When I started roleplaying, I was surprised at the number of people I met that expressed unease at the prospect of roleplaying a character opposite to their RL gender. I can understand where the sentiment comes from, but the idea of "gender-bending" was foreign to me.
If I have a concept, I choose the gender, race, class, etc. that seems like the best fit. No different than a character in book or a play!
Incidentally, the biggest influence on my favorite RP character to date was Olivia Dunham from "Fringe" - whom I would place among the greatest female protagonists in SciFi, ever. It's so easy to forget that she's a character played by an actress, and not an actual person - pure magic.
If I have a concept, I choose the gender, race, class, etc. that seems like the best fit. No different than a character in book or a play!
Incidentally, the biggest influence on my favorite RP character to date was Olivia Dunham from "Fringe" - whom I would place among the greatest female protagonists in SciFi, ever. It's so easy to forget that she's a character played by an actress, and not an actual person - pure magic.