A Gay Gamer Convention is NOT Necessary (Gaymercon 2013)

GaymerCon. No, I’m not kidding. This is really happening. And I think it’s complete and utter BS. Let me explain why.

[zeal0us]

If gay gamers want to have a convention I say...Let them. Its not hurting me one bit if they do have one.

[StanLee]

What would be the point? Why would there be a need to identify yourself as a gay gamer? We're all gamers, we play the same games.

[slixshot]

Honestly, it's like those who want "Gaymercon" are attempting to segregate themselves.

[Wingsfan24]

That's what half the world does to slix, everybody's always calling people out for being racist etc or against gays and lesbians, some are yes, but most people today, especially the younger generations could care less. Yet, and no offense to anyone at all, people create their own stereotypes whether it be for attention, make themselves feel more comfortable or what, but they create thier own stereotype by trying to act different than anyone else instead of just being who they are.

[Christopher]

***by trying to act different than anyone else instead of just being who they are.***

Are they trying to act different, or are they different? And, who says they're not just being who they are?

[pandaboy]

@cgoodno

They are acting different. Acting camp and being gay are two completely different things. Being gay is not a choice and is common and natural in many species, but acting camp is a conscious decision and in choosing to act this way loses the persons individuality to some completely superficial fabricated manifestation of pop culture; and that is what gaymercon would end being.

p.s. spare me a bubble for pwning you :P

[Blastoise]

Exactly. Gay people are welcome at every gaming convention anyway, male or female.
Its almost as if regular conventions are not good enough.
I think its kind of strange that they feel it necessary to host a gay targeted convention and not just hang out at regular conventions with everybody.

[Holeran]

yes we all play the same games but alot of gay gamers play hide the sausage completely different than straight gamers.

[SilentNegotiator]

Why have a convention that's for a sexuality AND a specific hobby? Are there needs that only another homosexual gamer can fulfill....via gaming?

May as well have a convention for people who enjoy crocheting (a small percent of the population) and also people that smoke (a load of people). Because there is no connection and it has a really odd sort of filter/funnel to it.

"If gay gamers want to have a convention I say...Let them"
-
I don't really think anyone is arguing against that. Just the logic behind such a specific convention.

[specialguest]

What's the point? I don't think it's about announcing to the world that they're gay gamers in a defiant sort of way. The point of a gay gamer convention could be to discuss things they don't get from a typical gamers convention like:

-The gaming industry involving Gay/Lesbian subjects/issues
-Sharing gaming experiences within the community
-Community building/support
-Meeting other Gay/Lesbian gamers

I'm just naming a few things I thought up. Keep in mind that I'm not a gay gamer who has direct insight on their community, and there's probably more that could be added.

Everyone has the right to have their own conventions as long as it's not breeding hate.

[Gaming101]

lol what exactly would be the reason to out yourself as gay at a gamers convention? Homosexuals make up about 1-2% of the population according to some studies, other studies say it has grown to around 9 or 10%, that's not enough people for a convention for just gamers.

Why exactly do gays see the need to throw their sexuality in everyone's face? They already have a pride parade, do they really need a gamers convention too? (that hardly anyone would show up to btw lol)

[vickers500]

"but most people today, especially the younger generations could care less"

And how exactly did you come to this conclusion?

Where I live, the opposite is true unfortunately. I'm not gay, but I feel sorry for those who might be in my city/state.

Sure there are probably 'more' tolerant people than there are homophobic people, but it still isn't 'most' people.

This convention is just a place for gay people to enjoy their hobby amongst people they feel comfortable with, a friendly environment and don't have to hide who they are without fear of some asshole calling them 'faggot' like every conversation they've probably had over an online game goes.

The fact is, gay people are treated differently. You can wish all you want that that's not the case in real life and can attempt to believe that we "are all just gamers", but the fact is, that's not the case for some. Some gay folk probably have the exact same taste as many straight gamers, but there are many straight gamers who wouldn't care, and would just hate them based on the fact that they're gay, regardless of how similar their taste in gaming is.

Gays aren't the only ones treated differently though. Just look at girl gamers. Constantly hit on online, treated as if they're some mystical fabled rare creature.

The naive belief you have that most people are tolerant is nice, but it's unfortunately not true.

Besides, even if you think everything I said is not true, what's wrong with another gaming convention? I say more the merrier. More chances for devs to show off their games.

[BlackTar187]

I just don't want them getting any special sneak peeks lol.

Other then that if they want to make sure they are loud and everyone sees them then let them i don't see the problem.

[jadenkorri]

this is why i never got gay pride parades, like wtf is the point, now they want gay game conventions, what next, gay Olympics. For a group of people who are trying to get equality in marriages and what not, they certainly go a lot out of the way to make the point their different.

[Army_of_Darkness]

It would be the perfect pick-up/ dating hot spot for gaymers! LOL!

[bbbbbrian]

honestly as a gay gamer its hard to find other gay people that love video games. i love castlevania and the legend of zelda and i dont think you realize just how impossible it is to find anyone with similar interests. id find gaymercon pretty awesome in my opinion just because its a place to make friends with other gays who share the same interest.

[blumatt]

I think them wanting their own convention kind of falls into the category of black people wanting their own music awards. It's just unnecessary. Why do they need their own convention?

Guaranteed if straight people made an all straight gamer convention there would be some seriously mad people. So why do they feel it's ok to have THEIR own convention?

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

@specialguest

The problem here is numbers. If there is a gay gamer cummunity (and I say "if" because it could be just people that happen to be in two different groups depending on the perspective, just like I don't consider myself as part of a hetero gamer community, or fisherman biker, or atheist basketballer or any other combination of my unrelated hobbies, preferences or qualities), it's really small... And as so, they would much better be attended by the two existing kind of events.

For example "meeting other gay/lesbian gamers" and "community building/support". Those are much better suited for LGBT events, for instance, if you show up at a Gay Pride Parade with a gamer t-shirt, cosplaying a game character or on gamer themed block, chances are you'll atract other gamers, which in such a event are more likely than not going to be gay/lesbian as well. Also you attract the attending media to gaming.

Or for checking "the gaming industry involving Gay/Lesbian subjects/issues" and "sharing gaming experiences within the community" it's much more suited to events like E3, you just have to send in the right journalists (from gay community) so they cover what matters to this group.

I'm not saying your points are wrong, they are right, but I just think you probably would get much more accomplished in either big event than in a smaller gay gamer event. Sure it may not cover minutae details, but hey, we all feel this way as we all have some prefereces or hobbies that may convey in our lifes but are hardly ever covered together.

That said, there's tons of examples of small communities getting together over a common hobby and it works. For example, profession specific sports events. Most people that are really into sports in School or College tend to abandom it after they finish their formal education, this kind of profession based convention help a lot of people to get back into a former hobby. But this usually demand a big moving force behing the event (the most successful example which I can think of are those military or police department games events) and the hobby is pretty popular open (it's not just one kind of sport). If Gay Gamer community have that support and want to try, I say why not? It may not help, but it sure won't hurt their chances in accomplishing those objectives or others.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

@Jadenkorri

You have to consider that the Gay Pride Parade was created in different times, when they actually had to talk about it if they want to have any right at all, because from a legal standpoint, gay equality was non-existent, they were either illegal (as gay marriage) or legally unprotected (i.e. against prejudice).

But right now, you kind of have a point. They want to be reckoned just like everyone else, but you don't see "everyone else" (as if "not gay" were a homogeneous group) doing it.

Either way, I believe it's still made simply because it became a tradition or celebration for this group. It's not really different than Indepence Parade, March for Jesus or Carnival/Mardi Gras.

At least they are all the same for... That means, they all block the freaking street! *honk* *honk*

[ForNgoods]

@stanLee

Completely agree with you. What's next? A convention for just black, white, asian, or mexican gamers? How bout one for left handed gamers or better yet a convention for vegetarian gamers? Where does the line stop?? And seeing how they are suggest Gaymercon is for gays, does this mean straight people cant attend?? Thank god i'm not the only one scratching my head on this one.

[Shepherd 214]

They want attention, thats what they want.

When i was training for a job at Target, they sent me to another store for the training. The guy training me for the position was gay, told me about it my first day and asked me if it was alright, and he never let me forget it. For two weeks every day, he would find a way to make a gay joke about himself, find a quick opportunity to reference his sexuality in ways you wouldnt think possible, and constantly inform me that "like every male, i could go gay if i gave it a chance".

ive met many more like him too. I never feel the need to inform people that im heterosexual, and i have no idea what being gay has to do with gaming or why it should be such a special event or advertisement.

[AngryTypingGuy]

GaymerCon is being proudly brought to you by Chick-Fil-A.

[rjdofu]

@SonyWarrior: please don't reproduce.
People like you is one reason why i support gay marriage.

[CommonSense]

so many opinions on something so pointless.

the only reason i'd goto a gaming convention would be if i thought at least half would be chics in the hopes i might meet someone that i can connect with.

at least this way, they get not half, but 100%. certainly helps their odds.

and lets face it, this IS about hooking up. if it weren't, they'd be happy with regular gaming conventions. i say more power to em.

[JellyJelly]

Just curious, what do you guys think about something like BET?

Since you can't stand a gaming convention aimed at gay people, I can't imagine you'd accept a TV channel aimed at black people?

Or is there a difference? Being gay is a personal choice (or according to some a disease) and being black, jewish or whatever isn't, right?

Some of you are so stupid it makes me scared. This whole thread is evidence that gay people aren't accepted. And before you start accusing me of being ungodly or whatever, I'm not gay, I just know how to read and write. And think.

[Baba1906]

i dont see the point of this. beeing gay myself i am not different than any other gamer, male or female, straight or bi. sexuality has nothing to do with gaming. this is just strange. maybe the only argument for it would be to get to know other gay people but you dont need a game convetion for that...

[Tired]

Well it helps to meet other people like you. I found most of my psn friends on a gaygamer site.
Mainly because it's nice to play games with people who aren't shouting things like..

'take that you f'ing faggot'
'Die you queer c*nt'

I know that the people who I was playing with had no idea they were playing with a gay person...but it helps not to have to hear that for two hours straight.

