Resources for Our Community

Welcome to the QueerSpace Gaming Resources page! Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive environment, and that extends beyond just the games we play. This page provides links to various organizations and resources that may be helpful for LGBTQ+ individuals, gamers, and our allies.

Disclaimer: QueerSpace Gaming provides these links for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with all of these organizations and are not responsible for the content or services of external websites. If you are in crisis, please contact the appropriate emergency services or crisis hotlines listed below. This page is not a substitute for professional advice or emergency assistance.

Navigating This Page:

  • LGBTQ+ Support & Crisis Lines

  • Mental Health & Well-being

  • Online Safety & Anti-Harassment in Gaming

  • Inclusive Gaming Communities & Content

  • Accessibility in Gaming

LGBTQ+ Support & Crisis Lines

If you need support, someone to talk to, or are in crisis, these organizations are here to help:

  • The Trevor Project: (National - U.S.) Leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

    • Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org

    • TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7)

    • TrevorText: Text START to 678-678 (24/7)

    • TrevorChat: Available on their website

  • Trans Lifeline: (National - U.S. & Canada) A grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

    • Website: https://translifeline.org

    • Hotline: (877) 565-8860

  • Los Angeles LGBT Center: (Local - Los Angeles, CA) Provides a broad array of services for the LGBTQ community, including health, social services, housing, culture and education, leadership, and advocacy.

    • Website: https://lalgbtcenter.org

    • Phone: (323) 993-7400 (check website for specific program contacts)

  • PFLAG: (National - U.S.) The first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies.

    • Website: https://pflag.org (Find your local chapter, including LA chapters)

  • GLAAD: (National - U.S.) Works through entertainment, news, and digital media to share stories from the LGBTQ community that accelerate acceptance.

    • Website: https://www.glaad.org

Mental Health & Well-being

Your mental health matters. Here are some resources for support:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (National - U.S.) Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

    • Dial or Text: 988

    • Website: https://988lifeline.org

  • Crisis Text Line: (National - U.S.) Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US, anytime, about any type of crisis.

    • Website: https://www.crisistextline.org

  • Take This: (International Focus) A mental health nonprofit decreasing stigma and increasing support for mental health in the game enthusiast community and inside the game industry.

    • Website: https://www.takethis.org

  • The Jed Foundation (JED): (National - U.S.) Protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults.

    • Website: https://www.jedfoundation.org

Online Safety & Anti-Harassment in Gaming

Tips and resources for creating safer online experiences and dealing with toxicity:

  • ADL (Anti-Defamation League) - Center for Technology and Society: Resources and research on online hate and harassment.

    • Website: https://www.adl.org/resources/tools-and-strategies/online-safety-action-guide

  • ConnectSafely: (National - U.S.) A nonprofit organization dedicated to educating users of connected technology about safety, privacy, and security.

    • Website: https://www.connectsafely.org (Search for gaming safety guides)

  • Reporting Tools on Gaming Platforms: Learn how to report negative behavior directly on the platforms you use:

    • Discord: https://discord.com/safety/360044103651-reporting-abusive-behavior-to-discord

    • Twitch: https://safety.twitch.tv/s/article/Filing-a-Report

    • Steam: https://help.steampowered.com/faqs/view/4DE7-17AA-0E8B-C1AD

    • Xbox: https://support.xbox.com/help/family-online-safety/enforcement/file-a-complaint

    • PlayStation: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/account/ps5-report-behaviour/

  • QueerSpace Gaming Code of Conduct: Familiarize yourself with our community standards for interaction within our spaces.

    • Link: https://www.queerspacegaming.org/Code_of_conduct

Inclusive Gaming Communities & Content

Explore games with great representation and connect with other communities:

  • GLAAD Media Awards - Outstanding Video Game: Highlights games with excellent LGBTQ representation.

    • Website: [Search "GLAAD Media Awards Video Game" for latest winners/nominees]

  • Queerly Represent Me: A database of games featuring LGBTQ+ representation, as well as articles and resources.

    • Website: https://www.queerlyrepresent.me

  • IGDA Queer Special Interest Group (SIG): A group within the International Game Developers Association focused on LGBTQ+ issues in game development.

    • Website: https://igda.org/sigs/lgbtq/

Accessibility in Gaming

Resources for gamers with disabilities:

  • AbleGamers Foundation: A nonprofit charity that aims to improve the overall quality of life for those with disabilities through the power of video games.

    • Website: https://ablegamers.org

  • Can I Play That? (CPIAY): Provides game accessibility reviews and news for disabled players.

    • Website: https://caniplaythat.com

  • DAGERSystem (Disabled Accessibility for Gaming Entertainment Rating System): Provides content ratings for games based on their accessibility.

    • Website: http://dagersystem.com

  • SpecialEffect: A UK-based charity that helps people with physical disabilities play video games.

    • Website: https://www.specialeffect.org.uk

  • Game Accessibility Guidelines: A resource for developers to help make games more accessible.

    • Website: https://gameaccessibilityguidelines.com

We're Stronger Together

This list is a starting point and will evolve. If you have suggestions for other resources that could benefit the QueerSpace Gaming community, please feel free to share them with our team via QueerSpaceGaming@gmail.com or Direct Message to one of our admins in our Discord Channel.

Thank you for being a part of QueerSpace Gaming!