Is D&D a safe space?

March 16th 2023 - Vunerable people have seen a lot of support lately in regards to inclusion and diversity, but there is still a ways to go.

However, when it comes to roleplaying games, in particular TTRPG games like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Vampire; The Masquerade, etc these sparces are generally safe and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

For this post we're going to focus on D&D in particular as it's the most popular and most widely played.  The game is a form of entertainment and creative expression that is open to people of all backgrounds, identities, and orientations and which in particular allows players to 'step outside' their current circumstances and put themselves into the shoes of a character they're playing.

In recent years, the creators of D&D have made a concerted effort to be more inclusive and diverse in their game materials, including providing options for characters of various genders, races, and sexual orientations. Additionally, many players and dungeon masters have created their own homebrew content that reflects their own experiences and identities.

That being said, as with any social activity, there is always the potential for individuals to behave inappropriately or make insensitive comments. However, many D&D communities actively work to create safe and welcoming spaces for all players, and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.

Overall, D&D can be a great way for LGBTQIA+ individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and to explore their creativity in a safe and supportive environment. It's important to find a group or community that aligns with your values and to communicate your boundaries and expectations clearly.

Is D&D a safe space for the religious (i.e. is it satanic or anti-christian?)

No, Dungeons & Dragons is not satanic or anti-Christian. This is a common misconception that arose in the 1980s during a period of moral panic surrounding role-playing games like D&D. Some religious groups believed that the game promoted occultism, witchcraft, and Satanism.

However, these claims were completely unfounded and have been debunked by numerous studies and investigations. Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy game that does not promote any particular religious or spiritual beliefs. It is up to the players and DM to determine the tone and content of the game.

In fact, many Christians and people of other faiths play and enjoy Dungeons & Dragons as a harmless form of entertainment and creative expression. Some even use the game as a way to explore moral and ethical issues, or as a tool for teaching teamwork, problem-solving, and other valuable skills.

Overall, the idea that Dungeons & Dragons (or any TTRPG for that matter) is satanic or anti-Christian is a myth that has been debunked by decades of evidence and experience.

- Luke