the intense battle against a formidable boss reached a critical juncture. the team's coordinated rocket fire and devastating super abilities finally brought the mechanical adversary down, but the relief was fleeting for one player.
frustrated by persistent homophobic remarks and yearning for an inclusive environment, this player took to facebook in search of a queer-friendly destiny clan.
their search led to a vibrant international community, 'guardians of the rainbow,' where they've since become an integral part, eventually taking on administrative and leadership roles.
for many, like Reh and countless others within the group, guardians of the rainbow is more than just a gaming clan; it's a sanctuary, a refuge from the often-toxic atmosphere prevalent in online gaming spaces. it fosters genuine queer joy and has been the foundation for some of the deepest friendships forged among its members.
this experience resonates deeply.
in late 2021, after fifteen years in the united states, i returned to the uk and settled in brighton. new to the city, i sought familiar ways to connect with people, which led me to a local gaming store to play magic: the gathering.
what began as an informal gathering has since evolved into a close-knit group, now known as 'tragic: the gathering.' this community has rapidly become a significant source of support and friendship.
one member, louie, admitted initial apprehension about how the group's dynamics would translate outside the context of the game.
the allure of belonging: why gaming communities thrive
what is it that transforms these gaming groups into havens, akin to chosen families, for so many?
for members like ManicPixyGirl, who joined 'guardians of the rainbow,' the reasons are strikingly similar to Reh's. as a transgender individual, she had frequently encountered harassment and negativity while playing first-person shooter games. in contrast, guardians of the rainbow offers an environment where any discriminatory remarks are promptly addressed by other members, ensuring a safer atmosphere.
'everyone actively works to cultivate a space that is secure for all queer individuals, and that commitment makes a profound difference,' she explained.
james, who regularly plays overwatch with a circle of gay friends, echoes this sentiment. while acknowledging that queerphobic harassment remains a reality in gaming, james has observed a noticeable increase in allies speaking out against such behavior.
however, the appeal extends beyond mere safety.
'i've encountered similar negativity in queer bars and even within this clan,' commented one member, highlighting the authenticity present.
'everyone embraces their true selves, and that authenticity brings an unparalleled sense of joy.' lee, a member of 'tragic: the gathering' and a burgeoning mtg youtuber, represents one of the few openly gay creators in the space.
he poignantly describes the experience: 'being gay and being a nerd feels like a double challenge in life - how many more reasons do people need to find fault?'
when asked about potential impacts on the clan's identity, reh emphasized the proactive measures taken to ensure all prospective members understand the group's purpose and its core queer ethos.
'i know from personal experience that a queer fireteam is an exceptionally fun fireteam; there's a sense of freedom that's infectious,' he stated.
destiny 2: a platform for queer connection
reh recounted a specific instance within the kings fall raid in destiny 2.
this challenging segment requires players to navigate a treacherous jumping puzzle, timing their leaps between platforms while avoiding deadly pistons. careless movements can result in being thrown into the abyss by the piston's forceful impacts. what's particularly heartening, however, is the capacity for these communities to foster genuinely deep connections, with members often becoming a form of chosen family.
james' overwatch team initially formed through a board game group.
seeking to maintain contact during the pandemic, they adopted overwatch, a relatively accessible game they could all play online together. their engagement became a daily ritual. a similar narrative unfolds for guardians of the rainbow.
reh shared that many clan members have strained relationships with their biological families, who may not fully accept their queer identities.
however, they have discovered a supportive community through their shared gaming experiences. the connections forged within destiny 2 are gradually expanding beyond the game itself. following virtual meetings via zoom during the pandemic, a contingent of guardians is planning an in-person gathering at a cabin in michigan.
while reh expressed excitement mixed with a degree of nervousness due to his social anxiety, he acknowledged the clan's role in helping him manage these feelings.
the final sentiment comes from lee, his friend from 'tragic: the gathering,' who perfectly encapsulates the essence of these bonds.
the discussion around identity within gaming communities, as seen in destiny 2, touches upon player perceptions of characters and their narratives.
some players have expressed confusion or critique regarding characterizations, such as saint-14's identity as an exo (a robotic form) and his romantic relationship. discussions in gaming forums often delve into lore accuracy and character development, with players debating whether narrative choices, like the introduction of new characters or the portrayal of established ones, serve the story effectively.
this engagement highlights a player base invested in the game's universe and its evolving storytelling.
for instance, a player named potatochobit raised questions about saint-14's nature and the perceived 'fake drama' in character development, comparing it to narrative shifts in other characters like mithrax and the vex-invading robot.
another player, dark_house_of_luck, clarified that saint-14 has always been an exo and that his relationship with osiris was established years prior, suggesting that the criticism might stem from an incomplete understanding of the game's lore.
n33ma further elaborated, stating that political figures using societal prejudices (like the city's distrust of fallen) for their own gain is not indicative of poor storytelling but rather a reflection of a developing narrative.
emurinus sarcastically advised those who believe they don't know the story to simply state it, implying a gap in their knowledge. razer, in response to n33ma's point, agreed with the sentiment regarding the city's perception of the fallen.
chariot observed that the open declaration of a character's queer identity often sparks discussions, noting that the simple act of two characters kissing should not be the cause of such heated debates, as the game and its stories remain strong.
this exchange illustrates the multifaceted player reception to narrative elements, including representation, within the gaming landscape.