Today on Wargaming Recon, we are joined by Andrea Morton, who represents Boston Gaymers, an organization founded by Matt in 2017 with a mission to provide inclusive gaming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Boston Gaymers, boasting nearly 3,000 members on Discord, focuses on fostering relationships and inclusivity within the gaming world. They host a variety of events, from video game tournaments to board game nights, expanding their influence beyond Boston to encompass areas like Worcester and Providence. While their primary focus is on the LGBTQ+ community, Boston Gamers warmly welcomes allies who share their vision of combatting toxicity in gaming spaces. Through partnerships and events, the organization is committed to building a positive gaming community for all interested individuals. If you wish to join them, visit their website and subscribe to their monthly newsletter for updates on upcoming events and initiatives.
During our conversation, I express my delight in learning about the diverse range of events and initiatives happening in Boston’s gaming community. Andi underscores the importance of offering both in-person and virtual options to enhance accessibility for all. We delve into the significance of inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community, stressing the value of listening, learning, and respecting each other’s experiences. Building a culture of respect and understanding is key to creating a safe and welcoming space for all gamers, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. Our dialogue promotes empathy, acceptance, and ongoing education as essential elements for nurturing a more inclusive and supportive gaming environment.
We highlight the significance of acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and embracing personal growth while showing respect towards others on their journeys. Self-awareness, recognizing privilege, and avoiding centering issues around oneself are vital aspects we discuss. We emphasize the importance of not burdening marginalized individuals with the task of educating others and the necessity of seeking resources independently to broaden one’s understanding. Additionally, we touch upon the crucial roles of allyship, representation, and inclusivity in establishing safe environments for the LGBTQ+ community within tabletop gaming conventions. By fostering diversity, event organizers can contribute to creating a space where all participants feel valued, respected, and heard.
In our conversation, we explore the concept of inclusivity without performative displays and stress the importance of cultivating a space that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds authentically. We address misconceptions surrounding marginalized communities and the dangers of seeking “gotcha” moments, highlighting the significance of empathy and understanding in building connections. Our discussion delves into the use of the term “queer” and the importance of representation in games developed by marginalized groups. We delve into the impactful role of storytelling in videogames like Celeste, which serves as an allegory for trans identity, sharing personal anecdotes and connections to the game. Furthermore, we touch upon the upcoming events organized by Boston Gaymers, including an upcoming video game tournament that incorporates a two-tier system to ensure inclusivity and enjoyment for all participants. We stress the value of creating spaces where individuals of all skill levels can relish gaming in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
In this episode, we highlight Boston Gaymers’ emphasis on 18+ oriented events while also recognizing the importance of family-friendly programming, such as the family board game afternoons held in collaboration with the Boston Public Library. Despite primarily catering to adults, Boston Gaymers endeavors to broaden their offerings to include family-oriented activities. Our conversation delves into the upcoming events, including collaborations with entities like the Boston Public Library and participation in conventions like the Rising Phoenix Game Con. We underscore various ways to stay connected with Boston Gamers, such as joining their Discord server, following them on Instagram, and subscribing to their newsletter. The episode wraps up with a reminder to stay engaged with the gaming community and continue enjoying gaming experiences.
Stay current with Boston Gaymers:
Resources mentioned by Andrea Morton:
- White Tears/Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color by Ruby Hamad (affiliate link)
- https://www.youtube.com/@ContraPoints
- https://www.youtube.com/@caelanconrad
- https://www.youtube.com/@PhilosophyTube
- https://www.youtube.com/@KatBlaque
- https://www.youtube.com/@LilySimpson
- https://www.youtube.com/@JessieGender1/videos
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Credits
Our theme song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. The podcast logo was created by Peter Bryant. Audio editing was done by Jonathan J. Reinhart. Show notes for this episode were written by Jonathan J. Reinhart.
This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Disclosure
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Wargaming Recon pays tribute to Andrew, a cherished listener whose invaluable support inspired the show’s name. Let us observe a collective moment of silence to honor Andrew’s memory.
We deeply mourn the loss of Adrian, a longstanding co-host of Wargaming Recon. Please join us in a moment of silence as we remember Adrian’s contributions and the impact he had on the show.