[BlackTar187]

Hawkboi,

Stop putting value in the put downs and they will stop hurting. + they arn't using them in a way to offend gay people they are just words and words like Faggot have more then 1 meaning.

the word only hurts because you empower it inside yourself to offend you.

other then that do what makes you happy :)

[BlackTar187]

hey comeon what color do you think i am?

i mean really the only time my "Black Friends" take offense is when they are using it derogatory towards them or in a way that is directly related to being black. When i hear people on VG's saying it around me and my black friends do you think we really care? Only when used as a put down to the black race. Offense is taken right away but other then that not much value is put in it. It is the internet

Lol at not knowing what I'm talking about. Learn to not be so sensitive.

almost all these put downs are used in a way that they don't make sense to the actual sorce material it comes from so therefore should lose almost all value. But i guess if you want to be offended by a slang term then go about doing so. it doesn't actually make sense like 95% of the time so saying the word regardless of intent or meaning fromt he person saying it means nothing to you. Thicker skin

"What insecure young males call each other when they don't have anything intelligent, clever, or witty to say. "

"
In these times not really used if somebody is really a homosexual mostly used insteap of calling somebody stupid or a loser."

It offends you that they are using the word incorrectly and without the true hateful reason behind it? Get thicker skin

Or just call me stupid either or.

just know i have no ill will towards anyone race,creed or anything. I also use the word described above and i can tell you i definatley don't mean it in the way he is obviously taking it.

[Getowned]

@ Hawknoi

Why should you care what they say, I get called names all the time online and in real life, I just really don't care anymore. You need to just let it go and I know that can be hard but I've had so much happen to me in my life that I guess I have developed a resistance to it. I won't shead a tear or start a fight about it, or even complain.

I am not gay but I do think its disrespectful for people acting that way regardless if anyone in the lobby was gay or not. It's more or less just bad manners and theres no reason for anyone to act that way. Besides no one has anything new to say what can they say about you that can hurt you if being gay,short,fat,poor, or have a bad dkr, etc(not saying you are any of these things) is the only way they can make an attept to hurt or disrespect you.. than I say they have nothing on you, and you have nothing to lose. Words are just words in the end they sting, but they can't hurt you.

[Brosy]

@cmonbreal
The 360 also allows you to permenately mute anybody you find annoying. And you can also file a complaint and possibly get them banned, as well as report them and hurt their online reputation. You can't do that on PS3 or Wii. So Live doesn't have to be filled with hate if you don't want it to be. Get what you pay for.

[CommonSense]

i work with a lot of gay guys (in fact, where i work, i'm in the minority when it comes to the male staff), and i've never heard a group of people (not even in a competitive game like halo, or gears, or whatever) say more things like you describe. initially i just found it funny that they were being ironic. but they aren't being ironic. they just recognize those words the same way the rest of us do...as words.

i can appreciate what you're saying...sometimes (in the context), i can would even agree with you. i have heard some people say some pretty awful things to a black guy once they realize he's black; but i think 90% of the time these words aren't meant to be hurtful...at least not in a lasting way.

i know that if i say something is 'gay' or i hear someone else say it, it never even occurs to me to think of it in a sexual way.

[Thatguy-310]

Exactly !! Who cares!!

[cleft5]

So true and if people on the internet and real life weren't such little homophobic bitches than there would be no need for this. Go on the 360 and say you are gay and just see how much fucking hatred you get in the matter of moments. Gaming Convention are about helping people come together and just be themselves while enjoying games. Sadly, that isn't possible for a lot of people at typical conventions.

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

A lot of online homophobia is a myth. Most people don't care, but will insult someone for the homosexuality because its there to attack. People's manners don't improve that much from kindergarten. A lot of it is probably from kindergarteners.

[Gamerpeanuts]

Cant we all just game together without being separated by barriers we create ourselves? There is no need for this, and there will never be a need for this. We are all gamers and thats what counts the most.

[TekoIie]

It's silly and unnecessary... But that doesn't mean I'm against it. Besides how do you stop people who arnt gay from getting in?

If this is something gay gamers want then let 'em have it!

[CoLD FiRE]

Maybe they're going to require people to suck the security guy's dick before they enter the convention!

[MattyG]

If they want to be accepted in society they need to not want special things for gay people. We don't have a Macdonalds and a Gaydonalds, or a Starbucks and a Gaybucks, so why do we need multiple conventions for multiple sexual orientations?

[EminemAt3AM]

LOL, "Gaybucks", can u imagine that?

The slogan being: Everything sucks at Gay bucks.

[KidBroSweets2]

Honestly, the only reason you'd not want them to have their own convention is because you simply hate gays. I mean, it's 2012 people, grow up. And I'm sure there'll be lesbians there too. It's just a way for people with who share a similar feeling to have a good time and gaming seems to be a proper platform to not get judged on. case hell, you've all seen crazier stuff in video games.

[2v1]

i wish there wher a video game wher i could kill only gay people, now this comment may upset people but is mi opinion of how im feeling whit all this gay people

[Slapshot82]

While I agree, I think that this actually segregates them more than anything. I've never, ever heard of a gay gamer not being accepted at any convention, which makes me question the reasoning behind the event -- is this convention going to be focused more on sex than gaming?

[fr0sty]

If they want to be equal, want to be treated just like any other person, why do they do so much to draw attention to themselves? To make themselves stand apart from the crowd? It defeats the purpose entirely, and makes it seem less about equality and more about attention. I don't care if they have a convention, anything that helps the gaming industry is cool by me, but these sorts of things do make me call their motives into question.

[Eddie20101]

Gaymercon is meant for like minded people to gather and comunicate with pepole who are into gaming and posibly make new friends(Gay people and their friends) it is not meant to be any kind of political statement.

[f789790]

Let's organize a white male gaming convention.

The point is, there's no need to divide yourself from others like this.

[cl1983]

I suggest a signals hetero gaming convention.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

Wait until gears 4 has pink bunnies & shotguns that shoot hearts then you will care! /s

[NewZealander]

i have no issues with it, i go on TDU2 and see people have made racing clubs for gay people, or over 50's etc, its great to see people reaching out to others with similar interests, i don't personally see the point of needing a whole convention, but hey if they want one why the heck not!

i have met some really cool people on xbox live, and yes some are gay, some are in there mid 50's, some only speak french and i have to translate everything for them, some are teens, some are crazy! but they all add a bit of spice to my online gaming!

[Emilio_Estevez]

Now everyone make sure to down-vote this horribly premised article and the site who clearly wrote for hits.

[2pacalypsenow]

what if they have a straight game convention? wait that discriminating just like having an all black cast not being racist but an white cast is .....right??

[Tameel1]

Because gays and black people are still considered a minority in the US and are usually just told to "shut up" or "deal with it" when they want to discuss the representation of their race or sexuality in the media. There are still a lot of issues in the gaming industry regarding the characterizations and representations of minority people in gaming (actually in all media) and conventions like this are a good way to discuss those issues and ideas without being told to ":shut up" or that it's "no big deal".

White, straight people don't have that problem. They aren't going to be excluded from games or movies or books any time soon (even if an all-gay or all-black game was ever made) and there is no real need to have a white or straight convention to discuss the lack of diversity or white representation in games because most characters in games are already white or straight.

Is it really discriminatory for a minority group to want a safe space to discuss their issues without being ignored or silenced? Just take a look at this article for example; the author flat-out says anybody who wants to attend this convention is "not a true gamer" and that if they want to discuss their sexuality in respect to gaming then they "have a few screws loose". He wonders why minorities feel like they need specific conventions and "safe spaces" to discuss their issues, then spends an entire article proving exactly why minorities feel like they need safe spaces to disucss their issues.

[Christopher]

***Because gays and black people are still considered a minority in the US and are usually just told to "shut up" or "deal with it" when they want to discuss the representation of their race or sexuality in the media. ***

Yes, still the minority. No, they aren't told to "shut up" or "deal with it."

***because most characters in games are already white or straight.***

True. The question is, much like TV and movies, whether or not the representation of the "other races" and "sexual preferences" are as represented as their minority percentage compared to the majority. Are there more or less gay characters in video games, as a percentage, nowadays than the real world? Black characters?

That would be an interesting analysis of the industry.

But, yes, White people tend to be the focus.

What's strange is that the Hispanic population tends to be a huge player of games in this generation, yet they have less of a "in-game representation" than blacks, whites, or gays.

***Is it really discriminatory for a minority group to want a safe space to discuss their issues without being ignored or silenced?***

Not at all. Especially considering they are not excluding straight people from the event.

***He wonders why minorities feel like they need specific conventions and "safe spaces" to discuss their issues, then spends an entire article proving exactly why minorities feel like they need safe spaces to disucss their issues.***

Agree.

[6yo]

1. White people are minority on this planet.
2. There is more black people on this planet then white people.
3. There are no gays in games because gay people dont make games??!!!
4. There are no black people in games because black people dont make games??!!
If i will be black or gay i will make people look like gay in games and all of them will be black. just natural thing i think
Just mine opinion

[bicfitness]

They're (Caucasians) not an identifiable minority. If you want to have a "white pride" meeting, that's called the KKK and it may not be what you think.

If gay people want to fund and support an event like this, let them.

Its not exclusionary either, as you imply. You'd be hard pressed to find an LGBT group that would turn away heterosexuals. Most of said groups are focused on tolerance and integration, not segregation.

[TekoIie]

+ bub dude!

One of the few intelligent comments in this article. I'm finding it kind of disturbing when you look at the amount of disagrees people are getting for saying what's right.

[Qrphe]

One of the smartest comments definitely.

Well done buddy

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

I assume such a group would operate to promote a more comfortable gaming environment so players can talk camp. Maybe lobby for gay characters in games; good number of characters in comics are gay nowadays. Just don't let them talk camp.

[Nerdmaster]

Try to put here a "greatest couples in gaming" list. See everyone saying "this couple is the best", "I prefer this couple", "I have wet dreams about Tifa", and things like that. After that, put a "greatest gay couples in gaming" list. See how everyone says "keep these things for yourselves", "stop turning everything gay", "why do you need to make these kind of lists?" and things like that.

