, is not solving the problem. There's no progress being made within our community of a shared passion. You'd be a fool to believe discrimination over sexuality/gender doesn't bubble under the surface in Western society.
The games industry & the conventions that are typically held are so geared towards the young hetero male audience, it's quite suffocating. I say all this - and I really shouldn't have to - as a straight guy, and a games developer myself. I've been to expos in the past, and find things like the presence of 'booth babes' quite bizarre (yes, I know they are trying to phase that kind of thing out). But it's all so straight/male-orientated. The marketing, the PR, the games, the majority of attendees. It may not be explicit, but I can totally understand why some people wouldn't feel comfortable in that environment.
The industry is very content at supplying this to the market, that it marginalizes those niche audiences from ever getting represented. I'm sure event organizers are trying to do their best, but for the time being - at least until it's a more openly accepted facet of the gaming community - these specialized expos most definitely need to exist.
Have you ever been harassed for being a straight guy/girl? Nope. What do you feel most younger gay gamers first experiences would be on something like Xbox Live? How degrading would it be to just be slandered by foul-mouthed kids over something so trivial like your sexuality? You have to take this shit into consideration. I mean it's hard enough being female in this industry - as a gamer, journalist or a developer. Factor in how poorly women have been represented both in actual videogames or the development side, then scale it down way further. I can't remember off the top of my head a gay lead character in a game.
We've got a long way to go, and it's something that affects all sides of the industry and it's culture. i expect some people to pull the "white knight" card, so be it. Some people find comfort in their own ignorance. But I'd rather be actively engaged in an open discussion than let it stagnate. Wish I could've went to the event!
On a lighter note, that Still Alive video was just too darn sweet, I think I melted from happiness at the end
TL
R Let people be happy & feel comfortable in a positive, shared environment, that ISN'T excluding anyone. Not much to ask is it?
On one hand I'm glad my membership was accepted after the lengthy wait (yay!), because it seems the majority of people in this forum are pretty grounded with these sorts of topics (pretty difficult to find considering the mentality of a lot of gaming culture on the internet).
On the other hand, I do find it unsettling that some people contest against the idea of having such conventions as GAYMER. People dishing out the tried and tested "gaming conventions aren't exclusively straight so what gives?" response clearly do not understand the reasoning, because they simply aren't affected by it themselves. Of course all games conventions are open to people of any sexuality, but do they actively cater to these niche audiences? Nope. As much as I'd love for this to be a null issue, it just isn't. To ignore the problem, is not solving the problem. There's no progress being made within our community of a shared passion. You'd be a fool to believe discrimination over sexuality/gender doesn't bubble under the surface in Western society.
The games industry & the conventions that are typically held are so geared towards the young hetero male audience, it's quite suffocating. I say all this - and I really shouldn't have to - as a straight guy, and a games developer myself. I've been to expos in the past, and find things like the presence of 'booth babes' quite bizarre (yes, I know they are trying to phase that kind of thing out). But it's all so straight/male-orientated. The marketing, the PR, the games, the majority of attendees. It may not be explicit, but I can totally understand why some people wouldn't feel comfortable in that environment.
The industry is very content at supplying this to the market, that it marginalizes those niche audiences from ever getting represented. I'm sure event organizers are trying to do their best, but for the time being - at least until it's a more openly accepted facet of the gaming community - these specialized expos most definitely need to exist.
Have you ever been harassed for being a straight guy/girl? Nope. What do you feel most younger gay gamers first experiences would be on something like Xbox Live? How degrading would it be to just be slandered by foul-mouthed kids over something so trivial like your sexuality? You have to take this shit into consideration. I mean it's hard enough being female in this industry - as a gamer, journalist or a developer. Factor in how poorly women have been represented both in actual videogames or the development side, then scale it down way further. I can't remember off the top of my head a gay lead character in a game.
We've got a long way to go, and it's something that affects all sides of the industry and it's culture. i expect some people to pull the "white knight" card, so be it. Some people find comfort in their own ignorance. But I'd rather be actively engaged in an open discussion than let it stagnate. Wish I could've went to the event!
On a lighter note, that Still Alive video was just too darn sweet, I think I melted from happiness at the end
TL
R Let people be happy & feel comfortable in a positive, shared environment, that ISN'T excluding anyone. Not much to ask is it?And if they had those conventions how would it effect you and your hobby?
