DQD: Play Dungeons and Dragons with Other LGBTQ+ Youth

In this class, LGBTQ+ Dungeons and Dragons players will play the game over live video chat. Each meeting, a youth identified and arranged with the instructor beforehand will serve as Dungeon Master (providing the backstory, props, and "hosting" the game play) and the instructor will assist with game flow and interpersonal interactions. Stories will at times be specifically LGBTQ-focused and at all times game play and interaction will be very much centered on affirming LGBTQ youth. 

FYI: If you are looking for this class for younger kids, please check my profile, as I also run a tween version of this class in which I am assisted by a teen DM and which stays completely G-rated.

We welcome any level of experience with playing the game, but we do jump right into playing rather than formally teaching the basics, so players need to have some familiarity with the game. Players need to be fluent in reading and typing (or have assistive technology in place in the event of a disability), and comfortable using various features of Zoom and their web browser in order to keep up with the pace of the game. Stories and interaction will of course be kept suitable for minors, though the instructor's guidance on themes and language will be geared toward the teen set. Themes may include violence, romance, grief, loss, criminal activity, and so forth. The instructor does intend to keep the space a safe space for all marginalized individuals and will ensure that oppression is not glorified. Players who find game interactions upsetting will be given space to discuss this. 

Dungeon Masters will be determined by the instructor prior to each campaign (a campaign is a story lasting several weeks). Youth who are interested in serving as a DM should message the instructor to discuss. Youth who are just beginning to experiment with DM skills are encouraged to refine these skills and try them out, as we are going for a supportive social environment, not professional levels of play. 

Players are welcome to bring characters they have created, or not. Every new campaign will have space for creating characters if players do not have a character ready to go (players do need to be basically familiar with the game and able to create a character in 10-15 minutes with guidance). We will post in the classroom ahead of time what the parameters are for characters so players can create or modify a character ahead of time if they wish.