The thing is, you don't need a straight gaming convention to discuss straight stuff in gaming. The same can't be said about gay stuff.

[RedHotChiliPepaSpray]

So this gaming convention is for gay people who want to discus games in relation to their sexuality?

If thats what this convention is all about then fair enough i suppose. I thought this would be like any other convention but was targeted especially for gay people, but in all honesty, I dont think gays would get very far at e3 or other conventions if they wanted to bring up the topic of gay characters or relationships up for discussion

[DragonKnight]

This kind of sh*t is exactly what Morgan Freeman was talking about and why there will always be divides amongst us. We will never be rid of racism or homophobia so long as we WILLINGLY CREATE divides to promote segregation. Just as BET, Black History Month, or an All Black High School creates the notion that Black people are NOT the same as everyone else, so too does Gaymercon segregate people. The fact that the LGBT community is forcing their lifestyle upon the face of every public event provokes anger and is a homing beacon for narrow-minded homophobes to act against.

With this, Gaymercon will be in the news as all anti-homosexual groups converge to state how much of an abomination it is. There is an increased chance of violence for the very idea of it. It is an unnecessary convention specifically designed to create a divide among peoples. A gamer who is gay is no different from a gamer who is straight. There is one, and only one, qualification to be a gamer and that's that you game. Nothing else.

A gay individuals social problems are irrelevant to gaming, and they have no place in the realm of gaming. Being able to get married isn't going to help you beat the last boss of your favorite game. Being able to kiss in public isn't going to net you that achievement. Being a gamer will get you those things.

This is a bad idea that will receive a lot of bad attention. There are already too many divides among us today, don't create another one in gaming.

[Christopher]

I understand your logic, but if you take away all of the "special interest" groups, schools, TV channels, and the like, people would still think this way. More than likely even moreso. It's likely racism would be more prevalent, the history of minorities less known, and so on.

So, having these "special interest" groups and the like does bring to light the minorities and their issues, but that's because others have no clue until you tell them.

And, to be honest, being black is not the same as being white. Nor is being hispanic the same as being white or being gay the same as being straight. The thing is that it's easy to think that everyone is the same if no one tells you otherwise.

You can live blissfully in ignorance, but that doesn't make how those people live in today's day and age equal or better.

***A gay individuals social problems are irrelevant to gaming, and they have no place in the realm of gaming.***

One person made a great comment about how this affects them. He said that if you say you're gay on XBL or have the word Gay in your name, you get censored on XBL. But, saying you're straight or hetero or having such words in your name don't do the same. And all the while people continue to act derogatory towards each other by calling people gay and, if someone is found out to be gay, being harassed in games.

So, I would disagree with this.

***There are already too many divides among us today, don't create another one in gaming.***

It's easy to say that when you aren't at all affected by this. It's easy to be a white guy who doesn't get racially profiled or judged for going out with another guy.

CONCLUSION: My original thought was similar to yours. I thought, hey, shouldn't we be focusing on being a single community? Couldn't you have done this sort of thing at an existing LGBT event rather than creating a splintered event that is so specifically targeted? But most of the comments made since then have changed my mind and I can completely understand that they are needed until people stop making the ignorant, and oftentimes painful, remarks that they have in response to the event itself.

[DragonKnight]

Here's my rebuttal. The special interest groups you mention were created to tell the world "hey, we're just like everyone else so we shouldn't be treated differently." But by placing the label of, say, "Gaymercon" they are in fact telling the world "we are different and we deserve our own event/place that showcases our differences."

One cannot have both. You can't say "we want to be different and at the same time normal" especially since there really is no such thing as normal. It's one thing to bring up inequities in social thinking, but to segregate yourself by creating groups and events specifically designed for your differences is telling the world that you want to have your cake and eat it to.

Sure, Caucasians don't have the same racial problems that other races may have in a predominantly Caucasian society, but if a white person goes to any other country, they are met with the same challenges any other race would meet. I live in Canada, the country with pretty much no immigration laws. Here, we have taken to renaming Christmas and saying "Happy Holidays" instead. There are discussions about having our National Anthem sung in different languages at events like the Olympics. But could I, as a white man, go to another nation and change it like that? Not at all. And that's fine since I'm not trying to. But the point is that all people face different challenges. We shouldn't be saying "well my problems are worse than yours" and then creating separations and divides. Especially in gaming, where there are no divides. If a person puts "I'm gay" then they are telling the world that they are different, then the social problems of the world factor in. It has nothing to do with gaming or gamers, it has to do with the fact that humans have a tribal mentality and thus tend to shun differences. It happens everywhere. The cure is to not treat yourself as different. It shouldn't matter that you're gay, but once you start parading it around it will gain attention. It shouldn't matter that you're straight for that matter either.

When we come forth and say "only my group has problems, and you get to see and hear about them" then we create the problems we are trying to eliminate.

[Christopher]

***But by placing the label of, say, "Gaymercon" they are in fact telling the world "we are different and we deserve our own event/place that showcases our differences."

One cannot have both. You can't say "we want to be different and at the same time normal" especially since there really is no such thing as normal.***

So, using your analogy, there shouldn't be gay bars, but it's okay to have normal bars? There also shouldn't be gay strip clubs, only your standard strip clubs.

Question, if this were to actually happen, how many more attacks against the gay community you think there would be? How do you think the guys who came to see girls strip would take it to see a guy come out to perform for the gay clientele?

***It's one thing to bring up inequities in social thinking, but to segregate yourself by creating groups and events specifically designed for your differences is telling the world that you want to have your cake and eat it to.***

You just said you want your cake and to eat it too as well, by the way. You said you don't want to see special interest groups but you want to know about them as well. If there weren't special interest groups to support the majority of minority groups out there, you wouldn't know anything about them. Heck, slavery would still be in place, women wouldn't be able to vote, and so on.

As it is, there is still racism, sexism, and religious persecution, and more going on even though we have all these special interest groups to inform people of the people that are out there.

And most don't say they are "normal" they say they wanted to be treated as a "normal" person is. A black person will say that they are different from a white person in many ways, not that they are normal just like them. But, what they want is to be treated like they are. Huge difference there.

***I'm not trying to. But the point is that all people face different challenges. We shouldn't be saying "well my problems are worse than yours" and then creating separations and divides.***

But, their problems due to their race and/or sexual preference are likely worse than yours. Yes, that doesn't mean they live a nicer life than you.

I come from a foster home background and had a shitty life until I was extremely lucky to be adopted at the age of 7 (almost 8). I mean, shitty, including living a few years on the streets. And I wasn't normal until about the time I entered High School because of that, if you would still call me normal now. I doubt most people understand what that was like. That's why I give money to help kids get adopted, to ensure they are well taken care of, and support people who want to adopt rather than the "need" to spawn their own children.

Having said that and knowing that many people won't go through that situation, it doesn't mean that other people who are being treated unfairly, harassed, and even physically abused shouldn't be allowed to do what they can to highlight their issues and attempt to enact change in the people around them and how they are perceived by those people.

[Christopher]

***When we come forth and say "only my group has problems, and you get to see and hear about them" then we create the problems we are trying to eliminate.***

First, no one is saying "only my group has problems." No one.

Second, if they are never advertised, it doesn't solve the problem either. It's akin to saying that the Church should have better hidden the priests who were molesting children. Bad things happen, people get hurt, they need help to overcome the persecution and attacks of the idiots in the world. If you don't want to help, cool, that's fine. But, that doesn't mean they don't have a right to have their voice heard and to be treated equally in that respect. Nor does it mean because they chose to focus on a problem near and dear to them that they are making themselves out to be "more special" than someone else. That's akin to saying that looking to solve Cancer is more important than solving any other disease out there. You focus on what you know, what you feel, what matters most to you and you hope that others come together to support you because they also feel that way.

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

You know they're not a people in the traditional sense, like Blacks and Jews. They are a behavior. That's why they are only 1% to 2% - just a deviancy. Kill off all Blacks and Jews, they are gone. The multitude of cultures, backgrounds, beliefs. Things that matter. But gays will always be here.

But it's natural not because of some biological determinism, but because it's a nut. After violence, nothing is more instinctual, carnal and primal than a nut. And the taboo is often the most titillating. How you get a nut is your business if it is between mature, consenting individuals. But it is nothing more than that. Whether you think people should be liberated sexually is another matter.

So how and why our foremost current civil rights issues apply to them and not polygamists and other societal sexual taboos? Or non-sexual lifestyles like casual marijuana users. Were they just the next marginalized group in size?

[KidBroSweets2]

@2pacalypsenow

So what, do you get mad at people who go to a corvette club meeting just because you don't have one? No. Because you don't have any interest in it so you don't care to find out about it. If you don't like the idea of a Gaymercon then don't read into an article about it anymore

[2pacalypsenow]

Comparing a car to a human? Right....... and people with corvettes don't try to push owning one down peoples throats

[KidBroSweets2]

@2pacalypsenow

Actually it's comparing gaming to cars you moron. The humans take the same roles in both events. And who's pushing Gaymercon down your throat? The only way you even know about it is because YOU CHOSE to read about it.

[Jazz4108]

One of the many reasons for this type of an event is if i was to hold my partners hand in public many would say im trying to shove gay down your throat and then of course i could get bashed and killed. If you are not gay i really dont expect many to understand until they walk in my shoes. Until societys fully excepting of the gay community there will always be a need for these events. I live my life as a straightacting male and most no one expects that im gay and i have to live in hiding for the backlash i would and will take in public if i wasnt afraid to be who i am. Like i said most on here will never understand the pain and hurt that we go through and the ridicule and the constant questioning of why god made me like this as its so hard. Hence is why the gay communitys youth have a high suicide rate. If you really do want to educate yourself or have any questions as to why gay guys do some of the things they do and why a convention like this is helpfull then pm me and we can talk in more detail. Sorry for such a long post. One last thing ...the flamboyant guys that are gay this and that do not represent the majority of the gay population but they are the loudest and the reason they get heard before the rest of us who are pretty normal guys.

[Lord_Sloth]

I demand a straight gamer's convention as well! Why? Because shut up, that's why!

