September News
Announcing the Rose Gauntlet Foundation!
This one's been in the works for a while now and we're thrilled to finally be able to formally announce the launch of the Rose Gauntlet Foundation!
Alright, so let's talk about what this is.
The Rose Gauntlet Foundation is a 501c3 Non-Profit and a groundbreaking initiative that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the tabletop gaming industry. More specifically, the foundation aims to provide a dynamic platform that offers education, networking opportunities, and essential resources to underrepresented individuals aspiring to carve out a career in the world of tabletop gaming.
A little on how this came to be.
The foundation was conceived from a shared desire to connect and uplift individuals who, like us, have longed for a more inclusive tabletop gaming industry. This journey began in 2017 when Rose Gauntlet Entertainment Co-Owner Isaac Vega reached out to other LGBTQ+ individuals working in the industry in 2017 to meet over dinner at PAX Unplugged. This event, which initially brought together just four individuals, quickly blossomed into what is now affectionately known as "Big Gay Dinner."
From there, we recognized the need to extend this tradition and broaden its reach to others without the means or connections to foster bonds within the industry. In 2022, we took a significant step in the expansion of our mission, hosting the BIPOC Lounge at Gen Con.
The outstanding success of these initiatives drew the attention of numerous conventions and companies eager to support these efforts. In response to the growing demand for events and spaces that promote inclusivity across the industry, the decision was made to establish the Rose Gauntlet Foundation as a non-profit entity.
Now, in 2023, after extensive research and meticulous organization, the Rose Gauntlet Foundation has officially launched, providing a dedicated home for events that foster community, offer resources, and create opportunities for underrepresented groups within the tabletop games industry.
Our initial core programs include:
- Game Changers: Designed to empower women in the gaming industry by offering invaluable resources and networking opportunities. Our inaugural event at this year's Origins Game Fair was a big success, with over 30 women in attendance.
- BIPOC Lounge: Debuting in 2022 at Gen Con, the BIPOC Lounge serves as a deluxe safe space where BIPOC tabletop industry professionals and gamers can connect, share information, and access vital resources during the convention's four-day span. With 2022 being so successful, we were back at it, hosting the BIPOC Lounge yet again at this year's Gen Con.
- Big Gay Dinner: Tailored for the LGBTQIA+ community, Big Gay Dinner offers similar resources and safe spaces of the lounge, this time at PAX Unplugged. The 2022 event saw the participation of over 60 LGBT+ professionals, and we're shooting even higher for this year's event!
These programs have been amazing and are only made possible through the generous support of established companies within the Tabletop Games Industry and individuals who share the foundation's mission of diversity and inclusivity. We're super proud of where we're at with these initiatives and want to continue to grow them!
To support the Rose Gauntlet Foundation and contribute to its mission of diversifying the tabletop gaming industry, please consider making a donation by visiting www.rosegauntlet.com/pages/rose-gauntlet-foundation-donate. If you're not ready to donate (we get it) but want to stay informed about our initiatives, please sign up for our Rose Gauntlet Foundation mailing list here.
Moving forward, the bulk of our updates on the foundation will be to donors and anyone who signs up to the specific foundation list mentioned above, so be sure to subscribe there to stay in the know!
P.S. -- I know that was long, but we're super pumped about this announcement and really appreciate you taking a moment to read about where we're at!
Our Adventures in Publishing Games
Ever wonder what it's like being a tabletop game publisher? Want to know what we're looking for in new game designs and how to submit your own prototype? Want to hear about some funny pitch flubs by our team? We've got you covered on all that and more in our latest Unscripted Blog.
If you've read all the way down here, then wow that's pretty cool. Thanks for your support and if you have any questions, suggestions, or want to reach out to us, please don't hesitate to email contact@rosegauntlet.com or message us on our social pages!