Let me see if I can break this down to those of my fellow straight folks who don't seem to get it:
What if every Con was Gay Gamer Con?
What if every Con consisted only of pushing new games, talking about general gaming things, and talking about gay gaming subjects with only the occasional bone thrown to straight gamers once every few years?
They never talked about the portrayal of straight men in games as objects to be lusted after and dominated by a proper gay male and shown the "right way".
They never talked about the lack of straight romance options in games that allowed romances.
They never talked about the lack of straight characters in games in prominent roles.
What if every single event at these conventions had an implicit LGBT undertone?
Wouldn't you want a convention you could go to where these things could be talked about and you could have those talks in an environment that felt comfortable and accepting.
TL;DR
IF EVERY CON WAS GAY CON, WOULDN'T YOU WANT A STRAIGHT CON?
What if every Con was Gay Gamer Con?
What if every Con consisted only of pushing new games, talking about general gaming things, and talking about gay gaming subjects with only the occasional bone thrown to straight gamers once every few years?
They never talked about the portrayal of straight men in games as objects to be lusted after and dominated by a proper gay male and shown the "right way".
They never talked about the lack of straight romance options in games that allowed romances.
They never talked about the lack of straight characters in games in prominent roles.
What if every single event at these conventions had an implicit LGBT undertone?
Wouldn't you want a convention you could go to where these things could be talked about and you could have those talks in an environment that felt comfortable and accepting.
TL;DR
IF EVERY CON WAS GAY CON, WOULDN'T YOU WANT A STRAIGHT CON?
I'm not dismissing it; I was just saying 'cod lol' because I was curious as to how gays felt treated at an average convention, and I don't think a hypothetical call of duty convention would be average. I wasn't saying 'it's fine because call of duty' but rather I didn't think that was a really accurate example.
ZombiePlatypus
Member
Yup, pretty much. I don't understand how this could rub so many people the wrong way.
You will not see people dressing in cos drag at E3. You do not see panels talking about LGBTQ in gaming.
Why does PAX exist? Didn't it start predominantly for indies? Why are indie games segregated from AAA games? We should just have all of them at one game show and stop having PAX since it's showing preference in gaming.
Guys, please, read this carefully. And, PLEASE, give it a thought for a minute or so before overreacting.
What most of you don't realise when you say "if they want to be accepted why exclude themselves in a gay event/parade/et cetera" is that what you are really saying, what is implied and you may even have no intention to do so, is "if you want to be accepted just be/act like everyone else". And "being like everyone else" usually meaning "act straight, behave like a straight person would".
I know most of you probably don't mean that, but when you break everything down, what you find is people telling you that if you want to be accepted, you probably should not be (or act) gay. So don't go to a gay conference, because there is a "normal" conference that you could also go. Do like it like everyone else does. Follow the norm.
But the norm is to be white and straight. It will force you to deny and repress who you really are, what you really feel.
I hope I'm making a little bit of sense and I hope you can understand that expecting and wanting people to behave a certain way because they would be (more) accepted that way is extremely repressive and does a considerable amount of psychological damage to those who need to modify or repress their behaviour in order to do so.
I know many of you don't mean it or aren't even aware that saying things like this might send the message I just tried to express, even if in a flawed way. But please, don't expect people to just go to a "normal" exposition and be happy with it, when many gay people probably would feel uncomfortable or out of place in this environments. Remember that probably every single gay person on this planet has suffered some kind of harassment, and they might want a place where they can just be themselves for a minute without the fear of being judged or mistreated by it.
What most of you don't realise when you say "if they want to be accepted why exclude themselves in a gay event/parade/et cetera" is that what you are really saying, what is implied and you may even have no intention to do so, is "if you want to be accepted just be/act like everyone else". And "being like everyone else" usually meaning "act straight, behave like a straight person would".
I know most of you probably don't mean that, but when you break everything down, what you find is people telling you that if you want to be accepted, you probably should not be (or act) gay. So don't go to a gay conference, because there is a "normal" conference that you could also go. Do like it like everyone else does. Follow the norm.
But the norm is to be white and straight. It will force you to deny and repress who you really are, what you really feel.
