This is a good place and we want you to be here
I don’t like mixing politics with the Gauntlet, so I’ll keep it brief…
As a gay man, I feel hollowed-out by this election result. I’m having a difficult time processing the terrible mix of anxiety and sadness and despair I’m feeling right now.
I’m going to do my best to stay focused on good places in the weeks to come, and the Gauntlet is a good place. But it has to be a good place for everyone. I insist on it.
If you’re a woman gamer, please know the Gauntlet is a good place, and we want you to be here.
If you’re a POC gamer, please know the Gauntlet is a good place, and we want you to be here.
If you’re an LGBTQIA gamer, please know the Gauntlet is a good place, and we want you to be here.
If you’re a gamer who struggles with mental health or you have a disability, please know the Gauntlet is a good place, and we want you to be here.
We’ve done everything we can to organize the Gauntlet around positivity and goodness. I think we did so because we knew someday we would really, really need it.
Well spoken, Jason Cordova. We need places like this, now more than ever.
Well spoken, Jason Cordova. We need places like this, now more than ever.
Be kind to each other today, and if you need to talk feel free to contact me
Be kind to each other today, and if you need to talk feel free to contact me
Thanks Jason. Really need that this morning.
Thanks Jason. Really need that this morning.
As a queer gamer, I can confirm that the Gauntlet is a good place for us.
As a queer gamer, I can confirm that the Gauntlet is a good place for us.
This is beautiful and I support your efforts 100%.
This is beautiful and I support your efforts 100%.
Speaking as a straight/white/middle class man, you all are wonderful people. I have no problem with any quirks you may have or things that make you special. That stuff doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that we are all in this community because we love some of the same things. I never cared to know if anyone was straight/gay/male/female. I just wanted to know what everyone’s opinions on the games we play were. It fascinates me to no end how different people’s ideas can be and how awesome taking those ideas and incorporating them into your own life can be. It really shows that we as a species should be more open and accepting with each other. We may just end up with a better world because of it.
Speaking as a straight/white/middle class man, you all are wonderful people. I have no problem with any quirks you may have or things that make you special. That stuff doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that we are all in this community because we love some of the same things. I never cared to know if anyone was straight/gay/male/female. I just wanted to know what everyone’s opinions on the games we play were. It fascinates me to no end how different people’s ideas can be and how awesome taking those ideas and incorporating them into your own life can be. It really shows that we as a species should be more open and accepting with each other. We may just end up with a better world because of it.
Scott Selvidge I know your heart is in the right place with that comment, and so I’m not going to give you a hard time about it, but it’s not really the sentiment I need right now. The qualities you are calling “quirks” are the same qualities that are making myself and a lot of other people feel unsafe in their own country right now. That stuff may not matter to you, but it should matter to you.
Scott Selvidge I know your heart is in the right place with that comment, and so I’m not going to give you a hard time about it, but it’s not really the sentiment I need right now. The qualities you are calling “quirks” are the same qualities that are making myself and a lot of other people feel unsafe in their own country right now. That stuff may not matter to you, but it should matter to you.
Well said Jason and I think you are responding in the perfect way. Let us be a shelter for each other.
Well said Jason and I think you are responding in the perfect way. Let us be a shelter for each other.
Jason Cordova I’m with you in my feelings this morning. As the husband of a black woman and the father of mixed-race children, I feel the same anxiety, fear, and despair.
Jason Cordova I’m with you in my feelings this morning. As the husband of a black woman and the father of mixed-race children, I feel the same anxiety, fear, and despair.
Oh, I didn’t mean it that way! I just mean I don’t let people’s differences determine how I view them. Sorry, I phrased that weird. I do understand how the country as a whole is terrible when it comes to acceptance.
I just wanted everyone to know that I care how you all feel and I support the community. You are all great people!
Oh, I didn’t mean it that way! I just mean I don’t let people’s differences determine how I view them. Sorry, I phrased that weird. I do understand how the country as a whole is terrible when it comes to acceptance.
I just wanted everyone to know that I care how you all feel and I support the community. You are all great people!
