Role Playing Reality — The Unique Appeal of D&D for Queer Teens
By Anna Buescher
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a popular tabletop roleplaying game full of dashing heroes, sneaky criminals, and, of course, dungeons and dragons galore! But why is it that so many young queer kids are drawn to the game? One of the biggest aspects that draws in many people is the ability to create your own character. Instead of choosing an adventurer, you can build up a completely unique individual who expresses parts of yourself that you may keep tucked away, or characteristics that you wish you possessed more of. It allows you to take on the role of someone else, and in a way, practice a trait you want to work on. Maybe you want to be braver or stronger. D&D allows you to turn yourself into a brave warrior in shining armor, making decisions for the party and keeping your friends safe. As you work through sessions you work on your real life bravery, learning how to make quick decisions, how to speak your mind, and how to care for yourself and others.
For a young queer child this character building allows them to express their gender and sexuality in a safe and controlled setting. Young trans children can, for a moment, live in a world where their gender is expressed completely correctly. Even closeted individuals can play their correct gender without the fear of being outed. In D&D it’s downright common to play a character of a different gender, so the reward of being identified correctly doesn’t have to mean coming out.
At the same time, with the right dungeon master (the individual who runs the game) you can work through real life problems. Maybe you can work with an NPC (non-player character) who misgenders you and learn how to stand your ground and correct them. Maybe you can work through your characters’ religious trauma, or unsupportive family. While D&D is in no way a replacement for therapy and counseling, it can offer a small bit of peace. If you do suffer from serious issues like those before mentioned, please find a therapist, or counselor to talk to.
In a world where dragons fly, goblins scurry, and owlbears roar, who cares what gender/sexuality you choose to play as. It’s a chance for many to put aside their feelings of confusion and questioning and step into the skin of a six foot dragonborn who brandishes double axes and flirts with everyone he lays eyes on. It can give confidence to those who otherwise would hide away, and even help you discover more about yourself in the process. D&D offers a safe place surrounded by friends to learn more about yourself. Whether you play a dashing hero, a sneaking pickpocket, or a six foot flirtatious dragonborn, D&D offers a safe and fun environment for everyone.
About the Author
Anna Buescher is a current junior at Butler university studying Biology and French. She uses she/they pronouns and identifies as a queer woman. She is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, fungi and much much more. You can reach out to her at abuescher@butler.edu.
