The games industry thrives on creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for storytelling. But for LGBTQ+ professionals working behind the scenes, that magic is amplified when they feel truly seen, supported, and celebrated – not just during Pride Month, but year-round.
As Pride Month approaches, studios have an incredible opportunity to champion diversity in meaningful ways. Whether you’re a small indie team or a global powerhouse, here’s how your studio can support LGBTQ+ employees and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their full selves to work.
Start with Listening and Learning
The first step toward inclusion is understanding. Create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ employees to share their experiences and feedback – anonymously if necessary. Encourage leaders to listen with empathy and a willingness to adapt. Incorporating diversity and inclusion training – especially workshops focused on LGBTQ+ allyship – can also set a strong foundation.
Organisations like Out Making Games offer valuable resources, community insights, and professional development opportunities tailored specifically to LGBTQ+ individuals in the games industry. Their work is helping reshape the industry from the inside out.
Make It Year-Round, Not Just June
While Pride Month is a powerful moment for visibility and celebration, genuine inclusion shouldn’t be seasonal. Commit to long-term policies that promote equity:
- Offer inclusive healthcare benefits, including for trans and non-binary employees.
- Use gender-inclusive language in internal and external communications.
- Review hiring and promotion practices to eliminate bias.
- Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to help guide your diversity efforts.
Celebrate Pride Month with Intention
Pride Month should be more than rainbow logos. Celebrate in ways that resonate with your team and community:
- Host events such as LGBTQ+ speaker panels, workshops, or game jams centred on queer storytelling.
- Amplify voices by featuring LGBTQ+ developers, streamers, and content creators on your platforms.
- Give back by donating to or supporting LGBTQ+ non-profits like Out Making Games, or offering matching donations for employees.
Crucially, involve LGBTQ+ staff in planning Pride-related events – ensuring representation, relevance, and respect.
Reflect It in Your Games
Representation in the games themselves matters deeply. Include LGBTQ+ characters with depth and nuance. Collaborate with queer developers and sensitivity readers during game development to avoid tokenism and stereotypes. By fostering an inclusive studio culture, your team is more likely to produce authentic, innovative, and emotionally resonant games – ones that reflect the diversity of players around the world.
The Geena Davis Institute Playbook is a great resource to help studios to incorporate inclusive game design into their work.
Connect with Communities Like Out Making Games
For studios seeking guidance or connection, Out Making Games (OMG) is a fantastic ally. OMG brings together LGBTQ+ professionals from across the UK games industry, offering networking, support, and advocacy. From events and panels to partnerships and resources, Out Making Games helps studios and individuals navigate the challenges of inclusion – and provides a space where LGBTQ+ professionals can thrive.
You can learn more or get involved at outmakinggames.org.
We would love to hear from studios about their Pride Month activities and events. Please get in touch via hello@empower-up.com
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Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
