I know what you're thinking, "Man, not another ham-fisted statement about politics by a game publisher." Please bear with me.
This is a big discussion with much more nuance than I can capture here. I also don't claim to fully grasp all of the nuance, we can all keep learning. But what I want to say is that there are too many issues dismissed as "politics" to shut down discussion and opinions as if there are two legitimate sides to all of these issues.
What I mean by that is, for example, something like whether we should tax gas at the pump or wrap it into vehicle registration. So in that sense, yes, Goblinoid Games (me) isn't interested in discussing that kind of politics at the game table (though let's face it, game table banter often does stray afield of the task at hand!).
But often what people write off as "merely" politics are actually human rights issues. In that regard, I think those considerations should be taken into account where appropriate.
What that looks like in practice is working to not perpetuate or reinforce lies, bigotry, homophobia etc. To not contribute to the public and systemic forces and beliefs that strive to grind classes of people below an authoritarian boot.
So when I say trans men are men and trans women are women, or black lives matter, I'm not making a political statement. I'm acknowledging that every person should have the freedom to be who they feel they truly are. Or to not be systematically degraded so that society views some people as lesser or inferior.
Because when we refuse to openly discuss those issues we turn a blind eye to the reinforcing behavior that erodes the dignity from people and makes them feel unsafe and rejected by society. Brushing these topics aside because you don't want to tackle them or be self reflective is the same as saying you're content to perpetuate ideas that seek to hurt people. Kill people even. To keep people afraid and uncertain of their places in the world.
Therefore I encourage discussion when these issues come to the foreground, and I hope if I make any missteps people will correct me and I can learn something. Above all I want everyone to know that you are safe here and that I have your back in every way that's in my power. You are valued no matter who you are. You are valued because you are who you are. Human diversity is a beautiful thing when we can embrace it. We should enjoy that richness and enjoy each other.
