A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.... No, in all seriousness, sometime ago I joined a small group on Facebook called Gay PS3 Gamers. It was only about 60 members strong at the time, but finding gaymer groups was hard, and this one was PS3 specific. I enjoyed the opportunity to share my newfound enthusiasm for gaming and the unique digital experiences it offered, and was even happier when I got the opportunity to become an admin on the group, as I could contribute things like logo's, create discussions etc.
What was disappointing was that the group turned out to have a narrow definition of what being a gaymer was i.e. of a particular age and "up for Eyetoy camchat". I knew that for the most part the members of the group were actual GAMERS who happened to be gay and wanted a place they could share their enthusiasm with like-minded individuals. I wanted a group that reflected those interests and that enthusiasm, and could offer a way to connect with each other that PSN doesn't offer outside of random meetings online... and hence, PlayStation Gaymers (originally PS3 Gaymers) was born.
Some of you visiting this site might ask "Why a group specifically for gaymers? After all, there are a multitude of gaming-related groups out there, surely that's enough?" My answer is an emphatic, "No, it isn't". Firstly, there aren't many of us (yet!). But also, as much as I love games (if you want to know, my favourite is Killzone 2), there are few games that genuinely connect with the experiences of gay men, and even less so in the wider gaming community. Whilst I hope everyone who visits this site has some interest in gaming, there are experiences that are unique to being gay-some of them positive, and sadly, still, some of them not so much. Yes, it's a particular mentality-some might even argue it isn't helpful- but my experiences with the Facebook group have only reconfirmed that it is useful and valuable to offer this opportunity for gaymers to meet, connect, and share and create a gayming community together.The internet and online play has radically opened up the opportunties for gamers to connect to each other. And, yes, we're Sony fanboys (but nice ones!)
Although it's 'only' a Facebook group, it's the largest of it's kind, and that's because of the considerable work admins, members and myself put into keeping it fresh. We've managed to open the scope to include weekly PSN meetups and online matches. It's expansion into this online identity is a continuation of that vision to bring gaymers together in an open, inclusive experience that means you can be a gaymer of any size, shape, age, lifestyle or dispostion.
Christopher Parkes
PlayStation Gaymers on Facebook; join the evolution here!
