What We Can Learn From D&D’s Sexist History

In 2020, I found out that Gary Gygax was a biological determinist. He believed that women didn’t have the right brain function to enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). I also found out that Johnathan Tweet, lead designer of D&D 3.5, thought that LARPing appealed more to women than D&D ever could because it was more about “personalities, relationships, clothing, and make-up.” His 2020 response to the backlash also left a lot to be desired.

As a woman who had been DMing a campaign with all-women players for two years at that point, I was more than pissed off. I was fuming. I was also on a call with one of my best friends and shared the screenshots with her. Together, we screamed. We shouted. And, most importantly, we ranted.

But then something weird happened: We started researching. Our research led to an outline, and then eventually, a podcast where we could share what we had learned. Nearly five years later, Lyssa and I found the answers to our questions—and so much more. Because when you dig deep into the lore and history of the first-ever TTRPG, it won’t be long until you find damaging patriarchal ideals hiding in plain sight. And just like your first encounter with a mimic, once you encounter one, you’re always on guard for more.

It’s also worth mentioning that while this article looks at sexism, there’s much more that can be said about transphobia, homophobia, and racism as well as the intersection that exists between all of these angles. The issues here only multiply when thinking about them from the viewpoint of non-binary, gender-fluid, or intersex people.