Don't trust men when they say a space is inclusive for women..

They'll upvote posts where a women says "Hey this is a pleasant space for ladies!", patting themselves on the back and throwing upvotes at each other. They'll pay thinly veiled lip service to the idea.. before immediately pivoting to waxing nostalgically for the sexist ads of the 90's and arguing with you for having the audacity of being uncomfortable.

So many of these "Inclusive gaming spaces" are Passive Progressive, more interested in the idea of being perceived as a kind space than they are with putting in the legwork to actually be one.

I wish I had a solution, a better answer or way to cope with the uncomfortable, repeated disappointment in investing time in a space only to be rudely awoken to the idea that no, this space was never for me. Our inclusion in those spaces was only ever to make them feel better about themselves and the second you dissent? You're an overemotional woman. This space isn't for you..

Thanks for listening and thanks for being the gold standard of kind gaming spaces /GirlGamers. You Gals are the best.