How To Be an Ally Male, Female, and LGBTQ+ Gamers

Girl gamers have long faced discrimination and harassment in the gaming industry, and it's important for male gamers to do their part to create a more accepting and welcoming environment for all players. Here are some ways guy gamers can be more accepting of girl gamers:

1. Don't make assumptions about a player's gender based on their username or avatar. Many girl gamers choose to use gender-neutral or male-sounding usernames to avoid harassment, so don't make assumptions about someone's gender based on their online persona.

2. Don't engage in or tolerate gender-based harassment or discrimination. This includes making sexist comments or jokes, using derogatory language, or excluding girl gamers from gameplay or chat.

3. Be an ally. If you witness someone engaging in gender-based harassment or discrimination, speak up and let them know that their behavior is not acceptable. Support and defend girl gamers when they are targeted.

4. Encourage inclusivity in gaming communities. Make sure your gaming group or community is welcoming to players of all genders, and actively encourage and invite girl gamers to join.

Normalizing good gender relations in the gaming space is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it's simply the right thing to do. No one should be subjected to discrimination or harassment based on their gender, and it's up to all of us to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

According to research, men are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation than women. In fact, a study conducted by the Office for National Statistics found that men are twice as likely as women to report feeling lonely on a regular basis. This loneliness can have serious consequences for men's mental and physical health, with studies linking loneliness to a range of negative outcomes including depression, anxiety, and even an increased risk of premature death.

In addition to the impact of loneliness on men's health, the rise of social media has also had a significant impact on men's relationships and sense of community. Many men report feeling pressure to present a certain image on social media, which can lead to a sense of disconnection and isolation.

Another important aspect of inclusivity is creating safe and welcoming spaces for all gamers. This includes taking steps to eliminate gender-based harassment and discrimination and being an ally to those who may be marginalized. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 70% of adult gamers have experienced some form of harassment or abuse while playing online, and it's important for all gamers to take a stand against this type of behavior.

Given these challenges, it's important for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups to be supportive of the need for inclusive spaces for men. This doesn't mean that we need to sacrifice our own spaces or needs, but it does mean being open and understanding of the importance of these spaces for men's well-being and development. By working together to create inclusive spaces for all, we can build stronger and more supportive communities that support each other.

In addition to being the right thing to do, normalizing good gender relations in the gaming industry is also important for the future growth of the industry. Studies have shown that the gaming industry is more successful when it is inclusive and welcoming to players of all genders. By creating a more welcoming environment for girl gamers, we can help the industry grow and thrive.

Finally, normalizing good gender relations in the gaming industry can help to grow the hobby and reach of gaming to women. Many women have been discouraged from participating in gaming due to the harassment and discrimination they have faced, and by creating a more inclusive environment, we can encourage more women to get involved in gaming and help it become more widely accepted as a hobby for all.

In conclusion, it's important for guy gamers to be more accepting of girl gamers and to work towards normalizing good gender relations in the gaming industry. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, help the industry grow and thrive, and encourage more women to get involved in gaming.