Social Gayming – Houston Gaymers celebrates 10 years
Houston Gaymers is highly active community group that provides a safe space for LGBT and fellow video game enthusiasts. Since 2009, the group has grown to become the largest video game community in Texas with an online user base of nearly 2000 members.
As they celebrate their 10th birthday, I had the chance to chat to Eric Hulsey, the President of Houston Gaymers.
Robin: Hi Eric, happy tenth birthday to Houston Gaymers, how does it feel being President of a Gaymer group that’s been around for over a decade?!
Eric: Thank you. There are definitely a lot of emotions as we look at this exciting milestone for both the organization and myself. As one of the few board members that has been a part of the organization from the start, I have witnessed all of the outstanding accomplishments and unforgettable journies. It has been an adventure I cherish and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow even more in the future.
Tell me more about Houston Gaymers?
Houston Gaymers is a local LGBTQ gaming or “gayming” group in Houston, Texas. From the very beginning it has always been the goal of the organization to create fun, friendly and inviting social events and experiences for the community.
We strive to create lasting connections between our members and that starts with our online community that spans states and even country lines. The online community allows all of our members to connect even if they can’t meet physically at one our the main events.
Our events range from competitive tournaments, movie watch parties, beach days, Pokemon GO days, local volunteering, our main console meetups at a local venue or board game nights the whole family can enjoy.
Aside from our community events, Houston Gaymers also does a lot for the city. Project Blue Shell is an initiative that raises money for consoles to be distributed to hospitals, local community centers and LGBTQ youth support centers—through this initiative we have provided more than 35 consoles for the community.
How long have you been involved with the group and how long have you been President for?
I am actually one of the original founders and have been the President of the organization since we organized a board. I created the initial flyer, Facebook group and hoped for the best turnout for our first meetup–now we have over 50 events a year and have 2700 members online.
What’s your fondest memory in this time?
My fondest memories have been our Gaymer Meetup events that we have put on at PAX South. This year we got to work with GGP, Oculus, Lazy Bit Collective and a bunch of indie game developers to turn out one of the most successful LGBTQ focused PAX South event of the weekend.
I can remember looking out over the crowd and seeing so many people finding their tribes and vibing with everyone dancing, playing VR or laying the smack down in Smash––it was that moment where I knew we had done our job and seeing that much happiness just meant the world to me.
What are you most proud of from your time as President?
This last December where we delivered our Nintendo Switch mobile video game carts to a local hospital’s children’s wing as part of our Project Blue Shell. There was a pure joy out of the kids to find familiar games they loved to play and from the staff that were excited to be able to now offer this to the kids—I will always remember that day and how proud the whole team was to see our hard work bring so much happiness to the hospital. We are incredibly grateful to our members and donors who help support us financially so that we can, in return, give back to the community in need through projects like this.
Why do you think the group has lasted this long?
I think this organization has offered something completely unique to the Houston area combining gaming with social spaces and members, not just the LGBT community, can see that after they attend our events. Leadership has also been very intrumental in creating a sense of passion from within the organization, bringing in new ideas, events and purpose to the group. I have always thought these innovators have helped keep the events, projects and members engaged with the community and coming back for more.
What are you doing to mark your tenth birthday?
Celebrating our tenth birthday we wanted to welcome back all members and organizations for a “Homecoming” event complete with local musical guests, Texas sized mums, a Homecoming Queen and some amazing looks back at the organizations history over the years. We also have libations provided by Tito’s Vodka, VR gaming systems provided by XVRcade, Music provided by Lazy Bit Collective and our promotional partner Pride Houston.
How important is it for LGBTQ gamers to have social groups like yours?
I think it is important to always have a social groups in any community that helps bring people together through common interests. Gaymer social organizations especially, as there are not many outlets for LGBTQ gamers to congregate naturally through online or physical gaming communities. Building these groups up has also shown the gaming industry that there is a larger portion of their customers that appreciate stories or options that are catered to more LGBTQ audiences.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of joining?
I always tell people interested that no matter your type of socializing or gaming, we have an event for you and all are welcome. When attending an event you can always expect to be greeted by a board member and if you are interested in a game or more information they are there to guide.
What’s your hopes for the next ten years?!
My hope for the organization is to take what helped make us successful in our first 10 years and support other organizations globally with the knowledge, resources and connections—helping strengthen the global gayming community as a whole.
How do people find out more about Houston Gaymers?
The best way to find our more about Houston Gaymers is to visit our facebook page at facebook.com/houstongaymers or by visiting our website at houstongaymers.com
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