Proud to Gayme

Danielle Reynolds chats with Jack Rosetree (they/them), a game designer and freelancer who has worked in nearly every aspect of the tabletop industry. From growing up in a conservative household to having the world’s most supportive wife, Jack opens up about their queer journey and the overlap between queer and neurodivergent identities. They also dig in on why they design games (spite is a powerful motivator, but that’s only half ...

In this episode of Proud to Gayme, Danielle Reynolds sits down with Yass Crit, featuring Bill Skaggs, Mark Cashwell, Ilana a la Mode, and AfroDytee, to explore the fabulous collision of drag and tabletop role-playing. They reflect on early sparks of queer identity through comic book heroes and Wonder Woman spins, before diving into their Gen Con show where the cast was "Jumanjied" into worlds like Candyland, Caution Signs, and Mono...

Danielle talks with Irene Zielinski of Steve Jackson Games about her identity and writing TTRPGs. They talk about starting queer fashion Facebook groups, learning that lesbian labels are location-dependent, and how not knowing pop culture references can hurt your chances at getting a date. Plus, they talk about indie TTRPGs, Irene being an unofficial 3rd panelist at a convention leading to a job at Steve Jackson Games where she pai...

Danielle interviews 9th Level Games’ Adriel Wilson and Bug Boll about their upcoming Queer Coven TTRPG created in partnership with Tabletop Gaymers. Using the Polymorph system, they have taken the new pin collection designed by Danielle and made a thoughtful, cozy game of building community and coming into your magic with your friends to celebrate Tabletop Gaymers 10-Year Gayaversary! The parallels between coming into your queer id...

On this episode of the Proud to Gayme podcast we talk with Robert Freeman Smith & Josh Kemper of PopHaus Collective. They discuss Queer journeys and marriage traditions, as well as the journey behind PopHaus Collective. Formed in the early days of the pandemic, PopHaus Collective is the team behind the party game 'It's Kind of a Fun Story'. A party game about telling stories and getting to know each other, 'It's Kind of a Fun S...

We kick off the second season of Proud to Gayme with Arwen Kathke, the host of the Cardboard Time, a youtube channel turned podcast. She talks about her gender transition and no longer feeling comfortable making video reviews. Months later after ending the youtube series, still seeking a creative outlet to talk about games, she released the first episode of the Cardboard Time podcast on November 3, 2020 and has been releasing biwee...

Rina Amaranthine, a TTRPG designer, writer, and trans rights advocate, joins us for this episode of Proud to Gayme. Rina is one of the lead organizers behind the TTRPGs for Trans Rights bundles, which have raised thousands for trans mutual aid. She talks with Danielle about the power of games to uplift marginalized voices, the challenges and joys of building a massive community bundle, and why inclusive, safety-first storytelling i...

Kassidy Norman a lesbian gamer and former live-play RPG cast member for Ink-U-Bus, joins us on this episode of the Proud to Gayme podcast. Kassidy discusses how the show began and being the only non-tattoo artist cast member. She and Danielle talk about tattoos, lesbian stereotypes and how Kassidy is revamping the Ink-U-Bus brand. They will become a traveling tattoo service that will go to gaming conventions starting in 2025. Their...

Amanda McKnight, a content creator, cosplayer, and all-around nerd, joins us on this episode of the Proud to Gayme podcast. We discuss her queer and nerd journeys. From making a living doing nerd content from comic book reviews to being on a weekly RPG stream she spends all her time engaging with various fandoms. On the "Lies You'll Enjoy" RPG stream the group has focused on promoting indie one-shots that are typically queer themed...

On this episode of the Proud to Gayme podcast, we talk with Grace Kendall, a board game bed-and-breakfast owner and game designer. Grace shares their journey as a creator and the unique space they have built for gamers to connect. They dives into their experiences designing games, fostering inclusive communities, and balancing their passions. This episode highlights the importance of safe spaces and celebrates the creativity of que...

On this episode of the Proud to Gayme podcast we talk with Maxwell Freud the podcast host of Hatched This Way, a limited queer audio series. Maxwell shares the podcast's origin story and resulting feeling of wanting to create a safe space. He talks about different interviews he's had with other queers in gaming as well as what it means to be an Ally. His goal with the audio series is to educate both queer and non-queer listeners an...

On this episode of the Proud to Gayme podcast we talk with Jamie Daggers, a game designer, mini painter and full-time content creator. Jamie shares her journey as a sapphic queer as well as her involvement in the gaming community. From starting as a game store owner to growing a Twitch following, she's become a master at engaging with her audience while learning/teaching how to paint minis. Outside of gaming she and Danielle discus...

On this episode of Proud to Gayme podcast we discuss the experiences of queer gamers and the sense of community they’ve built in Syracuse, New York. This month's guests share personal stories about their journeys with identity and how gaming has played a crucial role in creating a safe and inclusive space. They also touch on their involvement in designing escape rooms and board games, emphasizing how these activities foster creativ...

In this episode, Danielle talks to Kari Jo "Kage" Freudigmann, a best-selling TTRPG writer and community leader. They discuss Kage’s journey in the gaming industry, her experiences as a queer woman, and how her work with Rage Kage Games and streaming fosters inclusive spaces within the tabletop and gaming communities. Tune in to hear insightful conversations about identity, representation, and the power of gaming to build diverse, ...

In the first-ever episode of 'Proud to Gayme', Danielle talks to Jeff Sorensen to get the inside scoop on the podcast's sponsoring organization, Tabletop Gaymers. One of the founders and the former president of Tabletop Gaymers, Jeff, talks about the group's origins and evolution from a loose idea about badge ribbons at GenCon to a nationwide nonprofit. We also discuss queerness in gaming more generally and dive into Jeff's own jou...