I hope I'm making a little bit of sense and I hope you can understand that expecting and wanting people to behave a certain way because they would be (more) accepted that way is extremely repressive and does a considerable amount of psychological damage to those who need to modify or repress their behaviour in order to do so.
I know many of you don't mean it or aren't even aware that saying things like this might send the message I just tried to express, even if in a flawed way. But please, don't expect people to just go to a "normal" exposition and be happy with it, when many gay people probably would feel uncomfortable or out of place in this environments. Remember that probably every single gay person on this planet has suffered some kind of harassment, and they might want a place where they can just be themselves for a minute without the fear of being judged or mistreated by it.
CambriaRising
Member
This thread proves why such a thing is still needed in this day and age.
DigitalSmoke
Banned
Yeah the straight men are animals, alpha bloodthirsty animals.. give me a break.
All this "women are victems in games" is an illusion, a lie...
same for the paranoid gay people who are scared to be beaten.
Sure there are cases for ether sides, but there are cases of straight people being beat up or cursed at online
for various reasons just as much, if not a multiple times more so, its called life, and their are in it to.
All this anti male propaganda is funny to me, specially when its burned into the global mind, and see people run with it as fact.
What I'm wondering is how is a gay gaming convention any different from a fighting game convention or an indie games convention or Quakecon or Blizzcon? I'm not equating sexuality to a hobby or an interest of course, but no one ever calls these specialized conventions "exclusionary." The whole purpose of a convention is to create a sense of "community" within a niche. Gaymer X accomplished this, just as other specialized conventions have.
I wish NYC had a gay gamer convention. I'd go in a heartbeat. That one looked swell.
Also this thread smh.
But glad to see so many gaffers way more eloquent than I providing solid arguments.
Wow. Ok. Someone needs to do some reading up on hate crimes and the LGBT community. Not a day goes by when I don't read about a transgender person or gay person being brutally beaten for kissing their boyfriend on the street or something equally harmless. And let's take a look at our friend Russia and all their anti-lgbt vitriol. Not paranoia, buddy. It's not safe for a lot of LGBT people to be open about who their are. This conference and others like it provide a safe space so flamboyant tim doesn't get a look or hears some hateful muttering because he's walking through the conference hand in hand with his boyfriend.
Also this thread smh.
But glad to see so many gaffers way more eloquent than I providing solid arguments.
Wow. Ok. Someone needs to do some reading up on hate crimes and the LGBT community. Not a day goes by when I don't read about a transgender person or gay person being brutally beaten for kissing their boyfriend on the street or something equally harmless. And let's take a look at our friend Russia and all their anti-lgbt vitriol. Not paranoia, buddy. It's not safe for a lot of LGBT people to be open about who their are. This conference and others like it provide a safe space so flamboyant tim doesn't get a look or hears some hateful muttering because he's walking through the conference hand in hand with his boyfriend.
RomanceDawn
Member
At the very least please look at my follow up posts where I explained my reasoning. Go back to page 5 for my last post please.
I'm not gay, but i've got a million and one gay friends and gay family members. I live in Los Angeles and work in Hollywood. In my personal experience being gay is just the norm. I go to Comicon, E3 and Anime Expo yearly with my gay brother. From my personal experience everything was as normal as could be. I was rarely witness to any instances of prejudice in person. When I said was it necessary, I'm wondering if there is a big out cry among the gay gaming community. I suppose there is. When I pay CoD online, oh yeah, the slurs are awful, when I see tournaments online, it's just as bad, but the 16 plus conventions I've been to in the last 6 years have been nothing but a joy for me and my gay and/or lesbian friends I hang with.
Afterward I explained my judgement was clouded because my personal experience with the way gay folks are treated at these conventions has been very positive. I didn't take into account that what I had to say was purely anecdotal and the rest of the world aint Hollywood and then corrected myself.
You don't know me mister sister. My avatar is the subordinate of a Martin Luther King type!/kind of joking, kind of not.
CamHostage
Member
All of those groups are welcome to organize their own events if they feel the need to. Gay gamers felt an eagerness to meet each other, an appreciation for those of their kind who make games and should be recognized, and an absence of their interests being focused on in the industry/artform they have a passion for, and they organized an event for it.
