So today I discovered Xbox GamerchiX, and I have to say, it looks pretty awesome. A safe space where women and girls can play online over XBL? Awesome. And I totally love the “Manifesta”:
- If you play games, you’re a gamer chick. Whether you’re an Xbox Halo 2 champ, play RPGs on the PC, or Mah Jong Tiles on MSN Games, you’re a gamer chick.
- Xbox GamerchiX don’t talk trash about other women. Ever. When women stop hating on each other … we will rule the world!
- Xbox GamerchiX support each other.
- Xbox GamerchiX are good role models for young gamer girls.
- Xbox GamerchiX are not pin-ups. We’re all hot in our own unique way, but it’s about the games and the companionship, not T&A.
- You can be a member of any clan or group, but while you’re part of GamerchiX, you don’t talk trash about other gamers.
Dude, RAD. Sign me up! Oh wait, what’s this? …
Wanna join Xbox GamerchiX? All you need are two X chromosomes!
DOH. I get that this is was intended to be a cute/joking way of saying all women are welcome, but all women don’t actually have two X chromosomes.
This may seem like a minor thing, but it’s these minor things that add up and up and up. In this case, I cannot begin to imagine what it’s like to have your very identity questioned on a constant basis, to encounter something like GamerchiX that seems totally awesome and just the thing for you, and then see this one little sentence that digs at you and reminds you of all the much, much worse things you experience just because of who you are. I can’t begin to imagine what that’s like, but I know it sucks.
Alex Raymond
Ack! Particularly as I know many trans women gamers who would love to be part of such a group, but would catch that language immediately.
Totally agreed. I actually did apply for membership (I’m an xbox newb myself), but I haven’t heard back yet. I will definitely bring it up when I get the chance.
(By the way, thanks so much for your comments over at GameCritics [Assuming you are the same Meg!]. I’ve stopped posting in the comments there but I’ve been keeping up with them. Thanks!)