[bicfitness]

Have you seen the jublies at E3 or Comicon?

These conventions already exist.

[VverdugovV]

Those appeal to lesbians aswell.

[CoLD FiRE]

I second that. And gay people should be banned from getting in so that we keep them away from the rest of the population while they keep calling for equality and at the same time creating an exclusive gay version of everything.

[RedDeadLB]

The only thing I don't understand is why gay people need to promote their sexual orientation in front of everyone. No one is forbidding them to be gay, but their public presentations are just provocative and are the reasons why they have trouble in the world in the first place. I don't understand why they need to put "gay" in front of everything. If they say they are normal and just like everyone else, then they should start acting like that and stop making a "gay version" of every public thing. It just makes them look stuck up and condescending.

[StraightPath]

Spot on why do gay people make a fuss in the,first,place? If wantrd to be normal.

[FunAndGun]

why do straight people care so much in the first place? How does it affect you in any way?

OMG, you have to read about it or look in the direction of a gay event....oh the horror!

The reason you don't understand it is because you are not gay and don't know how it feels to live in a world that generally doesn't like you. Every single event that is NOT labeled gay is a straight event.

I went to the amusement park the other day, straight people kissing eachother in lines, holding hands. That is looked down upon if I was to do that with another man. Now, the amusement park has a "gay day" and it would be OK for me to kiss my partner or hold his hand. I don't like PDA in public regardless, but just an example. Do you know how it feels to hide the act of giving someone a simple hug? Or to lie about something personal to make a straight person comfortable in a certain situation?

The reason he have to hold our own events is because we can then be comfortable in the situation without having to worry about every single thing we say or action we do.

You don't have to think about these things because you are already comfortable in any situation because you are part of the majority.

Maybe if gay people were accepted into straight society, the gay events would go away. until then, we must segregate ourselves to be who we want without persecution.

How do we win? How do I go to an amusement park and not feel strange about who I am? My only option at this point is to attend the 'gay day'. I mean, I go to my designated day, and I still get told that I am wrong.

Is your option to just pretend to be normal and it will all fall into place? If I was treated normal by straights there would be no reason for gay events. currently I can't walk through an amusement park and hold my partners hand without being looked upon as a piece of crap....unless it is on 'gay day'.

again, you don't understand because you have carte blanche in any situation.

[your_just_a_number]

FunAndGun

While you make some interesting points and I may not be homosexual I respectfully disagree with your outlooks and insightful points.

While your right saying that it doesn't affect me or heterosexuals in a negative way. It does affect homosexuals negatively. Think about what this says, that homosexuals are different, that you "must segregate yourselves". I mean come on
Malcolm X sought to segregate himself and all other African Americans from white people and all that did was give white people a reason to hate African Americans and African Americans a reason to hate white people only intensifying and prolonging the civil rights movement. It wasn't until Malcolm came back from his pilgrimage to Mecca and that he learned the that segregating is the wrong way to go about things.

In addition events are not straight by default.Sure their are more heterosexual people in unbiased events but that is just probability. I mean think about it has the host of said events said as requirement no homosexuals allowed inside. Have they put a keyword in the name of the event (straight, heterosexual, ) making it clear they are not wanted.

[FunAndGun]

@ your_just_a_number

again, HOW do we make it better. you say segregating ourselves is not the answer. So then we should just do what?

My option is to attend gay events and have a good time or stop having gay events and hope things in society change for the better. The gay event thing, while may not be the best way, is helping. It brings awareness. I have gone to every Gay Chicago Pride Parade for the last 12 years. attendance was up from 700,000 to 800,000 this year. When I first started going to the parade it was much more wild and sexual. Today, it is political and more family friendly. Parents, families, and friends now attend to support their gay loved ones. If this parade never happened in the first place, gay rights would still be hidden in the closet. There were service men IN UNIFORM at this past parade. don't tell me it is not working because it is.

I would rather live in a world where there is NO segregation but sometimes it is necessary to own something yourself. Make a voice for yourself, to say, hey, I'm here too.

If you have a better answer, I'm all ears.

"In addition events are not straight by default.Sure their are more heterosexual people in unbiased events but that is just probability. I mean think about it has the host of said events said as requirement no homosexuals allowed inside. Have they put a keyword in the name of the event (straight, heterosexual, ) making it clear they are not wanted."

Well to be fair, gay events are open to straight people also. It doesn't say ONLY HOMOS. The reason they are labeled 'gay' is to let the gay community know it is OK to be yourself and not go into DL mode.

Everything is straight by default. from the moment we are born we are assumed to be straight. boys get trucks and blue, girls get dolls and pink. growing up: "do you like that girl?" "don't you think she is pretty?" sexual education: penis goes in vagina. the American dream: get married, have kids. It is hard to explain to a straight person what its like growing up and not fitting into what is assumed to be normal (and NOT being able to change it because it is something inside my soul). If the label 'gay' is not put on something it is assumed to be straight because that is how it has been my whole life.

[your_just_a_number]

@FunandGun

Gay Chicago Pride Parade is distinctly different from Gaymercon. Gaymercon symbolizes the idea that homosexuals want to be secluded from society while the Gay Chicago Pride Parade says "We are Alive, We are here, and We will not go away!"

I know that gay events are for everyone but having the a word that implies homosexuality the still make things uncomfortable for the "average" straight man or woman. It is like attending a video game conventions that is called Blackacon. It is uncomfortable to go to for the average person even if it was open to everyone because they are making a clear point that their target audience is African Americans.

My suggestion is to be yourself whenever. If you're not a PDA kinda guy/girl (sorry do not want to assume anything)then don't show affection in public. It will help encourage people to come open and make others more tolerant. Have a Gaymercon but make it so it is not intimidating to anyone invite everyone you can call it Acceptancecon or Tolerancecon (sorry I'm bad at creating catchy names for anything that is not a superhero/character).

P.S. I use racial examples because I believe that equal rights for homosexuals is our Civil Rights Movement.

P.P.S. I hope I haven't upset you if I did then I am eternally sorry, I was just trying to get my point across.

[linkratos]

@FunAndGun
As a straight guy I completely agree with and support your view. It's almost pointless trying to convince people on here. Some people just naturally have no ability to sympathize with someone unless they experience it themselves. Best of luck to you, and at least it seems to be getting better, generations will look back at the unequal rights for gays in the same we look at how women couldn't vote.

[MysticStrummer]

"The only thing I don't understand is why gay people need to promote their sexual orientation in front of everyone. No one is forbidding them to be gay, but their public presentations are just provocative and are the reasons why they have trouble in the world in the first place."

Yeah because you never see straight couples holding hands or kissing in public, right? Give me a break. I've seen straight couples having sex at an outdoor concert. As Zeal0us said above, if they want to have their own gaming convention, let them.

[InTheLab]

You do understand the difference between a public display of affection and a gaming convention targeted at LBGTQ, right? The latter is completely unnecessary because gay gamers are just gamers. There's no need to flaunt sexual orientation for EVERYTHING...

And public sex has nothing to do with being gay or straight...only ignorant.

[Baba1906]

i agree, there is no difference between gay games and non gay gamers. its just stupid. this coming from a gay male. no gameconvention needed.
i dont agree that beeing gay should not be promoted a bit, to get public awerness of the topic.

[pompombrum]

Because as a society we haven't really accepted gay people. The sad truth is that many people are out there trying to forbid them from being gay with some even go as far as saying it's a curable disease.

If there was a gaming convention aimed at couples or even a singles sort of dating gaming convention, we wouldn't be here having this discussion. But because it's gay people, they're obviously just too busy showing off how gay they are.. society still has a long way to go before accepting gay people as normal and until it does, stuff like this is inevitable.

[Baka-akaB]

actually some of us would be having the same conversation . Tired of attention seeking people putting a label in front of "gamer" .

You are a gamer or not , and the adjective and label usually forced in front usually got nothing or little to do with gaming .

We've had the same conversation in the past with "christians" , "any ethnicity" , "couple" , "hetero" , "lesbian" , "gay" , "girl" gamers . That stuff is irrelevant and contextual at best in gaming content .

In the context of "girls" gamer , hell i've mostly seen it used as a way to promote oneself or seek attention , not even as much as promote some cause like here .

Everyone could live without that .

If it's about the way people are treated online , it's the wild wild west , especially as long as everyone is anonymous out there , and every group get at some point tread badly . It's up to each to expose itself to further of that kind of abuse , for all the online morons and waste time reporting and hunting them .

If it's about game's content ? Well It's obvious wich demographic is universally appealing sales wise , and wich isnt . But as long as publishers are reminded there is a significiant and profitable market for a particular group they'll go for it eventually . Like they have been doing gradually

Everyone can front the convention they want and or go attend it ... but dont be surprised if some find it pointless . it's just an opinion

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

I don't think just anybody can forbid somebody from being gay, but they're people who do leave the lifestyle. Some actually seek help to do so. It isn't a disease like alcoholism, but it is a behavior like any other that can be modified.

Now does the person have gay "cravings". Yeah, most likely. Even pedophiles say they can't stop it, but that's abuse. Homosexuality is relatively harmless. So no big deal. If you have dissonance with your own sexuality, you have bigger issues, but ultimately you are the master of your own ship.

Born gay is a political argument made necessary as the government and church won't stay out of our bedrooms and nightclubs.

[Christopher]

***The only thing I don't understand is why gay people need to promote their sexual orientation in front of everyone.***

I know, right? Why should they be allowed to advertise their sexual presence? Why can't we keep it the way it is where we treat women like sex objects by watching them prance around in lingerie or men like boy toys as they continue to get involved in steamy relationships with many women? But, having two guys kiss, even casually, that's just provocative...

*** If they say they are normal and just like everyone else, then they should start acting like that and stop making a "gay version" of every public thing. It just makes them look stuck up and condescending.***

No, many of the comments here look stuck up and condescending. Not the idea of a convention that you don't have to attend, but are invited to attend even though you are not gay or transgender.

***Gaymercon symbolizes the idea that homosexuals want to be secluded from society ***

There is no seclusion. Everyone is invited to the event regardless of their sexual orientation.

