*The following are the shownotes, meant as quick summaries of the topics discussed and links to games and concept that we mentioned. This is not a transcript!* We have a guest: Amy! [@Goonwuff](https://twitter.com/Goonwuff) [The Old Spice D&D class](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mqawllBh142wrtTUuKtR5zpKHo0as6Ik/view). ### Disclaimers (1:45) This is a very sensitive subject. We are aware that English is our second language. So if we mis-speak or use the wrong phrase (e.g. confuse female with woman) please assume that this is due to our language skills and not due to any intended disrespect. Amy: I’ll be talking from my experience but it’s not necessarily representative of everyone. ### Steve Kent (3:38) > Hey guys, > This is Steve Kent in Utah, USA. > I started playing RPGs a couple of years ago as a GM for a few friends and family members. There's a lot to learn when you're just starting out, and I try to help new gamers on Reddit. > An issue that seems to come up every once in a while is being inclusive. Unfortunately, you see horror stories about gamers who have to put up with gatekeeping or even harassment just because they’re women or they’re LGBT. > The people in my regular group are all kind and considerate, but sometimes I run one-shots for anyone interested at my local gaming shop. What can I do to make sure that everyone feels safe and welcome at my table? And what can I do in general to make the hobby I love more inclusive? > In my own games, I try to make sure my NPCs aren’t all just straight, cisgender men just because I’m one. But I’m pretty new to GMing and to storytelling, so I could use any tips you have for respectfully representing diversity in sexuality and gender. > PS: I love the show! On the Shoulders of Dwarves is consistently the best advice on GMing and RPGs that I can find anywhere. It’s easy to listen to, it’s presented in a helpful format, and I can’t recommend it enough. Thanks for sharing your expertise and your insight. ### Three distinct issues (5:15) What is "Inclusivity", anyway? People tend to think of different things here, so it's important to distinguish three distinct issues. 1. Visibility - Having LGBTQ people exist in the imaginery world. Do you have (at least) two types of sexes? Then you should have LGBTQ just like you should have trees. 2. Reflecting real-world issues. Having trees, and also have deforestation as a major theme in your campaign. 3. Having sexual topics as part of the game. Talking a lot about the reproductive cycle of trees. We are only talking about #1 here. We touch on #2 later, but do not see it as a major point, and #3 has nothing to do with the topic at all. ### Defenitions (7:36) [Gender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender) [Sexuality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sexuality) [Cisgender](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisgender) Two concerns: 1. How to handle gender and sexuality out of game and 2. How to handle gender and sexuality in-game. Both feed into each other. ### How to make an open table more inviting and inclusive (9:33) In general: Know the lingo - Differentiate between Sex and Gender, LGBTQ+, “They”, Cis-. Encourage women and LGBT+ people to participate by mentioning people like them. Asking "What pronouns do you prefer?" is a kind of code for "Hey, gender is a spectrum, and I am happy to acknowledge wherever you sit on that spectrum." Similarly, "What pronouns does your character use?" opens up the possibility for all kinds of genders, without you needin to explicitly start a conversation about gender. The “toss a coin” trick for basic feminism: When you describe a new NPC, toss a coin for sex. (Truthfully, you should probably roll on a table that includes genders of all types, but just having the trick in your mind is enough to remember to mix women and LGBT if your default is cismale). [Lloyd added](https://twitter.com/drugge