Ray DeForest: WOW!

Are you part of the “Real Houseboys of Silvermoon City”, “Willy Wankers and the Chocolate Cake Factory”, or maybe you were part of the “Gordok Ogre Float”? If you don’t know what the heck I’m talking about, then you aren’t a part of one the most massive groups in the world… the MMORPG WoW group. Ok, ok… it’s World of Warcraft, and it’s a “massively multiplayer online role playing game”. That’s a mouthful isn’t it? Did you know that over 11 million, yes million, people play this online game! Amazing! And there are huge groups of LGBTQ players that have pride celebrations and parades within the game each year! The second largest “guild” in the game, similar to, say, a “drag house”, is the “Spreading Taint”. Last year they saluted the female-identified LGBTQ people in the game and even had their version of “Dykes on Bikes” lead the parade! They played “disco diva” music, dressed in drag, and even had a “Nude Duel Tournament”! My god, have I been living with my head in the ground!!!

When I was a kid, my sister and I would simply grab a towel and tie it around our necks, run out into the neighborhood and join our friends for a round of “Superhero” games. She was always Supergirl, and I was Superman, although there were times I thought her cape seemed so much better than mine. We would spend hours running around playing Superhero tag and “Hide and Go Seek”. We held our arms up high as we “flew” around the hood. We hated when mom would finally come out of the house and yell the ultimate game stopper…”DINNER!” I mean a “Super” has to eat, right? I loved those times. Being a child can be so much fun.

As adults many find it difficult to have “fun”. As LGBTQ people, sometimes we have no outlet for “fun” because of where we live, or how we feel. I live in NYC, the world here is very different than other places. You can be whatever you want to be here, and most don’t even bat an eye! I have walked the streets and ridden the subway many times dressed in all sorts of crazy outfits and costumes, and no one even cares! I’m lucky to live in such a place where it is so easy to be whatever you want to be, but many are not. Many LGBTQ folks live in small towns and cities that they feel would not welcome them if they were “out”. They have a sense of being trapped inside. On a recent all gay cruise, I met a couple that had been together for over 30 years. They said that the cruise was really their only outlet for all gay fun. They felt they had to live a “straight” life at home, and thank god they had this cruise each year to celebrate, and be, who they are. They said they never had so much “fun”!

I felt a little sad for those 2 wonderful men. I have had so much fun in my life being who I am, a gay man. I want everyone to feel good and happy about themselves. So if you are “trapped” how do you find your place in this world? There are groups, online sites, and apparently, online games like World of Warcraft! Many have criticized the online gamers as being removed from reality or anti-social. Some psychologists have said it is the downfall of modern society. (didn’t they say that about Elvis?) When actually for many people it seems that these “games” promote social interactions and activities. Many LGBTQ individuals have found an outlet to meet other gay people that need an outlet for being gay. They interact, socialize and have parades!

As the world speeds forward and technology becomes more and more a part of our everyday life, we find ways to use this to our advantage. Anything can be “addictive” or become a “disorder”, but things like World of Warcraft can provide a safe haven for many LGBTQ people. It’s one more place for gay people to be proud, and isn’t that important! It gives them a chance to have fun, develop unique characters, spend some time with friends, and flirt shamelessly! Hopefully, it also gives them the strength and confidence to put down the mouse, walk out into the sunlight and pronounce to the world… “ I am not just a Blood Elf, I am an real LGBTQ person and proud!”

So forgive me if I excuse myself, grab my controller, start running through Azeroth and meet up with the hottest Night Elf you ever saw!

Hugs and Love… 

RAY'S BLOGS |> Ray DeForest: Who I Am | Ray DeForest: Remembrall | Ray DeForest: It's Fundamental! | Ray DeForest: Date Night | Ray DeForest: The Devil Wears Parka | Ray DeForest: Those Wonderful Toys | Ray DeForest: Gidget Goes Hawaiian | Ray DeForest: Buddy L | Ray DeForest: Mirror Mirror | Ray DeForest: Wonderful | Ray DeForest: Seeds of Change | Ray DeForest: Mannerisms | Ray DeForest: Swim Trunks and Badges