[bicfitness]

You've hit the nail on the head (with many of the comments in this thread). The thing is, these events aren't exclusionary. There isn't some "gay" test they give you at the door that if you fail you get carted off by bouncers. This is no different than Caribana or Lantern Festivals or Christian/ Baptist Assemblies. Reasonable Ethnic, spiritual and sexual rights should each be protected in an ethical society.

You can't live in a democratic nation and then dictate what minorities or beliefs have more value or are to be respected above others. We all have the right to be gay, republican, Wiccan, proud of our Native/ Afro/ Scottish/ whatever heritage. And regardless of choice, we are all due the same respect (though the world rarely if ever affords us such equality). You want the right to bear arms? To go to church? Great. Then your neighbour has the right to be as queer as he/ she wants to be. You don't like it? Don't pay attention. And so long as he/ she isn't breaking laws, planting pride flags on your lawn or having circuit parties in the backyard to interrupt the "reasonable enjoyment" of your property and life, tough $hit.

P.S. Que some half-witted rebuttal about about how, by that logic, people should be allowed to marry their gerbils. Note I said "reasonable" at the start of my post. Marrying an animal is not reasonable and arguably compromises that animal's rights as well.

[RedDeadLB]

Isn't the point of gaming conventions to promote games and new sorts of interactive media and hardware?
Aren't the people who attend these conventions gamers who have an interest in new announcements, games and such?
Aren't these gamers culturally, ethnically, racially and sexually diverse with the only common denominator being their favorite hobby, gaming?

If so, what is the purpose of GaymerCon? To promote homosexuals in gaming or to promote games?
If games are the center of this convention, why the need to promote it as a gay event? Do gay gamers feel unwelcome at other, larger game conventions?
Do they feel that the content provided by these game conventions doesn't suit their preference?

WHY do they need a special "gay convention", among all these available, if the sole purpose of attending these events are GAMES?

There just isn't a valid enough reason for this.
So I ask, WHY do they need a "GaymerCon"?

[Geomasonic]

And why do people like you and straight media need to promote heterosexuality? Yep sure, it's fine for straight guys to flaunt their heterosexuality in the faces of others, but the minute the gay person makes him/herself visible they're suddenly "condescending". I personally am sick of this double standard attitude. Have you ever thought that gays are sick of hearing of what goes on in your straight bedrooms?
Anyway. You and the rest of homophobes won't drag us back into the closets!

Actually there's nothing "intelligent" in your condescending and patronizing post.

[Hicken]

Much of the Civil Rights Movement here in the States was organized and perpetuated through all-Black and majority Black groups and organizations. Based on the prevailing mentality of those in power at the time, Black people would NEVER have been able to come close to being equals(we still aren't, believe it or not) to Whites if they tried to do so by going through "White" channels.

Gays will have to be organized, and as a separate society, prove they're equal, before they're accepted by the majority. Until that time comes, there will be gay bars(like places Blacks created for themselves because they were prohibited in the past) and gay gaming conventions.

People keep saying, "We don't need straight conventions," and it's true: you don't need to label straight conventions as such if you explicitly and/or implicitly exclude gays.

The simple way to look at it is this: if people can say this gay convention is just as valid as any other, if gay bars/clubs are as valid, if gay marriage and relationships are as valid, then there won't be a need for a separation.

But first, these things must be accepted, and it's ridiculously obvious that they're not.

As a side note: it's ironic how most straight men are perfectly fine with two girls going at it, but two dudes is repulsive on every level.

[kesvalk]

if they need this to sleep well at night, whatever.

[Kurisu]

I am gay myself and I don't really see the point of this. If I want to go to a convention then I will go to any convention. They're for EVERYONE, right? People go there for one reason and one reason only: to share their interests with people in common.

[MysticStrummer]

I see what you're saying but I also don't see the problem with having their own convention. If it fails, so be it. You don't have a problem going to any convention, but others might. Having a separate group or gathering tends to accentuate the differences rather than the fact that we're all in this thing together, but the fact is prejudice isn't a thing of the past so I have no problem with this.

[RedHotChiliPepaSpray]

but apparently this convention isn't just for playing and having a discussion about games (like every other convention) apparently this is for the gay community that want to talk about their sexuality in relation to video games ....

"people go there for one reason and one reason only: to share their interests with people in common"

but how far would you get if you wanted a discussion about games that related to your sexuality? I dont see many willing to talk about it .... but why would they? They are their for the games and not sexuality in relation to them .... which i think is why this has been created

[ChickeyCantor]

The point would obviously be for "gays" getting in touch with fellow gays who play games.

It's not exclusive for them of course, but I really don't see the fuss people are making over this.

"apparently this is for the gay community that want to talk about their sexuality in relation to video games ...."

GTFO,
Condescending much?

"but how far would you get if you wanted a discussion about games that related to your sexuality? I dont see many willing to talk about it "

They don't go there to talk about their sexuality. They go there to meet people alike. They are not going to talk about their penis FFS. How F'n ignorant can you be.

[MacDonagh]

Put it this way. If male fans of the My Little Pony show can have a conference or a "Bronycon"; what is the problem with gay gamers having a conference? Also, the article is mildly incendiary.

Quote from article: "Batman, Spiderman, Thor and The Hulk making out is not something I want to witness (or anyone should have to witness unless they want their childhood ruined), and I think the majority of gamers think this is too much as well."

Someone needs some salsa for that chip on their shoulder.

[iamnsuperman]

I didn't see the point of that being there in the article. It was totally irrelevent and came across as some homophobic remarke. I wouldn't mind if the hulk and superman made out as long as it wasn't there just to be cultural and showing that gays are ok and was there because it made sense.

OT: if they want one let them have one. It isn't totally neccesary but what is the right saying they shouldn't. It could be used to bring more accpetable portrayals of homosexuality in gaming

[pompombrum]

"Someone needs some salsa for that chip on their shoulder"

You sir just won this discussion.

[MoveTheGlow]

Eh, it should be a gay geek convention in my opinion. GeekGirlCon's awesome because it includes, within its title, all forms of geek, and just like what's proposed with Gaymercon, everyone's invited. Starting with a bigger target audience would really benefit the founders.

[Alos88]

If I was organising this I'd be worried that some fundamentalist group would show up just to troll everyone.

[-Gespenst-]

Gay people shouldn't have to do this, it's only perpetuating them as a minority, keeping them divided up from everyone else.

[DivineAssault]

what makes them so special that they get their own marketed convention? Can straight ppl get their own now too??

[Christopher]

E3, GenCon, ComicCon, Gamescon, PAX, DragonCon, and more are all targeted at the majority market. That means white and straight. So, you do have your own conventions. All of them that don't have the word "gay" in them.

@DivineAssault below: GaymerCon is also open to everyone. They have openly said that it will welcome all gamers.

[DivineAssault]

yes but its not specifically for straight ppl cuz its open to everyone..

Its actually being discriminative towards em.. I dont have any prejudice towards anyone being that my brother is gay & coming from a hispanic heritage but why the special treatment? Give ALL gamers another convention

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Well i suppose if your WHOLE EXISTENCE is defined by your sexuality.

[your_just_a_number]

I know that many of you think that gaymercon should be left alone and that the person who wrote this article may be in the wrong mentality. To be honest when I read the comments all I could think is that I was happy on how far the gamer community has come. However, I can't help agreeing with writer of the article in some ways (though some of his reasoning was off from my. Hear me out. I am far from homophobic in fact I see no differences between a homosexual and a heterosexual and so I hate it when ignorant point of view that we are different bleeds through into mentality of our society, the thing is that both sides of the argument can spread the ignorance. So it saddens me to see a group of homosexuals distancing and even secluding themselves from the rest of the world because when they make their own exclusive get together that is exactly what they are doing. Now it is also easy to see what the homosexual community wants this to be and that is a place to mingle with eligible homosexual bachelors or bachelorettes because lets be honest it is scarce for the opportunity to meet eligible homosexual bachelor or bachelorettes arises in everyday life. But to say gaymercon is a safe haven is something I just don’t understand. Safe from what?

[karlowma]

Homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, african, caucasion, indian...

To me, these are all just labels, and unnecessary in today's world. We are all one people, and if we want everyone to accept each other regardless of color, orientation or creed, we need to stop using these segregatory terms and accept the fact that, while we all have our differences, we all come from the same place and we're fighting the same fight.

Let's evolve, people.

[Christopher]

Great. Now if the other 6,799,999,999 other people were as enlightened as you.

[karlowma]

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do.”

-Mahatma Ghandi

[Ult iMate]

So, will there be sexy almost naked muscle booth guys on next E3, just because you are speaking about "same fights"? Why there's only booth girls and no muscle booth twinks, so I can hug them and take a photo with? Won't you be offended, looking at some guy hugging a half naked booth twink at the E3 for a photo? Or even just freely talking with others on gay related topics in video games?

The agree/disagree for my comment could show you the answer.

Just look at the quantity of the comments here. It's seems like everyone here think that they have a right to point to other people, what game conference gays should have and what games conferences they shouldn't have. It's simply none of your business, people. Like-minded people gather together for a short period of time to talk about their interests. It's just like any other convent in any other community. Why should you care so much? Do you care for anime-community convents for example? So why should you care for gay-community convents? Like someone said earlier: "If you don't care and it doesn't affect you.... why does it bother you sooooooo much?"

Noone is forbid a straight guy to come to gay-gamer conference anyway. It is open for everyone, who interested in the gay-community. But would it be intersting for him to watch at gay people and talk on gay-related topics concerning videogames?

If it was a game-girls conference, I'm sure the comment were much more positive.

[sjaakiejj]

"So, will there be sexy almost naked muscle booth guys on next E3, just because you are speaking about "same fights"?"

I have no problem with that. In fact, I'd encourage it.

"Won't you be offended, looking at some guy hugging a half naked booth twink at the E3 for a photo?"

Why would that offend me? If some guy wants to hug with another guy in public, then let them.

"Or even just freely talking with others on gay related topics in video games? "

I'm confident enough with my hetero sexuality to speak freely about gay related topics in video games and other media.

