On Gaymers and Cons

[The Material Sheep]

Speak for yourself. We aren't some hive mind. I for one find women attractive, and I understand that there are women just trying to make a living. Your talking to a lesbian, who knows a large number of other lesbians, and gay men. Lesbians aren't horny teenage guys no, but at the end of the day we aren't as a collective offended by the notion of a woman making a living basically modeling for a game at a convention. I enjoy the aestetics of the female form, just as much as any lesbian does. We can be just as shallow and sexual as every other person, this isn't reserved for just men or even just majority men. We aren't all pinnacles of tender and emotionally focused relationships. I've dated girls who are just as promiscuous/on the prowl as a dude bro.

So yeah don't tell me how I feel, should feel, or how a good portion of the group I belong to feel because I find it a rather telling that you just assume so much about us. Either you have a very over romanticized version of us, or your experience with lesbian women is reserved for a few people you know personally. EITHERWAY your numbers are meaningless and don't tell me how I should feel.

Hi there! I'm lesbian, and I can't stand the conventional model of beauty which is usually aggressively selected for booth babe modelling. I find over-done hair, glossy and brightly-colored lips, excessive makeup, brightly-colored long false fingernails, clothing which exaggerates the breasts and butt, and high-heeled shoes which push the legs and hips into a supposedly-more-shapely posture to all be aesthetically displeasing. I also find it degrading and repulsive that they are there as straight guy bait, to drag attention to a product. It demeans them and it demeans the business that this is considered a normal behavior, and it demeans the attendees of the convention.

So yes, please do speak for only yourself.

And your fine to have your opinion. I disagree that all of them are as forced and unnatural as your portrayel. My time at PAX the last few years I went, had Booth Babes, but it was rather tame. I mean they were modelling for a game but they didn't look so makeup'd up that they fall into the uncanny valley. That's at least the picture you seem to be painting. However my point was not to disagree that there were women who did feel that way, just that it wasn't all or even the vast majority such as 80%. I know just as many women who have vapid and shallow standards for relationships that are just as harmful and objectifying as the demeaning behavior who enjoy that kind of thing. Personally, at the end of the day, the girls are just making money, and I can respect that. I can also appreciate the female form in just about any state aesthetically, so yes I always do enjoy seeing a pretty woman displaying herself. I don't think it's demeaning for either of us. So long as no one is forcing her to do something she doesn't want to do, then all power to her.

However I was speaking for myself...so...yeah... I wasn't saying how ALL lesbians feel, just that we're people too, and we can be just as shallow and vapid as a horny teenage boy with unrealistic standards of beauty. We can also be really nice and empathetic people who want emotional and caring relationships. None of these are definitive of the title of lesbian, these are just a common traits of being every day run of the mill people, who all have their goods and bads associated with them.

Stop dividing groups based on arbitrary distinctions of one's character is what I'm trying to say. Lesbianism is irrevelent to how one acts as a person and does not dictate anything about their personality other then they are attractied to women.

etc etc etc.... I think I've made my point 3 times now and am typing just to see myself type.

 

[Something Amyss]

I am unfortunately forced to agree. I had high hopes The Walking Dead would help fix this, with Lee and Clementine, the two main characters, being people of colour. However, it seems that yeah, both race and gender are still an issue, and we all know those two issues have made far more progress in the public arena than the LGBT community.

I can still be hopeful, though. Giving up doesn't help anybody, and supporting endeavours like this con, regardless of whether it's the right thing to do in terms of equality, might be a positive thing in the long run.

Be reassured that it will happen eventually. Unfortunately, we're still in that intermediary step.

 

[The Material Sheep]

I am unfortunately forced to agree. I had high hopes The Walking Dead would help fix this, with Lee and Clementine, the two main characters, being people of colour. However, it seems that yeah, both race and gender are still an issue, and we all know those two issues have made far more progress in the public arena than the LGBT community.

I can still be hopeful, though. Giving up doesn't help anybody, and supporting endeavours like this con, regardless of whether it's the right thing to do in terms of equality, might be a positive thing in the long run.

Be reassured that it will happen eventually. Unfortunately, we're still in that intermediary step.

That is the one very positive thing I'm assured of. So long as education on the subject exists all these things will eventually straighten up and no one will care. I don't know how long it'll be, but we've made significant progress in the last 10 years in my mind... so hopefully things are starting to go faster.