Ferrell Riley thank you for that. I am in a similar place emotionally with Jason Cordova. I can not claim to fully understand how someone in Jason’s position might feel because I fall in a category that is similar to Scott Selvidge, but I was not looking forward to election outcomes this year either way. Gauntlet as Jason has built it is an inclusive and exemplary community of gamers. It is a model for how reasonable communication should be done, which stands out in a world of click-bait rash statements and trolling on the internet. I want the Gauntlet to continue to be the way it is, but I also want everyone to know that the private channels are the place to voice frustration or other strong feelings about hot topic issues that have nothing to do with what brings us all together here. Like Ferrell, I will talk to anyone who feels they need to on private channels.
Ferrell Riley thank you for that. I am in a similar place emotionally with Jason Cordova. I can not claim to fully understand how someone in Jason’s position might feel because I fall in a category that is similar to Scott Selvidge, but I was not looking forward to election outcomes this year either way. Gauntlet as Jason has built it is an inclusive and exemplary community of gamers. It is a model for how reasonable communication should be done, which stands out in a world of click-bait rash statements and trolling on the internet. I want the Gauntlet to continue to be the way it is, but I also want everyone to know that the private channels are the place to voice frustration or other strong feelings about hot topic issues that have nothing to do with what brings us all together here. Like Ferrell, I will talk to anyone who feels they need to on private channels.
Jason, you’re one of my favourite people ever, thank you for this post and creating this space!!! Thank you to those members that built this space together. It’s become something amazing!
If anyone needs to vent or chat, I am almost always around and can and will make time for absolutely anybody. I really love this community, which means I love everyone in it. Any support I can lend, don’t hesitate to ask. Communities like this one just became more important than ever and I am here for anyone and everyone.
Jason, you’re one of my favourite people ever, thank you for this post and creating this space!!! Thank you to those members that built this space together. It’s become something amazing!
If anyone needs to vent or chat, I am almost always around and can and will make time for absolutely anybody. I really love this community, which means I love everyone in it. Any support I can lend, don’t hesitate to ask. Communities like this one just became more important than ever and I am here for anyone and everyone.
Thanks Jason & everyone stepping up to keep things inclusive, I really appreciate it.
Thanks Jason & everyone stepping up to keep things inclusive, I really appreciate it.
Thanks so much for this, Jason. My queer family and I might not be at ground zero, but we’re still terrified by the message this election sends. The Gauntlet has felt like a deliberately inclusive and welcoming place since day one, and I’ve been inspired to bring some of that back into my local community. <3
Thanks so much for this, Jason. My queer family and I might not be at ground zero, but we’re still terrified by the message this election sends. The Gauntlet has felt like a deliberately inclusive and welcoming place since day one, and I’ve been inspired to bring some of that back into my local community. <3
Man, I feel like my dog just died… Can’t imagine what the hell it feels like for the gay and ethnic communities out there. My thoughts are with you all.
Man, I feel like my dog just died… Can’t imagine what the hell it feels like for the gay and ethnic communities out there. My thoughts are with you all.
Four more years for Jason!
Four more years for Jason!
Thank you so much for keeping this place what it is Jason Cordova, I’m glad you said this.
Thank you so much for keeping this place what it is Jason Cordova, I’m glad you said this.
I have long considered myself progressive, involved, active.. “woke” – but it has been through online experiences, primarily centered around role playing games, that i have come into contact with more and more people from various life paths that differ wildly from my own.
So many people around me, many of them among my family, friends, and colleagues, are surely dealing with the issues that affect minorities most directly, whether sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other aspect that shapes a person’s experiences in a society.
I am now more aware of transgender issues, having interacted more freely with folks making me aware of their outlook on gender pronouns in games.
I am now more aware of the challenges faced by women entering into traditionally male-dominated spaces, such as the role playing table.
I am now more aware of the experiences of people of color and people representing minority cultures trying to bring their voices and their communities to others through art and play.
I am now more aware of the courage it takes people with emotional burdens and mental health issues to open themselves up to experiences that I take for granted.
While I considered myself progressive before i began playing RPGs online, since i started interacting with a wide variety of strangers it has been this exposure to so many great folks from so many backgrounds that has helped me see that their daily hurdles are MY business, too, and that all of us together bear the burden of working to make our communities safe, welcoming, free spaces.
I hope that the Gauntlet and similar spaces flourish and continue to help bridge the gaps between people, and let us share our experiences in meaningful ways. Kudos to +Jason Cordova and the rest of the community.