[smithdown]

Clearly a lot of people on here live in some cuckoo-land where everyone is accepted for what they are and nobody is ever discriminated against. That is not reality - gay people face discrimination on a daily basis (not all, but a lot) and, as another contributor has made clear, feel pressured to hide who they are to make others feel more comfortable.
So why the hell not have a gay gamer convention, where gay gamers will know they can truly be themselves without fear of reprisal? Because we all know how open-minded and tolerant the gaming community can be...
I agree that segregation of this sort isn't healthy, but until the rest of society is tolerant enough that homophobia is truly a thing of the past, this sort of event will have a place, and more importantly it will likely have customers.

[karlowma]

One thing I don't understand about the LGBT community is the need certain members feel to scream, "Look at me, I'm different!" While a difference in race, and even sometimes religion, is rather overt, plain to see, some gays and lesbians make a choice to look and act differently, with the purpose of attracting attention to themselves and their orientation. In my mind, discrimination is a two-sided coin; it should be the responsibility of everyone to be tolerant and accepting. While I certainly agree that there are those out there who do not accept homosexuality as a normality in society, I also question the flamboyant nature of certain members of differing sexual orientation, and wonder at the need to advertise their sexual preference by altering their manner of speech and dress, among other things.

Please don't confuse this with the idea of "don't ask, don't tell." I don't really advocate that anyone should hide who or what they are, but it has never made sense to me why someone would choose to make themselves a target. I think the term "live and let live" applies, but needs to be adopted equally on all sides, not solely on the side of the discriminator.

[smithdown]

Maybe this so-say 'flamboyance' is nothing more than a way for someone to say "This is me, this is what I am, f*ck you if you don't like it". And why not? How is it different from a goth dressing in black, or a punk with a mohican? Everyone communicates who they are and what they are through non-verbal cues. And I'm not comparing being gay to a 'lifestyle choice'. Its merely analogous. Think about how overtly heterosexual you probably make yourself out to be, probably not even with any awareness.
And sometimes it takes a brave person to make themselves a target to expose the under-current of hatred that can be so prevalent in a society. It can take extreme behaviour to provoke extreme reactions, to really hold up a mirror and show us who we are.

[FunAndGun]

As a gay male I tend to agree with you.

There are a lot of times I see how certain people act in the gay community and I hang my head in shame because it goes against everything we claim to want; acceptance and tolerance.

There are so many gay people that fall in the spectrum from feminine to masculine and I do agree that some individuals intentionally lay on the flamboyancy pretty thick. Some people that is just who they are and some do it for the attention/reaction. As with any minority we are just a group of people and everyone will never be on the same page or have a handbook for proper etiquette. However, If it wasn't for those feminine and flamboyant drag queens at Stonewall, gay rights would not be where it is today. As you said, two-sided coin.

What really kills me is that there are A LOT of regular Joes who are gay but stay in the closet because the stigmata of the stereotypical gay man is far from who they are, but that is how they would be perceived by the world. If however those regular Joes would come out, it would help show that being gay is actually quite normal.

[KillerPwned]

This to me just seems wrong gay or not we are all the same as Human Beings. Why the need for this? This convention is just seems like its making gays a target and very degrading. Gay or not you as a human being you may go to any convention you wish to.

[slixshot]

Fact: I don't care if you're gay, black, white, mexican, asian, green, blue, purple, deformed, retarded (although, I will feel sorry for you for that one). What I DO care about is whether or not you're a good person or an asshole; THAT is how you will be judged, not by what's on the outside, but what's on the inside.

[Blacklash93]

While I don't really care people have every right to make whatever Con they wish. It funds itself so what's the problem? If it manages to get some good product exclusives then I'm sure it could be productive to gaming as a whole.

Hell the MLP fandom has its own "BronyCon" and while I respect the fandom I think the need for a convention is utterly mental. But the thing is if I don't like it I don't have to go. If I do want to I can even if I'm not an MLP fan. If the MLP peripheral audience can't sustain the Con then it goes under. If it can it goes on. I think much of the same applies to other niche conventions like this.

And if people are comparing this to city pride parades... don't. They're glorified sex parties and not events of solidarity like they should be. This convention will most likely be neither.

But at the end of the day this isn't hurting gaming or gamers. Worst case scenario it turns out to be a waste of money from the people who made the Con. What are people mad about?

This article is rather unprofessional I'll add; if you want to make an intelligent argument then stay away from the tacky language and sex metaphors.

[M83_]

Again this is straight people making decisions for what gay people should have or need. It doesn't effect you if you're straight so you would you even care?

I made a post about it a few days ago and I think it sums it up a bit more effectively.

http://n4g.com/news/1051249...

[Ray186]

This is the stupidest article that I have ever read on N4G. And that is saying something.

[jjb1981]

Might as well be a Asian, black or Hispanic convention... The only point is to isolate a group of people from a larger group and bring them together. They should be able to do it if they want. It's not affecting anyone outside of the gay population.

[PopRocks359]

The only point is to isolate when it doesn't prohibit straight gamers as well as gamers of virtually any minority from entering?

Not trying to be critical, but your wording doesn't make much sense when this convention doesn't seem to be trying to isolate anyone so much as trying to make things more positive for a specific group.

It's no more harmful than Black History Month or Mardi Gras or Independence Day.

[sjaakiejj]

Funny you should mention Black History Month.

"You're going to relegate my history to a month?" the 68-year-old actor says in an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" to air Sunday (7 p.m. EST). "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history."

Freeman notes there is no "white history month," and says the only way to get rid of racism is to "stop talking about it."

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/...

It's labelling that fosters racism, sexism and indeed the low acceptance of homosexuals in our society, and instead of attempting to reduce the use of them, and bringing us all to equal grounds, stunts like a Gay Gamer convention just serve to emphasise the fact that gay gamers are somehow different because they like people of their own gender.

[PopRocks359]

@sjaakiejj

Good. You listed a single point of view from one individual. Now how about finding an interview from one of the many African people who actually embrace Black History Month?

[sjaakiejj]

I think you kind of missed the point I was making.

The whole idea of there having to be separate, different events for people from a different ethnicity is what fosters racism. The idea that there have to be special events for people who are homosexual is what fosters low acceptance of homosexual people.

If you want everyone to be treated as equal, why are you treating blacks differently from whites?

[PopRocks359]

@sjaakiejj

It's not our responsibility as a species to ignore our differences, it's to embrace them.

A person is just as much capable of being a good person (or bad) regardless of minority, including sexual orientation. The day we forget about these differences is the day we forget the struggle where people of different minorities who had to fight for their right to be treated as equals.

This convention is progress in my opinion. Thirty years ago, people could have been killed for being gay (not legally of course, but homosexuality was far less accepted such a short time ago). The convention is a safe place for gay individuals to open about themselves. It also invites people who accept the rights of gays. I fail to see this as a problem.

You look at it as segregation and separation, I see it as embracement and history. Either way, I stand by the fact that they allow anyone to go into the convention.

[sjaakiejj]

I never said we have to ignore them, I said we have to stop emphasizing on them, as that's what's creating this gap between races, sexuality and genders.

The problem with emphasising is that it also causes people who aren't racist/sexist/etc by nature to be constantly aware of the differences between them and whomever they are talking to. This causes them to be more careful about what they are saying, and hence causes them to treat the minority groups differently, instead of as equals.

I wholeheartedly support activists such as Gay Rights Groups, but I cannot support a Gaymercon, as it basically implies that gay gamers are different from the heterosexual gamers who go to Gamercon.

Their sexuality does not influence the way they play games, and as such I do not feel the event, regardless of intentions, is appropriate. Instead of embracing homosexuality, Gaymercon attempts to single out Gay gamers from hetero sexual ones.

Sure, straight people are welcome, but how many straight guys do you believe will actually go to a convention with the name "Gaymercon"? And how many gay gamers do you believe will go to a convention with the name "Gamercon"? Does that in any way help embracement? Does Gaymercom bring hetero sexuals and gay gamers together? Does it change the level of acceptance in a positive way?

[Menchi]

The people saying "Why do they need one?!" and getting all ragey about it, pretty much show the -exact- reason why LGBT people need something like this.

WHY does it bother you if some group, that you're allegedly not bothered about, is having an event, aimed at them, that doesn't exclude others? I could understand your concern if it was exclusionary, but it isn't.

The truth of the matter is that the world is still full of hatred, even if it is veiled, hidden and not said outright. A lot of the posters saying that they don't need one, could very well be the same people who say "I'm not offended, just don't rub it in my face"

[born2live]

Ignore the bigots for a moment... Is there anything about gaming at the Gaymercon that I wouldn't find at the Gamercon? Is there a real reason for having a separate event just for gay people? I mean, other than the opportunity to meet other people of the same sexual orientation? Shouldn't gays and heteros mix it up if we are to coexist in harmony? Creating an event specifically aimed at gays only serves to fuel the segregation of that group of people. Why have gay Olympics? Do you consider that gays are so very different from the rest of the humans? So much that they can't fairly compete with heterosexuals?

The hatred goes both ways, my friend - I just wish people weren't so stupid about it - on both sides of the fence.

Personally, I don't care if you're gay or not. Just grab a controller and LET'S PLAY!!!

[thehitman]

At first my initial reaction was that this was stupid but after giving it more thought.. I can see a reason for a gay convention. A gay convention just means that they are obviously using the convention as a means other than to just discuss and play games. They are probably looking for partners of similar interests to mingle with. Now would a straight person be into all the stuff a gay person would be into I would say no. If your open minded and dont care im sure you could go to the convention anyway. Keep in mind there ARE lots of gamers who like to act homophobic and throw words around like faggot/gay and a gay convention is probably just a place where they can feel comfortable and enjoy what they like. To each their own its not like there will be exclusive stuff that everyone would care about anyway.

[Menchi]

@Born2live - Yes, if we "ignore the bigots" then there definitely isn't a need. But, tell me, when did Homophobic people just up and cease to exist?

The simple fact is, there are a lot of bigots within Gaming, who think calling people Fags etc, is perfectly acceptable. That alone, means a normal convention, even if hatred is veiled and hidden, isn't entirely accepting of LGBT people.

