I don't think it's currently important to discuss whether or not there should or should not be an organized place for LGBT characters and players. Some want it, some don't, and no one is required to participate. The community overall seems pretty inclusive, so its less of a problem than it was many years ago.
No one should feel like anyone is trying to seclude themselves off from the rest of the community. Relationships can be a big part of roleplay, and I've rarely had the opportunity to play one while also playing as a homosexual character. It would be easier if I played a heterosexual character, sure. It bothers me though, because it's a little too reminiscent of playing it straight in the real world for the sake of fitting in.
I struggle to include myself in roleplay situations, as I often feel like people tend to stick to their own cliques, and I don't find opportunities to comfortably include myself. I tend to go to any public event that coincides with my available play time, even if the theme doesn't have a lot to do with my characters, just for the sake of being involved. In roleplay you don't always have a lot of time to get to know people. You don't have the benefit of reading body language, or feeling any natural chemistry. I don't want to have to start hitting on characters or making comments about attraction and sexuality IC to announce myself, either. I like the idea of being introduced to other characters who, if I get along with and enjoy RPing with, I can keep their orientation in the back of my mind and be open to possibilities.
Some might say that relationships don't matter so much in roleplay, but I've seen enough of it in my day to disagree. Countless weddings and love ceremonies in this game and other games I've played. You'll often see many characters sitting together, talking about their relationship or just rubbing up against each other going "Oh, it is late, are you tired, my loving love?" "Yes, dear, it has been a long day of fighting coeurls but I am so happy to be here in your arms now". The game has marriage now, and I dunno.. It might be cool to participate in a feature like that at some point?
All that being said, I've also joined an artist linkshell, and am looking for a reliable generic RP linkshell for meeting people—casting a wide net. I'm also keeping an eye out for potential free companies to join. There's more to me and my character than just my orientation, but it is part of me, and it is part of my character.
No one should feel like anyone is trying to seclude themselves off from the rest of the community. Relationships can be a big part of roleplay, and I've rarely had the opportunity to play one while also playing as a homosexual character. It would be easier if I played a heterosexual character, sure. It bothers me though, because it's a little too reminiscent of playing it straight in the real world for the sake of fitting in.
I struggle to include myself in roleplay situations, as I often feel like people tend to stick to their own cliques, and I don't find opportunities to comfortably include myself. I tend to go to any public event that coincides with my available play time, even if the theme doesn't have a lot to do with my characters, just for the sake of being involved. In roleplay you don't always have a lot of time to get to know people. You don't have the benefit of reading body language, or feeling any natural chemistry. I don't want to have to start hitting on characters or making comments about attraction and sexuality IC to announce myself, either. I like the idea of being introduced to other characters who, if I get along with and enjoy RPing with, I can keep their orientation in the back of my mind and be open to possibilities.
Some might say that relationships don't matter so much in roleplay, but I've seen enough of it in my day to disagree. Countless weddings and love ceremonies in this game and other games I've played. You'll often see many characters sitting together, talking about their relationship or just rubbing up against each other going "Oh, it is late, are you tired, my loving love?" "Yes, dear, it has been a long day of fighting coeurls but I am so happy to be here in your arms now". The game has marriage now, and I dunno.. It might be cool to participate in a feature like that at some point?
All that being said, I've also joined an artist linkshell, and am looking for a reliable generic RP linkshell for meeting people—casting a wide net. I'm also keeping an eye out for potential free companies to join. There's more to me and my character than just my orientation, but it is part of me, and it is part of my character.