While I might disagree on the con's premise, I can say this. This couldn't have been done ten years ago, and that alone is a great sign.

 

[Bealzibob]

What exactly would you have at a gay gamer convention that would be different to any other gamer convention or is it just got a gaudy stereotypical colour palate and gives you the comfortable feeling that everyone around you can relate because not only are they gamers but they are also gay?

How about things that aren't squared directly at 18-24 year old males? Booth Babes, for one. How many scantily-clad women would get a gay man's heart racing?

Fair enough. As a 18 y.o asexual male booth babes are kind of silly to me but they are also completely irrelevant. Besides the mild annoyance that they are essentially advertising for "you" there isn't much difference between booth babes and some legit cosplayers.

 

[Shikua]

The Last Panel is REALLY out of touch considering we moving into the age of unisex bathrooms so there will be no need to make assumptions about one's gender.

No we really aren't. Oh sure that was a short lived thing in like the 80's, but its pretty much over now.

I wouldn't say that, At some colleges they are still implementing them in large groups, not just for visiting family or people who are. I believe ASU has a couple set up.

How on earth can you justify a college doing a thing as "moving into the age of unisex bathrooms."

Thats like the exact opposite of moving into an age of anything.

Personally I'd appreciate more unisex bathrooms. It's a little uncomfortable being automatically gendered because of the bathroom I have to use.

 

[Shikua]

Personally I'd appreciate more unisex bathrooms. It's a little uncomfortable being automatically gendered because of the bathroom I have to use.

You are automatically gendered: Guys lets cut the PC bullshit on this one, there are only two biological genders, humans at this stage of there evolution are not hermaphroditic.

An before anyone jumps up and down about gender and sex being different, it makes no difference here.

Implying that hermaphrodites are the only other sex.
Also ignoring intersexed individuals.
And it always makes the difference. You can't just use the wrong terminology and claim that there's no difference between words with very different meanings.

 

[101flyboy]

OK, so yeah, I've read through a lot of these posts and I feel the need to add my 2 cents. And this is going to be a wide reaching response not just centralized on being a gaymer in general.

First of all..........I'm just going to be blunt. If you're not a straight ally or actual member of the non-heterosexual, non-cisgender community, please take a seat. Take a SEAT. I am TIRED of having to hear your opinions on this matter of Gaymercon. This is actually the reason why this event exists, one of the primary ones. Why there is gay pride, why there are gay ghettos and specialized gay events. Point blank, we don't want to deal with your questions 24/7. We don't want to deal with the fact you guys don't get it, and the fact we have to baby you and walk on eggshells. Sorry, but we're in the stage now where as a community, we're breaking out, we're taking a stand, and we're living our lives as we see fit. And the constant questions get tiring. Honestly. Just a day where we can be comfortable, hell, even 6 hours, where we can just be. And just exist without the spotlight would be perfect.

That's my biggest annoyance. Sometimes, it's best to just accept and not ask questions. Especially when you don't really know what you're talking about. Sit down, listen and accept. Stop questioning us. We know more than you. Straight allies know more than you. If you're *wanting* to get it, great. We'll take the time to enlighten you, to take you through that process and grow closer. But that gets tiring after a while.

Secondly, Gaymercon isn't all about flaunting or promoting non-hetero sexuality. It's about promoting games and promoting individuals who are non-mainstream and are either non-hetero or make games that are more "alternative" and not geared to..........you guessed it, straight white guys. A lot of straight people have this mentality that gay inclusion is perfect, yadda yadda. No, actually, in the gamer world and in the real world, everything still runs through straight white guys and you all DO NOT SEE IT because you don't have to deal with it and the hatred is less blatant than it has been in the past. It still exists on a major scale. The lack of acceptance is more subtle.

And when I say acceptance, I mean the ability to not just be gay, but be OPENLY gay, be OPENLY non-heterosexual, and not feel any need to be reserved. Not feel any reservation, judgment. At all. No risk of it. Where we're the normal ones. There is a big difference between accepting the fact someone is gay and outright accepting gayness. The gamer world still isn't that great towards homosexuality. Actual makers of games are starting to budge in the right direction, but hardcore gamers? Fans of gaming? Not really. I've seen tons of homophobic shit on this forum. Homophobia EXISTS people.