A convention that is aimed at being comfortable, secure and non judgemental for LGBT is a perfectly acceptable idea, as long as it doesn't exclude people. The only people who aren't welcome? Bigots, and people who can't tolerate others. Everyone else is perfectly welcome, and perhaps, encouraged to go along.

Hatred indeed, works both ways. But, I don't think LGBT people having an open convention that just asks for tolerance, is hatred. Do you?

[born2live]

@Menchi
I agree with you, I'm just very disappointed that gays have to put the gay in gaymercon just to feel safer or more accepted - I wish I could say that LGBT people are accepted and welcomed everywhere, but I know the truth of that... But the world is changing (if slowly), and I look forward to the day when we won't need to have a Gaymercon, and we'll all be able to have a great time at the Gamercon, regardless of anyone's sexual orientation.

[tommygun514]

I don't know why it's assumed that a gay gamer convention would ONLY be for gay gamers. Straight gamers would certainly be welcome, the entire point is to have a convention where gay gamers can discuss their thoughts and issues about a gaming community that we all belong to. Somebody who screams "fag" into their mic during a multiplayer session might not be interested in being preached at, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't be welcome to attend and have a dialogue with actual "fags". (As much as I hate using that word).

[RockmanII7]

I don't see the point in it, but whatever do what makes you happy. On a side note, I'd be interested to see someone try to start up a "Hetrosexual Gamercon" to see how the internet/media would react to it.

[ziggurcat]

homophobes... homophobes everywhere...

[PersonMan]

Wow, so gay people want to be accepted, and then they need to all gather at a special convention just for their kind? Come on, they're separating THEMSELVES from society. You don't see people getting together to have a "straight gamer convention" and if they did, the gays would have a fit and feel like they're being outcast!

What is this world coming to?

I wonder if they should hold a gay Olympics too and have gay schools and special gay sections on a bus.

[TruthbeTold]

Anyone consider that for people who often have to hide who they are, or can't meet others like them because so many of them hide, events like this help them to meet people they can relate to? It's not hurting anyone, and really, just because it's on N4G even doesn't mean that it's being shouted from the rooftops. Try and empathize a little bit, what it must be like hardly ever getting to meet people like you unless you go to some specially designated event like this? Wouldn't you want there to be more events?

[MRMagoo123]

This is going the same way as gay pride parades like the mardi gras in sydney , it makes no sense i am no where near sexist racist or homophobic but seriously if there was a straight pride parade there would be uproar lawsuites and all around douchebaggery same as if they made straghtgamercon. Political correctness has gone topsy turvy

[Deadpool616]

I have a legitimate question about this. I'm not being rude, but I'm just trying to be more understanding about this subject manner. So please excuse my ignorance when I ask. But is being gay technically a fetish?

[Deadpool616]

I see disagrees without any retorts. I simply don't understand the subject manner. If I don't know and no one gives me some sort of clarity on the matter, how can I learn? I'm not gay bashing or trying to be rude, this is something I legitimately don't understand. :/

[annus]

What are you, 12? Is being straight a fetish?

[Deadpool616]

Thanks for the reply. :)

"What are you, 12?"
I'm 27, but I use to be 12.

"Is being straight a fetish?"
That's another good question. Is it? :/

[ShinraE5]

Im not surprised.

We already see a truckload of seperation amongst gamers with all of the girl gamer articles, clans, groups, etc, this isn't that different. Another form of gamer seperation.

One day, gamers may come together and look past gender or sexual orientation. But it apparently isn't this day

[turgore]

I'm not ashamed to admit it that I'm gay, and I want inclusion and NOT segregation. This can only lead to more stereotypes and an US vs. them mentality. What's next ? Water fountains only for gays ? I believe people like Rosa PArks and MLK fought against these types of things, and its sad some people want to bring it into their group.

[GadgetGooch]

I bet there would be a stink if a straight gamer convention was around....if ur gay ur gay...there's no harm in it...why do you feel the need to act like immature children.

[TruthbeTold]

If you go to a gamer convention, you see a girl, you can flirt if you want to. No one will be offended by it if you do it tastefully. You can look all you want, you can get phone numbers, etc.

Now imagine what its like for them. Unless someone is wearing a rainbow t-shirt, some sort of designating bracelet, etc. you don't know who you can talk to along those lines.

It isn't necessarily that people go to these things to 'hook up', but people do go to make friends, and connections, and flirting and pairing are all a part of it. A gay or lesbian person can't do that unless the men are obvious flaming effeminate stereotypes, or the women are butch to the point of looking like men.

You really should try and put yourself in their shoes. The world is built around you regarding sexuality, and they have to live in it. On top of it, they try and have something that caters to them, and people knock them for it.

[GadgetGooch]

I dont go too gaming conventions to meet friends..I go to gawp at new games and tech which is what I would of thought the majority of people do as normally your already with friends at these things...the world is a lot more gay friendly nowadays so there's no need to segregate your self from a group that has no problem with you in the first place. I very much doubt that a lot of gaming conventions, developers and publishers have anything against homosexuality or anything associated with it.

[Shnazzyone]

I think it's a little silly. Feel like self exclusion to me. I don't know many stories where gay or lesbian gamers were excluded or ridiculed at the already existing cons for gaming. However, it's not my place to judge these choices. Not like it's hurting anyone.

[Omnislash]

lol just sit there for a minute and IMAGINE all the Call of Duty and Halo kids in that place...

[Smashbro29]

This is only going to serve to further segregate groups. Why gay gamers? Do gay gamers have it so much harder than gay moviegoers? or gay gardeners? Shit, I say just let everyone go to the regular convention OH WAIT A SECOND!! WE DO LET EVERYONE INTO THE REGULAR CONVENTION! Why they would go separate themselves at this point is beyond me but WHATEVER, not like any cool devs are gonna show anyhow.

[TheKayle]

for me is ok if etero start to kick their bum out from e3...if not..we dont need that stupid thing

regular convention dont close their doors to gay lesbian young..old...priest nun or whatever....

but im scared that young gays wanna use the excuse of a convention just to meet other gays...and that would be very sad...anyway..i dont give a shit..and my thumb is down for this

[thrashermario]

F that im going to chik fil a

[Rhezin]

jesus christ....really? a gay gamer convention?

[2v1]

all they want is have a orgy after they meet at the comvention.and you knw that is tru this the deprabate society we live in thers no doubt that this world we live is at an end.

[Lavagasm]

This is unnecessary because all gamers are gay.

[Sakkaku]

Whatever, I don't really care that they are starting a Convention because they are gay. Other people will though, it's like painting a target smack dab on the middle of your forehead.

Just like the gay pride parade, endorsing rainbows, unicorns, and whatever is unmanly. Of course you are going to run into trouble with male society.

And yeah, hetros don't like to see PDAs of gay males making out. To me, it is nauseating to look at. Though I am sure you wouldn't understand because you aren't straight. =P

Though I am sure 90% of them (me included) wouldn't mind hot feminine looking lesbians doing it.

It is all worked chemical into our systems. And if you unfortunate that people react differently to this, sometimes with violence. But really, it is just because you are outside the social norm in today's standard. Some religious, societies, and traditionalist some just seeing something mentally unnatural bothered by it.

And as for those bitches who are complaining about how faggot/flamer is used online gaming as an insult. Well, think about it you dumb asses. Everything that is out of the social norm is used as an insult, though I doubt orphans, bitches, lamers, and retards will ever care. I don't see why they should, and neither should you (or blacks for that matter) because that is just how the ways things work in gaming.

[Jag-T1000]

The world would be alot better if they just stayed in the closet. It's not our fault they are "different."

[HiddenMission]

I dont mind the disagrees i might get but by creating a seperate convention they are in fact isolating themselves from a community that for the most part could care less about their sexual preferences. While i dont care about a seperate convention it becomes a hypocritical issue when say if straight gamers wanted their own convention.

The point of gaming is for fun and to bring all gamers together for our passion of gaming and not to seperate because off difference that most gamers dont care about.

[TruthbeTold]

I'm not going to 'disagree', but I will say that if there was a 'straight' convention, how would it be any different from ComicCon? ComicCon or E3 are the straight conventions, the gays (for the most part) just go there and act straight, because they'd better.

You say this sexuality thing is a difference that most gamers don't care about, but can they hold hands or kiss publicly at ComicCon like the straight couples can? If a gay guy walked up to you and started flirting, would you just politely tell him that you were straight and your day wouldn't be disrupted negatively? What about the people you went there with? Assuming that you are very tolerant, what about the majority of people who aren't that tolerant?

I'm figuring that they wanted an event where they could celebrate their love of gaming and be unashamed and unhindered publicly with their loved ones, and/or a place where they can meet someone with similar interests that have that one very big similar interest that they can't find in public unless they of course, go to some gay designated event like this. Guys love gaming with their girlfriends, and vice versa. Doesn't it stand to reason that gay gamers would want the same thing? How else are they supposed to go about finding someone like that in a dignified way?

There'd be no separation if they could be themselves at events for the 'whole community'. But obviously they can't. Look no further than the comments on this thread to see the attitude toward their lifestyle.

[Elda]

I don't think gays need a separate event for games but your comment makes alot of sense but until something like that takes place gay gamers will only have to go to the regular conventions with the intent of going just for games & nothing else.

[HiddenMission]

@Truthbetold
I am very tolerant and even though I'm straight I would be flattered if I got hit on. Also gay or straight should be able to be themselves at any convention without having to worry about others reactions. If some starts being rude to gay couples then straight or gay people who witness it should step up and intervene.

At the end of the day it's called being a community and we are supposed to celebrate our difference because that is what makes us each unique.

Having separate conventions only means that our community is broken and that instead of fixing what is wrong we would rather go out separate ways.

I would rather work to improve the gaming community events than split up but that's just me.

[MattyG]

As I said in a comment above, if gay people want to be accepted and integrated into society, they need to stop drawing attention to the fact that they are different. If a gay person wants to be a gamer, I'm fine with that, but it seems a bit ridiculous to have a whole separate event for homosexual gamers. We don't have separate stores and resteraunts for homosexuals, we don't need separate conventions. They can come to E3 or PAX or Gamescom and be a part of the gaming community there.

