Stepping over the Line

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I’m looking for advice here, because I’m a bit out of my depth, and don’t want to upset anyone. Let me explain.

As you may be aware, I have an actual-play podcast, where I play a variety of tabletop roleplaying games by myself, taking both the role of the GameMaster (with the assistance of some GM Emulators), and the Player. I’ve been working through a variety of games this way, and am very far ahead on content for this podcast (currently recording shows for 2022).

Anyway, pretty soon I’ll be done with Season 2, and start working on Season 3, which premieres in 2023. Like I said, I’m pretty far ahead on content.

The problem I have is with Season 3, where I intend to play nothing but games that are “Powered by the Apocalypse”. This in itself isn’t an issue, as I have way more than enough games in this category to fill out the roster. The problem lies in one game I would like to include, but have not done so yet, as I don’t feel that I can. Not in good conscience, anyway.

That game is “Thirsty Sword Lesbians“.

Now I don’t have a problem with the game itself, in fact I’ve been reading over the finalized digital version of the game (I’m a Kickstarter backer, awaiting my printed copy later this year), and I’m really happy with it. The problem lies with me, as I am a Cisgendered Heterosexual White Male.

I feel like this game isn’t for me, and that I would be insulting the LGBT+ community, should I run it for myself on my solo actual-play podcast, “Ronin Roleplaying“.

As I try to be an Ally as much as I can, the last thing I want to do is cross some line and tread where I shouldn’t, which is why I’m reluctant to play this game, at least Solo. As one can play an Asexual character in TSL, I considered doing so for the podcast, but even then, I would also be portraying the Non-Player Characters, as well, some or all of whom would be anything but Heterosexual.

This is where some might consider me crossing a line, and insulting the LGBT+ community.

My concern is that my Cisgender, Hetero, White, and Male self, trying to portray LGBT+ characters might be seen along the same lines as a white person wearing Blackface. Not the same, obviously, but still, enough to be an insult that would not be intended.

That said, this is a really damn good TTRPG, and I also hate to set it aside.

So, this is where I’m looking for your advice, especially those of you who fall into the LGBT+ community. Would my playing “Thirsty Sword Lesbians” on a solo actual-play podcast bother you? Do you feel like it might bother others in the community? I’m fairly certain the answer to that last question is “yes”, which is enough to set it aside right there, but I feel like I should still ask anyway.

Please comment here, or reply back to me about this on Twitter or Facebook.

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