So why are we being condemned for wanting to avoid it instead of dealing with it upfront? Because it makes straight people feel bad? Live in our shoes. Hell, live in the shoes of a straight ally. The straight allies who get presumed as gay, and deal with much of the same abuse as out gay people do. Why SHOULD we have to deal with the constant hesitation and insecurity?

No. It's not going to happen. That's why Gaymercon is here. That's why we segregate ourselves. Actually, we don't do want to do it. We'd love acceptance. Every day straight people segregate gay people and anyone straight who supports gay rights. You don't do enough to promote inclusion, acceptance, support. You don't do enough to promote acceptance of straight people who aren't stereotypically heterosexual in behavior. You call straight people for gay rights gay. So don't expect us to be buddy buddy. Don't expect us not to have a wall up. It's not about playing victim. It's protection. And it's standing up for ourselves. If you want inclusion, you have to be inclusive. It's annoying how people want to hang out at our clubs, our parties, our social gatherings and community events, without doing the work to make things better for us. It's not enough to say "you can join in our club" aka average game events, average events in general. It's not enough. You don't need to coddle me. But to actually feel welcomed would be a great start and to RESPECT what we do deal with and empathize. Until that happens, you're going to see gay people and straight allies separating ourselves as much as every day straight people separate us. It is what it is. Don't blame us for the society you've created for yourselves.

 

[101flyboy]

I also have to say, you know whether you're a straight ally or not. You know whether or not you truly empathize, embrace and support the gay community, not just give token acceptance. I think a major amount of you are true straight allies and I love you all, respect you lots, you have your concerns, and that's fine and not the point of my post. The ones making abrasive statements, assumptions, presumptions, and trying to act as if they know when they don't are the point of my post. Heterosexism, heteronormativity and privileged arrogance is the point of my post.

 

[101flyboy]

The funny thing about the complaining I've seen on the web about Gaymercon is that straight people can go and I know of straight people who ARE going. Straight people are invited. It's not an anti-straight campaign we're on, more of an empowerment thing for us. It's not segregation from straight people. It's more open embracing of gaymers. It's easy to say what does sexuality have to do with gaming conventions when you're straight and you can, you know, actually talk about girls you find hot in games, talk to girls at conventions, and chill with your other straight friends, and given the fact most games are, yes, promoted to what straight men want to see. Some straight people are really blind. You don't see how your sexuality is referenced often. Very often. When gay people do basically the same thing it's stop flaunting your sexuality, stop bringing your sexuality into the situation. So what do we do? We go where we find comfort.

Sorry to the non-straight allies here, but it's not always about you. Deal with it.

Non-heterosexuals are DIFFERENT than straight people. Let me make that clear. We are different. We're equals, but different. Anyone who says otherwise is in denial. We're not the same in some very distinct ways. Those differences need to be respected and embraced. We have different desires and needs with particular things. That's why events like this are necessary. Not every single day is the day to fight culture wars. Some days we need our me time. Gaymercon, Gay Pride, Gay bars, gay social events is our me time, and we deserve that time.

Being inclusive and being accepting are not the same thing. Some of you need to understand the difference.

 

[Shikua]

Implying that hermaphrodites are the only other sex.

A hermaphrodite is an organism that has reproductive organs normally associated with both the male and the female of the species.

Also ignoring intersexed individuals.[/quote"

I ignored nothing of the sort: Intersexed people are also not a seperate gender. Intersexed individuals are members of the previous two genders usually displaying some form of genital ambiguity (but sometimes just a chromosonal error like Klinefelter syndrome that does not manifest until puberty).

Like i said, there are only two biological genders.

I know what a hermaphrodite is. You're not making your point any stronger.
How do you define physical/biological sex then? Genital ambiguity is, in essence a separate sex. If you really want to get technical, it's a separate morph of the "traditional" sexes of XX-female and XY-male. Even more so with chromosomal differentiation.

Also, if you want to be taken as someone who knows what they're talking about, it's usually wise to use proper terminology. Calling sex "gender" is like calling cout "coot". You just look like you have no clue what you're talking about.

 

[101flyboy]

Matthew, please stop talking for hermaphroditism, stop talking for gay people, stop talking for lesbians, stop talking on the behalf of things you do not get. You are so unbelievable. What is you deal? You are so arrogant.

 

[101flyboy]

As sad as that is, any word could be a trigger. If someone explicitly asks me not to use it then sure, but I'm not going to stop saying it just because there's an off chance someone around me might remember bad memories.

Translation: Who cares about gay people.