[Goldenarmz]

Whats next? The Christian gaming convention? That would be bashed by Atheist, the Muslim Gaming Convention? You would have people saying its a terrorist meeting. The White Gaming convention? This would be consider racist. I mean really people? Im sorry, but the gay community is really going backwards. They want people to accept their lifestyle (and anyone who doesnt is a homophobe) But then they create silly events like this. Who cares, gaming is about gaming, not what you do in your bedroom. And for those who are online getting harassed because they are gay. Why do you feel the need to tell people you are gay? Iv never got on to a gaming server and someone tells me they are straight. Why do i care? And your asking for trouble when you do it. Stop feeling the need to tell everybody in the world your gay.

[WeskerChildReborned]

I'm not a homophobe or anything but yea i think it's kinda stupid cause we all are gamers, it doesn't matter if you're gay or straight.

[KiLLeRCLaM]

Don't gays only play Sims3?

[Elda]

I love everybody,but I don't see the need for a gay gaming convention,I'm quite sure at the usual gaming conventions there are straight,gay,lesbian,bisexuals ,people that are on the down low,trysexuals,etc all kinds of people there showing there love & support for games so we can all do that at one place.

[Tikicobra]

I agree with this article. And I also feel like gay gamers are just alienating themselves even more (not that they were alienated in the first place) by having a completely separate convention.

[Kamikaze135]

Seriously? I'm all for gay rights and all, but this is stupid. I bet if we got a hetro sexual gaming convention, it would get all sorts of hate - especially from the gay community.

[Getowned]

Why do people wany to bring sexuality into this, theres no reason to. Gay or Straight where just gamers. Why can't they just enjoy the same convention as everyone else.

[Elda]

Abslolutely

[SovereignSnaKe]

This line: "Why are you forcing everyone into your bedroom", This is a horrible Article all together!, but that sentence right there... Ugh, are you kidding me!!.. Yes because the ONLY reason anyone would want a Gay Gaming Convention is to get laid!... I think This WRITER needs to get over himself.

-Personally I would love to talk with a group of guys about which Male protagonist we find most handsome, or what was your first same sex love interest in a game growing up. For example, do you think you could tell the difference between sex with Naked Snake as opposed to Solid or Liquid! :D I think it would be awesome to be able to discuss things like that without getting eye rolls, or your friend taking an awkward step away from you...

[ninavoljic]

Lesbiancon 2013 FTW....

[paybackprahl]

This article completely and utterly fails to answer a very simply question:

Why the hell not?

No one said it was "necessary", but why does anyone need to take sh** from you and let you decide whether their convention should happen?

Gay men, lesbian women, bisexuals, transexuals, and allies have every right to host a convention, call it "Gaymercon", focus on the issue of bringing together people of mixed sexual orientation for camaraderie, friendship, what have you, and enjoy gaming together.

[GavinMannion]

Why not? Because segregating themselves from the mainstream gaming convention sends the gay rights movement back 10 years. That's why not

[Ult iMate]

It's not a segregation. It's an option.
How would you feel if E3 was full of sexy twinks instead of booth girls? Why there's no booth-twinks and only booth babes at games conventions if we are all so equal as you say? I don't see much equality for gay themes on E3 or TGS. Can I come to a sexy muscle men at the boot and say "Hi, you're looking great, can I have a photo with you?" with no offence on his side?

You don't see that, because it's natural to you to have so many booth babes and none gay-related scenes from games on conventions. So what equality everyone's talking about here?

[Roccetarius]

When you think you've heard everything, something always happens. First they wanted special treatment in games, and now they want a convention as well.

This is getting out of control.

[GavinMannion]

I disagree with the idea of gaymercon as well but for a different reason

(apparently I can't add a link here so I'll add it as an alt link, stupid comment block)

I feel gay people are welcome at mainstream conventions and are welcome to be openly homosexual at the events. I feel hiding behind a different convention makes it easier for the anti-gay lobby to abuse them.

[Ult iMate]

>>I feel gay people are welcome at mainstream conventions and are welcome to be openly homosexual at the events.

No, saddly, they are not welcome, as you can see from comments.

[EminemAt3AM]

This is really dumb. This should be about the games not the sexual orientation. Why bring orientation into it? Its like if there was an anti-abortion gaming convention. Why bring politics into gaming entertainment? It has nothing to do with games.

[TheMrFraz]

Pretend you're homosexual for a second, always feeling isolated and different from most "normal people." Now pretend you're a gamer on top of it. Bloody hell, I'm not even gay and I feel like the weird one most of the time. Getting hit with that double-whammy would be ridiculous, so why not give gays a chance to meet people that are just like them, that share the same experiences, that they can be comfortable around? Because you, someone who I assume is straight, don't care about sexual issues? Goodness, mate, have some compassion.

[st-BiOZ]

Lord help you if someone gets offended or has their toes stepped on in this country...

To me, the argument was never about if being gay meant you were entitled to have certain things: children, marriage, conventions... to me it's more about why this community feels the need to have their mark everywhere.

Love the US and I'm sure each country has their own setbacks but it's things/arguments/situations like this that really have me feeling disgusted. Not with somebody being "gay" but disgusted with the restless,unsettled, un-united states of America.

Plain and simple, not everything needs to have a "gay equivalent" ...and I'm not a homophobe just tired of the argument.

A Gay Video Game convention, wtf4?

[Steadyhndz]

The comments I've read today about this post has really made me think what is wrong with some people..and not just people but people of the gaming world. (I never expected this from fellow gamers)

You're seriously upset over someone having a convention for gay gamers? Which btw isn't just for people who are gay, bi, trans, lesbian...it is a convention where gay gamers, or any gamer can come together and have an open mind about sexual orientation...for the love of all that is good don't mix up the actual definition of sexual orientation with something about sex...

No reason to hate on something like this, if you don't like it, you don't have to go, it's as simple as that. Why you have an opinion on that when it doesn't effect you...you sound like the average Fox News channel viewer to be quite honest. *cough cough* you sound like a typical politic actually.

I'll just use leave this quote here....
"Don't like people of the same sex in a romantic way? Don't date them. Don't like being around smoke? Don't go by it. Don't like guns? Don't own one. Don't like marijuana? Don't use it...these things don't effect you in a negative way so why give you opinion on it as if it mattered."

[gcolley]

i agree with everything but your dumbass last paragraph. "Don't like guns? Don't own one..these things don't effect you in a negative way"??? did i read that right? dont end on a stupid paragraph that negates anything you say before it

[swice]

So much for the idea that we are all equal...

[swice]

To the person that disagrees, tell me, how does more segregation = equality?

[taijutsu363]

Gayyyy! No pun inteneded!

[Neorafter]

Hey if gay people want to segregate themselves good for them. I mean while I was at E3 I was talking about banging my wife the whole time, cause, you know, thats what everyone does at hetero gaming convention. Hell, I was even asked at the door if I was straight or not before they let me in. Better to be safe than sorry! I even wore a shirt saying "I eat p***y" so people would know which way I went. LOL

I just find it funny that heterosexuals dont feel the need to have their own convention. Maybe they should. And exclude gay people from them, since they want to do their own thing anyway :-P

Nerd culture isn't homophobic, ignorant sh*ts that are allowed onto xbox live and PSN by (probably) ignorant parents are. Try and play Call of Duty for more than 20 minutes without being abused with a gay slur (I haven't been able to yet, except when playing with people older than 18) I've also had my mum called every name under the sun... but life goes on.

Thats a great point raised about non gay protagonists in video games. If you were to list the books and movies published/distributed this year alone... the figures would probably be very similar if you were looking for a gay protagonist. How many Black protagonists, or asian or even little people will you find as the lead in a video game? Probably not too many more. And that has nothing to do with racism or homophobia but more to do with demographic in order to maximise... you guessed it... profits. I wonder how many millions EA would "make" (read= "lose") if they made an AAA game with a gay protagonist and gay themes/issues being explored?

The abscence of homosexuality does not equate to homophobia.

[googergieger]

Worked security at comic con this year. Co-workers called people "faggots". Saw attendees do this to other peoples faces. People were picketing outside this year with anti gay messages. Not as bad as last year but still.

Straights are welcome. Gay friendlies and such. You can say everyone at a gaming convention, or majority, or any number you think is okay with gay people. "As long as they don't flaunt it". But the bottom line is, guy and girl holding hands run no risk of being targeted for it. Same can't be said for two guys doing the same.

I would love to live in the world a lot of people in this comments section seems to think exist. Where nobody at all has a problem with gay people to the point where gay marriage is now legal, nobody ever beats someone close to death if not death for loving someone who happens to be the same sex, nobody is ever fired or disowned for being born a certain way. I would love to live in that world. In that world I'm sure gay bars and gay gyms and plenty of other things wouldn't have to exist. Including a convention that had to happen in order for people who like games who happen to be gay had a place to talk about games and breathe. Just breathe. This isn't that world though is it?

[Neorafter]

I'm guessing you're speaking as to the state of things in the USA. I cant really do anything but sympathise as I truly believe its different for gay people in Australia (well... better anyway).

Its definitely a sad world we live in. I would also point out that having a gay gamer convention (which i imagine would be advertised and promoted) is likely to be a target for the haters, and an easy one at that. Just like an aborotion clinic is an easy target for pro life activists, or whatever they call themselves.

[DasTier]

Can you imagine if there was a straightercom, oh the double standards.

On a side note I can imagine the "booth babes" being absolutely horrendous at this event

[gcolley]

who cares?

[BeAGamer]

i hope the convention is a success

[Steadyhndz]

It honestly shocks me that comments like "So what if they have their own convention...if they want to have a gaymercon let them have it" are getting as many disagrees as they are...this just sickens me to think that gamers are honestly nearly 50/50 on this subject...

I thought this community had a more open minded mindset, but I guess that isn't the truth.

[MacDonagh]

It's a bit of a pity. Do you know what the really ironic thing is about this GaymerCon controversy? The ignorant comments have actually indirectly validated the need for this conference to exist!