Exploring how the tabletop game fosters acceptance and representation
If you looked at the group gathered around various tables in the cozy shop, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything other than casually dressed individuals unwinding after work. Some sport khakis and sandals, while others wear button-up shirts, lugging serious laptop backpacks. My table boasted a mix of amiable older players, awkward teens, and a few thirty-somethings who embody the essence of “chartered accounting.”
It was Adventurer’s League night, where strangers gather at local game shops to roll dice, share stories, and embark on wacky adventures. This was a typical game of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the iconic tabletop roleplaying game from Wizards of the Coast.
The shop itself was compact, situated above a chicken rice eatery. The limited space between Warhammer kits and Marvel Legendary expansions was filled with large, rickety tables, all occupied by enthusiastic D&D players. Amidst the chatter and groans over unfortunate dice rolls, my fellow players were captivated.
At the center of our table lay a large printed map, detailing the layout of a small neighborhood in the vast fictional world of Faerun. The Dungeon Master (DM) led our game, narrating from the official adventure module: “Fala turns, and you see a sway in their hips as their skirt flares with their movement. They greet you in a voice that sounds like a man’s, saying, ‘Welcome to Corellon’s Crown.’”
My character for this session was a lovable fool—think Naruto with two swords and fewer brain cells. Eager to invite this intriguing shopkeeper for a wine-and-dine, I paused as the description registered in my mind. Fala was a genderqueer character, explicitly included in the official adventure module.
I glanced around the table, my old trepidation bubbling to the surface. I didn’t know these players outside the game; some I had just met that night. A young player in a sports tee with his polytechnic’s name frowningly asked the DM to repeat “her” description. The DM clarified that Fala preferred “their” pronouns. The young man paused and responded, “Huh? Okay.” He then asked Fala (roleplayed by the DM) if the group could get a “Neighbour Discount” on the potions Fala sold, prompting immediate enthusiasm from the others.
You could tell these were Singaporeans.
As a closeted queer person at the time, I felt an unexpected mix of surprise and pride in Wizards of the Coast for including such a meaningful detail in their published adventure module. Millions will read, see, and interact with Fala, who identifies as genderqueer and uses they/them pronouns.
What reassured me further was how seamlessly this expression of queer identity was woven into the communal narrative we, strangers, were crafting. The main question became whether Fala would give us a discount, not what their identity was.
From Meat Grinders to Woke Wizards
D&D hasn’t always been as inclusive as it is today, where we can comfortably ask our genderqueer fantasy shopkeepers for potion discounts. Historically, D&D has been characterized by heteronormative narratives involving strong heroes, nimble elven bards, and anthropomorphic wizards battling the undead.
In earlier D&D games, the focus was on dungeons, traps, and min-maxing character stats. The infamous “Tomb of Horrors” exemplified this approach, designed to kill as many Player Characters as possible.
While stories and character identity were present, they were often secondary. However, the streamed D&D series Critical Role sparked a renaissance in 2015, propelling D&D into mainstream media. Their success lies in creating compelling, flawed characters who are often portrayed as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
D&D has transformed from its adversarial roots to a game that prioritizes narratives. As Critical Role demonstrates, character development takes center stage, making the inclusion of queer identities in world-building and character creation a natural evolution.
Wizards of the Coast has incorporated canon genderqueer NPCs in newer modules, like Fala. The promotional art for Strixhaven prominently features two gay wizards dancing. In the popular Curse of Strahd module, lead writer Chris Perkins, also part of the LGBTQ+ community, introduced a male ‘bride’ for the vampire antagonist. While Wizards of the Coast has embraced inclusivity, the question remains: have we?
Creating an Inclusive Community
The expression of queer identity is fostered by both players and DMs, with each experience being unique. Player Bryan’s hobgoblin wizard character is asexual and emotionless. While he identifies as gay, the topic was rarely discussed among his predominantly straight, male group.
The fear of acceptance hindered Bryan’s expression, but after another player made an insensitive joke, they apologized. Surprisingly, the other players had known he was gay from the moment he introduced his character, demonstrating that such identities can be more evident than we assume.
For open Adventurer’s League tables, where players come and go, experiences of queer identities often stem from the diversity included in official modules. Yet, discussions around these identities may not always be deeply explored.
As a DM myself, I’ve seen how including queer identities requires sensitivity and awareness. I introduced my character’s pansexuality through the DM’s portrayal of Fala, who set the tone by using the correct pronouns. This approach made it easier for me to engage in my character’s queer identity.
The Role of the DM
The DM plays a crucial role in shaping a culture of inclusivity and safety at the table. They set the boundaries for including queer elements in the game, deciding which NPCs are LGBTQ+ and how those identities influence the narrative.
In a campaign I participate in, my DM K.A. (she/her, pansexual, from Norway) incorporates queer identities and neurodivergence in her story. One key NPC is a powerful asexual wizard on the spectrum, sequestered in a tower. K.A. explains that her character representation reflects her own identity and the desire for diverse female roles in storytelling.
Though her players haven’t yet interacted with this character’s queer identity, it enriches the narrative. At K.A.’s table, characters’ dynamics reflect a mix of identities: two player characters are in a same-sex relationship, another seeks his gay lover, and one character is chaotic and lesbian.
This diversity enhances the storytelling experience. However, DMs must approach this responsibility with care, ensuring they represent queer identities thoughtfully and avoid harmful stereotypes.
Modeling Queer Representation
Including diverse identities requires cultural sensitivity. Misrepresentations such as the “Queer Coded Villain” or the “Sassy Gay Best Friend” can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, so understanding the real-life implications of these tropes is essential.
Bryan recounted a time when he created a non-binary character (they/them) inspired by a colleague who uses those pronouns. When he accidentally misgendered his character, his fellow players reminded him, fostering an atmosphere of awareness and respect.
Communication and boundary-setting are key to navigating queer identity expression in D&D. While it’s important to explore these themes, the primary focus remains on gameplay and enjoyment. The objective is to roll dice, save the day, and maybe even flirt with a dragon. In D&D’s fantastical settings, characters collaborate toward greater goals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Ultimately, this leads us back to Fala and the crucial question: do we get a discount or not? Conversations about queer identities enhance gameplay, but the essence remains in enjoying the game.
The game’s purpose isn’t to dominate discussions on queer identity, but to bring people together for a shared experience. In D&D, the inclusion of queer identities enriches the narrative, reflecting the diversity of our real world.
While these identities contribute to the story, they don’t overshadow the game’s primary objective. As we navigate this space, we find joy in camaraderie and adventure, demonstrating that inclusivity can enhance the enjoyment of D&D without losing sight of the game itself.