I get that you're using that "Affirmative action?!? In my day, we just hired the kid who could do the job best and that was that..." argument that gender and skin color and sexual orientation and all that shouldn't be a factor in this day and age (or maybe I should give you a little credit and say that your argument is about that divisions whether for positive or negative reasons in the end divide us,) but the fact is, not everybody finds what they need in the mass-marketed approach, and sometimes a niche-market product or event or whatever will do wonders by not trying to make everybody happy, just the people who it's made to be for.
You can't be serious. You certainly don't watch much news, do you.
Circle Jerk
Member
Oh my fucking god dude. Just stop. You will not learn anything from this because you refuse to learn.
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
Edit: Well, I guess this was a waste of a post.
So, at this convention of yours, can there be a drag queen competition? Can there be a panel on gay and transgender characters in gaming? Can you guarantee that no one will be stared at or called a rude name for holding their boyfriend's hand? Can you be sure that no one will be called a f--? Can you be sure that no one will be stared at because they're passing or transitioning?
At this convention, will someone be examining the racial dynamics of the fighting game community? Will there be a discussion about what it's like to be a woman at a developer--and what happens when a male in the audience stands up and tells that woman "You're fucking sexy"? Will she be told to take a compliment and stop being such a bitch about it?
Will the audience be open to amateur, personally-produced art games about the authors experierences as a gay person of colour, or are the audience going to roll their eyes and say "how pretentious, and it's not even a very good game"?
Will everyone of every colour, orientation, gender, creed, everyone of any identity find posters of characters that they can look up to, no matter who they are? If someone asks why there aren't more gay characters on posters, will they be told "because those characters aren't really all that important, and besides, Master Chief sells more than them"?
Because it seems to me that at some point, it's going to come down to the majority getting the majority of the representation. And that's fine. But that's why these spaces exist. I just ask because pretty much all of the above has happened once or twice, and every single time, threads on GAF fill up with responses of people saying "I don't get it. Why is that necessary? What's the big deal? What's the point? Who cares? Why can't they just? That doesn't interest me."--and we're a forum that creates a safe space by nuking the kind of openly hateful homophobia from orbit, so you can only imagine what the average reaction is on a place that curates a little less.
It seems to me like it's easier for straight people to tolerate the word gay in some event titles and group names once in a while, go and enjoy these events that they are absolutely welcome to attend, and work to open their mind and question the degree to which their own identity plays a role in shaping their perceptions of groups and events that identify with people who have a different identity. *shrugs*
So, at this convention of yours, can there be a drag queen competition? Can there be a panel on gay and transgender characters in gaming? Can you guarantee that no one will be stared at or called a rude name for holding their boyfriend's hand? Can you be sure that no one will be called a f--? Can you be sure that no one will be stared at because they're passing or transitioning?
At this convention, will someone be examining the racial dynamics of the fighting game community? Will there be a discussion about what it's like to be a woman at a developer--and what happens when a male in the audience stands up and tells that woman "You're fucking sexy"? Will she be told to take a compliment and stop being such a bitch about it?
Will the audience be open to amateur, personally-produced art games about the authors experierences as a gay person of colour, or are the audience going to roll their eyes and say "how pretentious, and it's not even a very good game"?
Will everyone of every colour, orientation, gender, creed, everyone of any identity find posters of characters that they can look up to, no matter who they are? If someone asks why there aren't more gay characters on posters, will they be told "because those characters aren't really all that important, and besides, Master Chief sells more than them"?
Because it seems to me that at some point, it's going to come down to the majority getting the majority of the representation. And that's fine. But that's why these spaces exist. I just ask because pretty much all of the above has happened once or twice, and every single time, threads on GAF fill up with responses of people saying "I don't get it. Why is that necessary? What's the big deal? What's the point? Who cares? Why can't they just? That doesn't interest me."--and we're a forum that creates a safe space by nuking the kind of openly hateful homophobia from orbit, so you can only imagine what the average reaction is on a place that curates a little less.
It seems to me like it's easier for straight people to tolerate the word gay in some event titles and group names once in a while, go and enjoy these events that they are absolutely welcome to attend, and work to open their mind and question the degree to which their own identity plays a role in shaping their perceptions of groups and events that identify with people who have a different identity. *shrugs*
My words are like a Rubik's Cube within a Rubik's Cube Cube.