BTW, ****** is a word that a lot of gay men and straight allies do in fact use. Here's the thing...............we're actually in the know. We know when to use it, how to use it, where to use it and we don't use it as a means to attack people in an aggressive manner. You are not in the know. Let's make that clear. The word has sting when some random guy, who arrogantly thinks he has the right to tell gay people how to feel about a word that is in fact used against them and has been for centuries, uses it and then when called out on it, keeps using it, and gives a middle finger to people asking you POLITELY to not use it.

That is showing a lack of respect towards the word. And that is intentionally being ABRASIVE and DEFIANT. You are being defiant. At the end of the day, ****** is our word, it isn't yours. You do not get to define it. The fact you think you do is actually not my problem, it's your problem, because it makes you look like a total heel. That's on you. I know in my world, people are usually pretty careful with that word because they don't want to be seen as ignorant, but I guess you don't care.

BTW, Louis CK uses the word IRONICALLY and uses it understanding and respecting the power of the word. You are not. One guy is someone who has consistently proven his pro-gay status. You have not. You are out of order.

 

[Shikua]

I know what a hermaphrodite is.

No you didn't.

Genital ambiguity is, in essence a separate sex.

No it isn't... Because humans aren't hermaphoditic... Which is why i know you don't know what hermaphodite means. Had you, you'd have not made that argument. Its the equiviliant of you saying you know what blue is & then saying "blue + three equals seven." One cleraly does not know what blue is if one is misusing it in such a fashion.

Humans are not hermaphroditic; variance in the genes or during gestation does not equal a third gender, because for humans to have a third gender it would have to be hermaphroditic (possessing both functional testes & ovaries), which is not a current feature of the animal species know as humans.

There are two biological genders in humans & thats it.

To be fair there has been a lot of bullshit spoken on this topic over the years, due in no small part to idol medical speculation from people who should know better.

Hmm? What was that science? Oh, there are other animals with more than 2 standard sexual morphs? What?! Some of them aren't hermaphrodites, but are variations of male or female? You don't say! It's almost like humans can be born that way! Who'd have thought?

 

[Shikua]

Oh, there are other animals with more than 2 standard sexual morphs? What?! Some of them aren't hermaphrodites, but are variations of male or female?

No there isn't. Thats the point. Name me one species of creature that has more then 2 genders in which the third gender is not a true hermaphrodite.

You don't say! It's almost like humans can be born that way! Who'd have thought?

But humans can't be born that way. Humans are not true Hermaphrodites. We are incapable of being born with both sets of functioning genitalia.

Well, most species don't have genders. Gender is a social construct. But sexes, well, if we're talking about sexual morphs, which is what I was talking about, there are plenty. White-throated sparrows, for instance, have 2 male morphs, that vary in appearance. They also exhibit different sexual strategies. You know, kind of like how humans sometimes have different genital formations. You know, intersexed folks. That thing that's a different sexual morph.

That thing that is totally separated from gender. Yeah. So I'm gonna finish this hear, because I can tell I won't sway how you think. It doesn't make you any less wrong, but I'm not so high and mighty as to think I can change every bigoted opinion some people have.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

As sad as that is, any word could be a trigger. If someone explicitly asks me not to use it then sure, but I'm not going to stop saying it just because there's an off chance someone around me might remember bad memories.

Translation: Who cares about gay people.

BTW, ****** is a word that a lot of gay men and straight allies do in fact use. Here's the thing...............we're actually in the know. We know when to use it, how to use it, where to use it and we don't use it as a means to attack people in an aggressive manner. You are not in the know. Let's make that clear. The word has sting when some random guy, who arrogantly thinks he has the right to tell gay people how to feel about a word that is in fact used against them and has been for centuries, uses it and then when called out on it, keeps using it, and gives a middle finger to people asking you POLITELY to not use it.

That is showing a lack of respect towards the word. And that is intentionally being ABRASIVE and DEFIANT. You are being defiant. At the end of the day, ****** is our word, it isn't yours. You do not get to define it. The fact you think you do is actually not my problem, it's your problem, because it makes you look like a total heel. That's on you. I know in my world, people are usually pretty careful with that word because they don't want to be seen as ignorant, but I guess you don't care.

BTW, Louis CK uses the word IRONICALLY and uses it understanding and respecting the power of the word. You are not. One guy is someone who has consistently proven his pro-gay status. You have not. You are out of order.

