Gaymers Yahoo Group
The Gaymers Yahoo Group would begin the origin story for Tabletop Gaymers. The email discussion forum was a way for LGBTQ gaymers to share stories and information and to network with one another. This led to small get-togethers at conventions like GenCon.
Gaymer Dinner
The Gaymer Dinner was the first and foremost get-together for gaymers at GenCon. It was an informal dinner where like-minded individuals got together for an annual meet and greet. The gathering first started with a handful of attendees. By 2011 the dinner outgrew the capacity of most of the nearby restaurants, who were already flooded with GenCon attendees. So the group decided to put on a seminar.
Queer as a Three-Sided Die
The Queer as a Three-Sided Die seminar began at GenCon and has continued since. This seminar looks at gender and sexuality issues in gaming from design and publishing to game-play and community. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are a part for the gamer community, and although the community is known for its tolerance, LGBT people still often struggle to see places for themselves in the fantasy worlds we create. This seminar looks at gender and sexuality issues in gaming from design and publishing to game-play and community. Each year “industry insiders” are invited to participate in this event which now a standing-room-only audience of over 100 attendees.
GAYMER Badge Ribbon
The GAYMER Badge Ribbon was given away at GenCon. This rainbow colored ribbon is intended to be worn as a symbol of pride and to help gaymers self-identify to encourage networking with other LGBTQ attendees. At GenCon 2014, with the help of Rogue Judges, over 2,500 ribbons were distributed. Ribbons have been distributed at Gen Con every subsequent year.
Tabletop Gaymers Inc.
Tabletop Gaymers Inc became an official nonprofit organization, registered in the State of Iowa.
ALLY Badge Ribbon
The ALLY Badge Ribbon was added, in part, as a response to the passing of Indiana’s SB101, the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” Many of our straight allies asked for a ribbon that they could wear to show their support for LGBTQ equality. This year (and in 2016), Cards Against Humanity helped to fund the nearly 25,000 ribbons that were distributed.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status
The IRS granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to Tabletop Gaymers Inc with retroactive status back to 13 May 2015. Meaning that donations made to the organization are tax deductible
SPONSOR Badge Ribbon
The SPONSOR Badge Ribbon was created to thank the donors of the organization’s first real GoFundMe Campaign, which raised nearly $10,000 in less than a month.
First Board of Directors Meeting
The Board of Directors held its first annual meeting, outlining the long term plan for the organization.
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.
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.
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.
Registered Trademark
Tabletop Gaymers name and logo receive registered trademark status.
Pronoun Ribbons
To normalize conversations about gender identity and promote inclusive gaming, Pronoun Ribbons were introduced.
Board of Directors Expands
New faces and skill sets are brought onto the Board of Directors.
First Enamel Pin
Tabletop Gaymers D20 rainbow enamel pin debuts after a survey of donors.
Board and Officer Expansion
Additional Board Members are added along with several supporting Officers.
Tabletop Gaymers Room at GenCon
Tabletop Gaymers starts hosting games in their dedicated room at GenCon.
First Gayme Night
Tabletop Gaymers starts collaborating with LGBTQ+ centers across the U.S. to support local Gayme Nights.
First Safe Space Kit
Tabletop Gaymers starts collaborating with gaming stores across the U.S. to create safe, inclusive spaces for local LGBTQ+ populations to have fun gayming together.
Proud to Gayme Podcast
Tabletop Gaymers releases its first monthly episode of Proud to Gayme, an interview-format podcast where we speak with a number of Queer and LGBTQIA+ folks from the wide world of gaming.
Gaymer Quest
Tabletop Gaymers launches a scavenger hunt at Origins Game Fair and GenCon to highlight queer-owned companies, queer-themed games, and games developed by queer individuals.
HERO Portal
Tabletop Gaymers launches the HERO Portal to ask volunteers (Heros) to complete tasks (quests) to help promote the organization, cover booths at conventions, and so much more.
Celebrating 10 Years!
Tabletop Gaymers kicks off our 10 year anniversary at Origins Game Fair, along with an upgraded design to our Rainbow Enamel Pin.
Seasons of Pride Calendar
Featuring queer artists and holidays, Tabletop Gaymers releases its first annual Seasons of Pride Calendar.
Queer Coven RPG
In collaboration with 9th Level Games, Tabletop Gaymers launches Queer Coven, a rules lite RPG powered by the Polymorph system.