Tabletop Gaymers Celebrates 10 Years of Championing LGBTQIA+ Visibility in Tabletop Gaming
Gay-aversary Celebration Kickoff!
We are kicking off ten years with an anniversary celebration sponsored by CATAN Studios during Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio, June 18-22, 2025. Check your email for more details, and come celebrate with us!
SPONSORED BY
Celebrations Continue
Our Most Popular Pin is making a come back with an upgraded design to celebrate ten years as an organization!
Building Inclusive Community
Gaymers Yahoo Group (Early 2000s)
Tabletop Gaymers began as a Yahoo Group where LGBTQIA+ gamers connected, shared stories, and organized informal gatherings at conventions. These early digital connections laid the groundwork for in-person community-building.
July 2000 – Gaymer Dinner
At Gen Con, a handful of attendees came together for an informal “Gaymer Dinner,” which quickly grew in size. By 2011, the dinner outgrew local venues, prompting the community to formalize its presence.
August 2004 – Queer as a Three-Sided Die
Our signature seminar launched at Gen Con, examining LGBTQIA+ issues in game design, publishing, and play. Featuring queer industry insiders, the panel now draws standing-room-only audiences annually and continues to challenge norms and elevate voices.
August 2011 – GAYMER Badge Ribbon
The rainbow GAYMER ribbon debuted at Gen Con, helping LGBTQIA+ attendees self-identify, build connections, and express pride. It has been a staple at conventions ever since, with ten of thousands of ribbons distributed.
May 2015 – ALLY Badge Ribbon
Created in response to Indiana’s SB101, the ALLY ribbon was added to offer a way for allies to show visible support. Funded initially by Cards Against Humanity, it became an instant success.
May 2015 – Incorporation as Tabletop Gaymers Inc. and 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status
Our community formalized its structure and mission by incorporating as a nonprofit charity in Iowa. Followed by Federal IRS federal official nonprofit status, making donations tax-deductible and allowing us to expand our reach and impact.
August 2017 – SPONSOR Ribbon
Created to thank donors during our first major crowdfunding campaign, this ribbon celebrated a successful $10,000 GoFundMe initiative supporting our mission of promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility through tabletop gaming.
2018 – Gayme Night for LGBTQIA+ Community Centers Launched
We approached game publishers to donate in-kind games to be distributed at LGBTQIA+ Community Centers nationwide for game nights. Thanks to numerous gaming publisher donations, the Gayme Night initiative provides free tabletop games to LGBTQIA+ Community Centers and connects volunteer Gayme Masters to lead events, ensuring safe, social, and welcoming spaces for all.
November 2017 – First Board of Directors Meeting
The Board of Directors held its first annual meeting, outlining the long-term plan for the organization.
March 2018 – Sustaining Donor Program Starts
A monthly giving campaign is launched to help further the mission and build a support structure to keep the full volunteer organization moving forward. Our sustaining donors provide us with a level of stability that ensures we will always be able to accomplish our mission.
March 2018 – Visibility Swag
Gaymer and Ally wristbands and buttons were added to our visibility campaign, offering a way to show LGBTQIA+ pride and support beyond conventions and badge ribbons, year-round and in any setting.
June 2018 – Gayme Night for LGBTQIA+ Community Centers Launched
We approached game publishers to donate in-kind games to be distributed at LGBTQIA+ Community Centers nationwide for game nights. Thanks to numerous gaming publisher donations, the Gayme Night initiative provides free tabletop games to LGBTQIA+ Community Centers and connects volunteer Gayme Masters to lead events, ensuring safe, social, and welcoming spaces for all.
July 2018 – Registered Trademark
Tabletop Gaymers name and logo receive registered trademark status.
August 2018 – Pronoun Ribbons
To normalize conversations about gender identity and promote inclusive gaming, Pronoun Ribbons were introduced.
2019 – Board of Directors Expands
New faces and skill sets are brought onto the Board of Directors
2019 – First Enamel Pin
Tabletop Gaymers D20 rainbow enamel pin debuts after a survey of donors.