Translation: All of my ideas are the right ideas.

The problem with being this sanctimonious is that people are going to want to defy you regardless of whether you're making sense or not. Because... "fuck you, who are you?" That's why.

It's problematic telling him his mind too. On one hand you're saying that if irony is intended, it's cool, but then presume to tell some perfect-stranger that-that isn't how he intends it when he does use it. Which is... not really fair.

Also... in what world is "******" your word? That sounds like a thing people might say politically, but you gotta know that in reality it doesn't mean a damn thing.

This is all so boring.

 

[101flyboy]

As sad as that is, any word could be a trigger. If someone explicitly asks me not to use it then sure, but I'm not going to stop saying it just because there's an off chance someone around me might remember bad memories.

Translation: Who cares about gay people.

BTW, ****** is a word that a lot of gay men and straight allies do in fact use. Here's the thing...............we're actually in the know. We know when to use it, how to use it, where to use it and we don't use it as a means to attack people in an aggressive manner. You are not in the know. Let's make that clear. The word has sting when some random guy, who arrogantly thinks he has the right to tell gay people how to feel about a word that is in fact used against them and has been for centuries, uses it and then when called out on it, keeps using it, and gives a middle finger to people asking you POLITELY to not use it.

That is showing a lack of respect towards the word. And that is intentionally being ABRASIVE and DEFIANT. You are being defiant. At the end of the day, ****** is our word, it isn't yours. You do not get to define it. The fact you think you do is actually not my problem, it's your problem, because it makes you look like a total heel. That's on you. I know in my world, people are usually pretty careful with that word because they don't want to be seen as ignorant, but I guess you don't care.

BTW, Louis CK uses the word IRONICALLY and uses it understanding and respecting the power of the word. You are not. One guy is someone who has consistently proven his pro-gay status. You have not. You are out of order.

Translation: All of my ideas are the right ideas.

The problem with being this sanctimonious is that people are going to want to defy you regardless of whether you're making sense or not. Because... "fuck you, who are you?" That's why.

It's problematic telling him his mind too. On one hand you're saying that if irony is intended, it's cool, but then presume to tell some perfect-stranger that-that isn't how he intends it when he does use it. Which is... not really fair.

Also... in what world is "******" your word? That sounds like a thing people might say politically, but you gotta know that in reality it doesn't mean a damn thing.

This is all so boring.

That's sort of the problem regardless. It's already that situation for, maybe not a majority here, but definitely some. And a large portion of gamers in general, and society in general. It's already a fuck you situation. A IDGAF, get over yourself fags, situation. So speaking out against that isn't means to be sanctimonious. I apologize for coming off that way, coming off strong. With that said, we've past the time where intentional defiance is going to be met with smiles. We've past that point. Intentional defiance in itself is a fuck you, sanctimonious action. It's a middle finger slung in your face.

I'm different than many gays/straight allies. I just say fuck you too and move on. I agree that's not the best way to create understanding but at some point I get tired with talking to someone who isn't willing to listen or take in what is being said to them.

Honestly, ****** is just like **** and ****** in my eyes. You have to be in the know to use it. If you're a stranger, I don't know you, I don't know your intent and I've not warmed up with you then, for me, using ****** and using a "slur word" in general makes me think you really have no filter. You have no respect for your surroundings or how others may feel about the word. What's not fair is that not being respected. Yes, that person may not at all have meant to offend but that's the point. You shouldn't put yourself in such a situation to begin with. For me it's a responsibility and respect issue. Have the responsibility to stand by what you say, why you said it and realize that a lot of people aren't going to be cool with some unknown stranger using ****** without knowing what you're about. At the end of the day the word is abused and hence people have the right to be on guard about it.

In reality it doesn't mean much but what it does mean is that using the word, at least in my parts, in just any social setting without feeling it out and without knowing if everyone you're associating with will take it in the right way, will at least get you serious dirty looks, and probable social isolation. That's how me and my friends are. We don't associate with people who simply have no filter because we see it as a lack of respect for others AND themselves. At least I do. It's also immature when you can simply use a different word to get your point across.

It's our word because it's the word that has been used against us, and in many cases as empowerment for us, for centuries. Not 10 years, not 100 years, centuries. So yes, it's a word that is close to us, and cuts us in many different ways, but cuts us all the same way. Some gays use it proudly, some gays never do. Same straight allies use it jokingly, some are scared to use it or hear it. But at the end of the day, the word means something to us, and that should be respected.