Ocsacoialnly I tkae hte stckiers off adn raenrrage tehm.
Exactly. In fact the entire idea of a convention in general is that you're going to interact with the subset of the larger population who have the same interests as you. It just so happens that the shared interests of the people at this convention are games, gaming, and other men's penises (not to gloss over the LBTQ+ bit of the spectrum).
Poltergust
Member
Because it is fact. Don't you dare try to downplay the discrimination that gay people constantly face. I know a couple of people who are victims of hate crimes because of their sexual orientation, and I live in Austin, which is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country. One of them even considered suicide (he's past that, thankfully).
Calling it an "illusion" is just downright insulting. It's no wonder that you are completely dismissing everyone's reasonings as to why these events should be held.
Kai Dracon
Writing a dinosaur space opera symphony
I find it kind of funny that the right of games to not have gayness thrust upon them at a convention is a point of contention. Because you know, it's not the games that sign up and pay for a con badge, check into the hotel, and hit the convention floor.
It seems you missed the brackets which said it happened to them. They were beaten up on the streets after a convention and called faggots. Sure there are cases where straight people are beaten up, but they are rarely beaten up because they are straight.
Pound_lb003
Member
Reading through this thread has been a bit of a roller coaster.
On one hand I'm glad my membership was accepted after the lengthy wait (yay!), because it seems the majority of people in this forum are pretty grounded with these sorts of topics (pretty difficult to find considering the mentality of a lot of gaming culture on the internet).
On the other hand, I do find it unsettling that some people contest against the idea of having such conventions as GAYMER. People dishing out the tried and tested "gaming conventions aren't exclusively straight so what gives?" response clearly do not understand the reasoning, because they simply aren't affected by it themselves. Of course all games conventions are open to people of any sexuality, but do they actively cater to these niche audiences? Nope. As much as I'd love for this to be a null issue, it just isn't. To ignore the problem, is not solving the problem. There's no progress being made within our community of a shared passion. You'd be a fool to believe discrimination over sexuality/gender doesn't bubble under the surface in Western society.
The games industry & the conventions that are typically held are so geared towards the young hetero male audience, it's quite suffocating. I say all this - and I really shouldn't have to - as a straight guy, and a games developer myself. I've been to expos in the past, and find things like the presence of 'booth babes' quite bizarre (yes, I know they are trying to phase that kind of thing out). But it's all so straight/male-orientated. The marketing, the PR, the games, the majority of attendees. It may not be explicit, but I can totally understand why some people wouldn't feel comfortable in that environment.
The industry is very content at supplying this to the market, that it marginalizes those niche audiences from ever getting represented. I'm sure event organizers are trying to do their best, but for the time being - at least until it's a more openly accepted facet of the gaming community - these specialized expos most definitely need to exist.
Have you ever been harassed for being a straight guy/girl? Nope. What do you feel most younger gay gamers first experiences would be on something like Xbox Live? How degrading would it be to just be slandered by foul-mouthed kids over something so trivial like your sexuality? You have to take this shit into consideration. I mean it's hard enough being female in this industry - as a gamer, journalist or a developer. Factor in how poorly women have been represented both in actual videogames or the development side, then scale it down way further. I can't remember off the top of my head a gay lead character in a game.
We've got a long way to go, and it's something that affects all sides of the industry and it's culture. i expect some people to pull the "white knight" card, so be it. Some people find comfort in their own ignorance. But I'd rather be actively engaged in an open discussion than let it stagnate. Wish I could've went to the event!
On a lighter note, that Still Alive video was just too darn sweet, I think I melted from happiness at the end
TL
Listening to RebelFM and people like yourself are pretty much the only genuine straight people who get the issue in my life. And I have to admit it's also so heartening to read. It doesn't physically make me misty eyed, but it's one of those sentiments that can instantly tell you something about the person talking. It's much appreciated.
All of my friends, they don't get it. I've known them since 5 or 6, and we're a big fraternity and I came out, and I love them all but they actually don't get it at all. I genuinely don't think there's one straight person I know in real life who actually gets it.
So yeah it's refreshing and amazing you even bother to give a shit. It's not white knighting for me.