I have long considered myself progressive, involved, active.. “woke” – but it has been through online experiences, primarily centered around role playing games, that i have come into contact with more and more people from various life paths that differ wildly from my own.
So many people around me, many of them among my family, friends, and colleagues, are surely dealing with the issues that affect minorities most directly, whether sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other aspect that shapes a person’s experiences in a society.
I am now more aware of transgender issues, having interacted more freely with folks making me aware of their outlook on gender pronouns in games.
I am now more aware of the challenges faced by women entering into traditionally male-dominated spaces, such as the role playing table.
I am now more aware of the experiences of people of color and people representing minority cultures trying to bring their voices and their communities to others through art and play.
I am now more aware of the courage it takes people with emotional burdens and mental health issues to open themselves up to experiences that I take for granted.
While I considered myself progressive before i began playing RPGs online, since i started interacting with a wide variety of strangers it has been this exposure to so many great folks from so many backgrounds that has helped me see that their daily hurdles are MY business, too, and that all of us together bear the burden of working to make our communities safe, welcoming, free spaces.
I hope that the Gauntlet and similar spaces flourish and continue to help bridge the gaps between people, and let us share our experiences in meaningful ways. Kudos to +Jason Cordova and the rest of the community.
Andrew Fish I echo this sentiment. It is my interactions with the RPG community, and places like the Gauntlet, which have given me a greater appreciation for the different struggles of folks and communities. And I appreciate that.
I have heard before that this “hobby”, for some, is an escape. And I understand the sentiment. I was a geek, ostracized. I remember it providing me a place to go and feel comforted and safe.
But for me, now, it feels less escape, and more reflection. A place to discuss, and learn, and grow. And yes, have a shit-ton of fun.
Learning and growth is often not painless. But when it can be done in a manner that tries to prioritize safety and respect for ourselves and each other, it can be so supportive, so useful, and less traumatic.
Thank you for expressing the sentiment, Jason Cordova, and thank you to all of you in this community as well.
Andrew Fish I echo this sentiment. It is my interactions with the RPG community, and places like the Gauntlet, which have given me a greater appreciation for the different struggles of folks and communities. And I appreciate that.
I have heard before that this “hobby”, for some, is an escape. And I understand the sentiment. I was a geek, ostracized. I remember it providing me a place to go and feel comforted and safe.
But for me, now, it feels less escape, and more reflection. A place to discuss, and learn, and grow. And yes, have a shit-ton of fun.
Learning and growth is often not painless. But when it can be done in a manner that tries to prioritize safety and respect for ourselves and each other, it can be so supportive, so useful, and less traumatic.
Thank you for expressing the sentiment, Jason Cordova, and thank you to all of you in this community as well.
Jason Cordova I’ve been following you and Dave on DR for a few weeks now and I had no idea you where gay.
Knowing this changes nothing for me because I believe people or born that way and it’s no different than having red or brown hair. It’s a dice roll and that’s the result you got on the table. 😉
My ex wife’s brother is guay. The uncle of my kidz. We used to have long conversations where I would ask him to try to explain to me how it is the live has a gay man in North America. These opened my eyes on the difficulties of being a minority.
Jason I’m a big fan. You have my deepest respect. Please keep faith in humanity.
Jason Cordova I’ve been following you and Dave on DR for a few weeks now and I had no idea you where gay.
Knowing this changes nothing for me because I believe people or born that way and it’s no different than having red or brown hair. It’s a dice roll and that’s the result you got on the table. 😉
My ex wife’s brother is guay. The uncle of my kidz. We used to have long conversations where I would ask him to try to explain to me how it is the live has a gay man in North America. These opened my eyes on the difficulties of being a minority.
Jason I’m a big fan. You have my deepest respect. Please keep faith in humanity.
In games where I participate (as a player, facilitator, or GM), I will make a safe space for everyone.
I love all you beautiful nerds!
In games where I participate (as a player, facilitator, or GM), I will make a safe space for everyone.
I love all you beautiful nerds!
Jason, you are a community builder. That’s a powerful skill, and one of the most important in all the world. Thank you for creating this space bringing us all together.
Jason, you are a community builder. That’s a powerful skill, and one of the most important in all the world. Thank you for creating this space bringing us all together.