 

[101flyboy]

It's not that all of my, or the non-hetero non-cisgender communities thoughts are the only right thoughts, but more like, we're the ones who know how we feel about these things more than your average straight person. So if you're wanting to ask questions and observe, that's fine. You may have presumptions or curiosities that we'll answer, and we'll be closer after the fact. If you're wanting to inject your two cents and dictate to us how we're supposed to feel or make it all about you, that's a different thing, and were not going to be OK with that.

 

[secretsantaone]

As sad as that is, any word could be a trigger. If someone explicitly asks me not to use it then sure, but I'm not going to stop saying it just because there's an off chance someone around me might remember bad memories.

Translation: Who cares about gay people.

BTW, ****** is a word that a lot of gay men and straight allies do in fact use. Here's the thing...............we're actually in the know. We know when to use it, how to use it, where to use it and we don't use it as a means to attack people in an aggressive manner. You are not in the know. Let's make that clear. The word has sting when some random guy, who arrogantly thinks he has the right to tell gay people how to feel about a word that is in fact used against them and has been for centuries, uses it and then when called out on it, keeps using it, and gives a middle finger to people asking you POLITELY to not use it.

That is showing a lack of respect towards the word. And that is intentionally being ABRASIVE and DEFIANT. You are being defiant. At the end of the day, ****** is our word, it isn't yours. You do not get to define it. The fact you think you do is actually not my problem, it's your problem, because it makes you look like a total heel. That's on you. I know in my world, people are usually pretty careful with that word because they don't want to be seen as ignorant, but I guess you don't care.

BTW, Louis CK uses the word IRONICALLY and uses it understanding and respecting the power of the word. You are not. One guy is someone who has consistently proven his pro-gay status. You have not. You are out of order.

1. Words don't 'belong' to anyone.
2. I didn't tell anyone how to feel.
3. Louis CK doesn't use it ironically, he uses it in a different sense.
4. I didn't call anyone a ******.
5. Stop being a ******.

 

[101flyboy]

1. Words don't 'belong' to anyone.
2. I didn't tell anyone how to feel.
3. Louis CK doesn't use it ironically, he uses it in a different sense.
4. I didn't call anyone a ******.
5. Stop being a ******.

1. In the real world, there are certain words have a connection to individual groups. That's the REAL world. I know, I get it. You're in a privileged position, you don't understand, and you lack empathy and feeling. That's your own problems you'll have to deal with but in the meantime, you'll need to get over yourself and not think you can do whatever you want without consequence.

2. Yes, you have, you said people should be offended by ****** because it's no longer a gay slur in most circumstances. At the very least, stick by your words. If you're going for the insensitive IDGAF route, stand by it.

3. Maybe you should actually, you know, hear it from the man, or actually read recent interviews he's had where he details his usage of the word. He actually respects the word, it's history and it's power, and respects the gay community. You don't. Thus, most are OK with him using the word, and not people like you. Pretty simple.

4. I didn't say you did.

5. Yet now you have.

It's like you enjoy being completely dense and antagonizing. You must be so proud of yourself and your upstanding character.

 

[Nemu]

What exactly would you have at a gay gamer convention that would be different to any other gamer convention or is it just got a gaudy stereotypical colour palate and gives you the comfortable feeling that everyone around you can relate because not only are they gamers but they are also gay?

How about things that aren't squared directly at 18-24 year old males? Booth Babes, for one. How many scantily-clad women would get a gay man's heart racing?

Booth dudes. I'm sure someone could get behind that...*wink* *wink*

Seriously... there are gay women at these things who would enjoy booth babes... not that there can't be both but its a bit odd that people would say no one would care about the presence of booth babes at a gay gamer convention.

Lesbians exist too.

Thankfully, they are in my gay-friendly guilds.


Seriously, tho. The fact that people don't understand why gay-cons exist is exactly why they need to. Until straight people do the same thing they tell gay folks to do--"get over it"-- there is going to be a need. Folks are never going to understand situations like this until they, themselves, are in it, be it having a sibling come out, or a best friend, and seeing that person deal with hatred from someone else.


Thank god for gay-friendly guilds and websites (AND conventions), because within those areas, we don't have to continuously answer questions or deal with callous phrases being tossed around. Games are supposed to be fun, and an escape, after all.