Why do people go to any convention at all? To be with people who are equally passionate as they are about a certain thing and feel like they belong. Yes, we can do that at a any usual games convention. But think for a minute. What is it like growing up as a nerd? As someone who loves videogames and is demonised for it by mainstream society. For not playing sports but instead finding escapism from the shitstorm that is growing into an Adult when no-one understands you. Everyone on this board knows the answer to this.
Now imagine also being gay. Every negative stereotype that is pushed upon you is suddenly doubled because in most peoples eyes, you're not just a freak because of an interest that no-one else gets but you also have a love of the same gender or feel you are a different gender that just down right disgusts them.
When we go to games conventions, we can feel completely at home, because we can understand each other and we can belong. But there are some conversations that not everyone will understand. Sometimes its just nice to be with people who've been through everything you have and to just enjoy this beautiful medium. We just want to belong.
ZombiePlatypus
Member
I know we've come a tremendously long way as a society within the past 10 years or so, but homophobia is still unfortunately very real. Calling it out is not "anti male/straight propaganda." In fact, if it wasn't for so many straight allies (including straight males) being tolerant, we wouldn't have made such headway socially.
I'm curious, if you don't believe all the reasons people gave as to why such an event exists, why do you honestly think it's around? Do you honestly believe it's held just to "keep the filthy straights out"?
Flatline
Banned
You know what's one of the best things about British TV shows? 90% of the time noone gives a fuck because the character is black or other ethnicity, noone mentions it and the character doesn't have a troubled past related to his/her ethnicity, he's just another character. I mention this because the constant reminder that a person is not a white male is part of the problem imo (not of course when there's discrimination but in everyday life). You're not helping by separating yourself that way, personally I consider homosexuality just another sex, who gives a fuck if you're male, female or gay.
Organize a convention about LGBT rights not about fucking gaming for god's sake. You're not that different you know you just prefer people of the same sex. Big fucking deal.
Organize a convention about LGBT rights not about fucking gaming for god's sake. You're not that different you know you just prefer people of the same sex. Big fucking deal.
A lot of people do, judging by the behavior of gamers online. It'd be great if everyone could take a carefree approach like you do but experience has shown that they don't. Which is why people feel compelled to organize this kind of event in the first place.
They may not be that different but that doesn't mean they aren't treated different.
Stumpokapow
listen to the mad man
We typically delete posts that quote deleted posts, but sometimes we also delete posts that quote banned posts. Just because the person isn't there to defend themselves, and the bulk quoting, which is totally understandable, drags up the kinds of posts that obviously are what they are, and because even though I understand anger and shortness we don't exactly want to encourage aggressive posting even against people who might have done something to eventually deserve it. If your post gets deleted, please don't think of it as a personal slight or censorship but rather just cleaning up a mess and keeping a good platform for ongoing discussion. Just an FYI, no need to quote this or respond or anything. Cheers.
i get the feeling some of the "why was this made?" and "it shouldn't be exclusive!" posters actually want to ask "can you please be invisible again?". games convo xy which you believe is totally non sexual ("so there is absolutely no need for gaymerx") should take a closer look: catering to the straight/white/male doesn't make something nonsexual.
but as soon as the tables are turned around and homosexual gamers have the main focus, people are disgusted and totally afraid because you know "they are just excluding themselves". being yourself excludes you somehow.
i'm sure gay people, at gamesconvo xy, who show their sexual orientation will get at least weird gazes by some people. remember: homophobia doesn't start when someone is bashing your head in. so it's only natural that people want to have a safe harbour. is that so hard to understand?
but as soon as the tables are turned around and homosexual gamers have the main focus, people are disgusted and totally afraid because you know "they are just excluding themselves". being yourself excludes you somehow.
i'm sure gay people, at gamesconvo xy, who show their sexual orientation will get at least weird gazes by some people. remember: homophobia doesn't start when someone is bashing your head in. so it's only natural that people want to have a safe harbour. is that so hard to understand?
I'm sorry, but I simply just have to say that I am incredibly impressed with both your eloquence and patience. Your posts are both a pleasure to read and a comfort. So thank you!
Devolution
Member
I don't think a lot of these people know or care to know or respect the concept of a safe space.