Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons will be uniting to support a good cause when Wizards of the Coast renews its partnership with Lambert House, a Seattle-based organization that serves as a center for LGBTQ youth. Wizards of the Coast will be releasing Pride-related t-shirts and accessories sporting the iconic Rainbow of the LGBT pride flag while tying in to two of its most iconic properties, Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
Magic: The Gathering has been placing a greater emphasis on the game’s story in anticipation of the release of War of the Spark, its upcoming Standard set that will see the culmination of years-worth of storytelling and the presumed downfall of antagonist Nicol Bolas. In that emphasis, however, has been a greater attention paid to character’s sexualities, as well: Nissa and Chandra are heavily implied to be interested in each other, while there is an non-binary planeswalker named Ashiok that has been treated with respect by those who have written about them. Dungeons & Dragons, on the other hand, has long been an escape for youths who don’t feel accepted, since they can roleplay a character close to them that exists in a world that can be designed to reinforce their beliefs.
Wizards of the Coast will renew its partnership with Lambert House by selling limited-edition t-shirts and accessories with the Pride Flag emblazoned on them in some fashion, and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to Lambert House. The items can be purchased through the website CustomInk, and feature the iconic logos of both properties with Pride Flag colors. Wizards of the Coast VP of Human Resources, Holly Barbacovi, elaborated on the partnership and what it means to the company:
Wizards of the Coast has continued to push hard for the gaming industry to become more inclusive and, although it has taken time, the company has backed up its intent with several examples of support for the LGBTQ community alongside others. While other companies like Valve continue to take a hands-off approach and allow its platforms, like Steam, to be invaded by hateful rhetoric, it’s reassuring to see several other entities take the time to address those issues and attempt to make people feel welcome.
“At Wizards of the Coast, one of our primary values is inclusivity. We value all people and perspectives. We are proud to continue our support of Lambert House in its Capital Campaign, so it can continue to provide crucial services to the community.”
Hopefully this push in the tabletop gaming community will be mirrored by a larger section of the video game industry soon. If nothing else, Wizards of the Coast, Dungeons & Dragons, and Magic: The Gathering have once again made an important gesture to the LGBTQ community and will surely win the appreciation of many of the affected youths who call Lambert House home.
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