LGBTQ+ experiences in online gaming – advice for finding inclusive spaces

The online gaming world has expanded massively over the past two decades, offering players all manner of different video games while also making interpersonal connections possible on a scale never seen before. While this is great news for LGBTQ+ gamers, it can also have some unfortunate side effects. Bigots and nasty individuals are sadly common in the gaming world, especially with more access to unfiltered chats and less mediation than social media.

But don’t let this put you off gaming for good. Despite the potential challenges, LGBTQ+ players can also enjoy numerous benefits from choosing the right platforms and gaming communities. Making friends via online games is a great way to use gaming as an impetus for new friendships. New communities can even arise as a result, spreading the online LGBTQ+ fabric and helping queer individuals find a strong sense of belonging and supportive networks.

This vital resource outlines some pertinent advice for LGBTQ+ gamers starting their online journey. We’ll outline some of the main challenges to consider, the key benefits of finding inclusive spaces – and how to do so. Finally, you’ll discover some of the most popular gaming categories available, and some upcoming LGBTQ+ events to help you find like-minded gaming communities.

Challenges affecting LGBTQ+ gamers

The online gaming environment is often a challenging landscape for LGBTQ+ gamers, for various reasons. Learning how to navigate these areas and identifying where problems can arise is vital.

Sadly, due to the openness and basic lawlessness of the online gaming world, some people can be more extreme than they would be in real life, using their keyboard as a mask. It’s difficult to stop, but knowing about some of the main challenges posed by these people can help to enhance a proactive approach.

Many people can also accidentally hurt LGBTQ+ gamers without necessarily meaning to. There is a naive ignorance of LGBTQ+ areas by many of the general public. Being on guard for potential events like this can help prevent negative experiences.

Here are some of the main challenges affecting LGBTQ+ gamers:

Harassment and discrimination: Homophobic, transphobic and biphobic slurs are unfortunately still prevalent within many online gaming communities. LGBTQ+ players can often experience verbal harassment, discriminatory language and exclusionary behavior. Consequently, finding inclusive gaming spaces is crucial.
Misgendering and deadnaming: Many people won’t realize they’re doing it, but referring to someone by the wrong pronoun or birth name can be hurtful and invalidating. Transgender gamers are particularly prone to this, exemplifying the importance of finding gaming communities whose members understand these basic principles.
Lack of representation: Esports is an ever-growing industry but there is a notable lack of representation for LGBTQ+ players at the higher levels. This can lead to an isolating feeling, especially for younger gamers or those actively looking to compete in tournaments and worldwide esports championships.
Fear of seclusion: Fearing the challenges above can easily lead people to hide their identities or self-censor their communications. This is extremely invalidating and can make complex personality aspects even more difficult to navigate.

Inclusive gaming space benefits

Despite the myriad challenges LGBTQ+ players must face while gaming, there are several important benefits that can be unlocked by carefully navigating the potential negatives. Finding inclusive gaming spaces is the best way to mitigate some of the challenges, enabling gamers to enjoy themselves in like-minded, tolerant and kind communities.

Check below for some of the main benefits associated with inclusive gaming spaces for LGBTQ+ players:

Belonging: Finding communities that celebrate diversity and welcome all gamers regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity generates a sense of belonging that can be harder for LGBTQ+ gamers to find elsewhere.
Support: Inclusive gaming spaces also provide important support networks, helping players navigate difficult experiences and offering strategies to overcome these issues.
Carefree enjoyment: Gaming in inclusive LGBTQ+ spaces can foster far more carefree enjoyment compared to playing games in communities that could ostracize, hurt and endanger you. The anxiety and tension of gaming with individuals you know don’t follow the same principles as you can be exhausting. Gaming in an inclusive space is the key to avoiding this.
More confidence: Finding inclusive communities can significantly help LGBTQ+ gamers up their confidence levels, with these friendship networks positively impacting lives beyond just gaming.

How to find LGBTQ+ gaming spaces

But how do you find these inclusive LGBTQ+ gaming spaces? Complete gaming beginners can struggle to find new communities, especially those tailored for LGBTQ+ players. Fortunately, accessing these spaces isn’t difficult in the interconnected age of the internet – you just need to know how. The steps below can help you get started:

Research LGBTQ+ gaming communities: The first step is doing targeted research to identify LGBTQ+ gaming communities on platforms such as Discord, Facebook and Reddit. Read community testimonials and feedback to get a general feel for each. In Vancouver the Vancouver Gaymers is a growing and fun group that meets often for in person and online events.
Find LGBTQ+ guilds and clans: Some of the most popular online games, such as World of Warcraft, have specific, inclusive guilds and clans that can help LGBTQ+ players find friends and like-minded gaming partners. Look for established, inclusive codes of conduct and use suggestions from the LGBTQ+ gaming communities you find in the first stage.
Use “Looking For Group'' features: Many games have so-called “Looking For Group” features to help gamers filter through communities or servers. Search for mentions of popular LGBTQ+ streamers or inclusive language to bring up the most optimal options.
Report harassment: If you do encounter harassment, it’s important to report it and assertively call out the culprit where possible. This is especially crucial in gaming spaces that are meant to be inclusive, as moderators can swiftly kick out the offending party.

Inclusive LGBTQ+ events to find gaming friends

The steps above can significantly help gamblers looking for LGBTQ+ spaces. We also recommend considering some of the following LGBTQ+ events where you could meet potential gaming friends in real life:

Online gaming types to consider

Finding inclusive gaming spaces is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few different types of games for beginners:

MMORPG games

Epic adventure games with thousands of players in vast online worlds. These include popular options, such as World of Warcraft, allowing gamers to customize characters, complete quests with friends, and more.

Online casinos and poker

Online casino and poker games can offer vibrant communities and forward-thinking titles. Check out the array of Canadian real-money online casinos for a varied selection, from online slots to live dealer table games and bingo. Platforms regularly offer bonuses and other incentives, maximizing the fun available. These games can be enjoyed with friends or solo, making them perfect for LGBTQ+ players searching for community-based fun that can also be enjoyed individually if their social batteries have run out.

Strategy games

Strategy games often involve sport, war or puzzle-solving. These games can be particularly rewarding within inclusive spaces, allowing gamers to team up or go against each other to see who has the brightest mind.

Battle royale games

A new breed of battle royale games has become incredibly popular recently, with options such as Fortnite. These require players to fight to the last man in an often-shrinking battle zone.