Not Playing it Straight: Queer Gamers

Gaming culture has gone through evolutions and devolution since Pong first hit the box screen. But one thing that hasn't seemed to change is the homophobic and anti-female experience that video game culture tends to exude.

Gate-Keeping is a term that has grown in popularity when discussing fandoms, but it can also be applied to video game culture when the predominant players are straight males sling out racial, sexist, and homophobic slurs as easily as they breathe. This toxic culture is uninviting and the reason why many have quit gaming. Not because they don't enjoy playing video games, but because of what they have to hear and deal with on the other end of the mic.

How do you break free from that toxic environment and find a place for yourself? Join the discussion with moderator MiaByte (She/Her) from Gayming Magazine and Podcast.

With panelists:

• Nikatine (She/Her), Gamer, founder of @TeamTransGaming, and Twitch streamer 
• Dona Tarte (She/They), Gamer, baker, drag artist, and Twitch streamer 
• Brian Kunde (He/Him), Culture & Operations Director at GaymerX

As they discuss their experience in gaming, homophobia, toxic gaming culture, and the joys of gaming. 

This program is available online only. Registration is required. Details on how to participate will be emailed. Emails may go to your spam folder.

Part of FanCentral: Fuel Your Obsession! generously supported by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library