The Gayming Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, wants to bolster LGBTQ … More representation, protection, and development across the games industry.
A new nonprofit organization has been established to support LGBTQ+ workers, aspiring professionals, and players in the games industry. The Gayming Foundation aims to promote change, celebrate diversity, and advance representation within the gaming community.
Estimating that there are around 72,000 LGBTQ+ games industry workers in the U.S. alone — not including solo indie developers — the Gayming Foundation wants to act as a force against anti-DEI measures, strengthening the LGBTQ+ community at its core and get the most out of both established and nascent talent.
To do this, the Gayming Foundation will offer assistance through three specific ways:
- Supporting LGBTQ+ game workers by offering mentorships and support programs that help improve their careers and wellbeing, whether they’re in a major studio or working as a solo indie dev;
- Funding LGBTQ+ fans and creators with grants and guidance that will help them grow and strengthen inclusive gaming communities; and
- Championing industry change by highlighting best practices and providing educational tools to make the games industry more welcoming.
To kick things off, the Gayming Foundation will roll out three key programs over the next year. First up is the Gaymer Group Growth Fund, which offers grants of up to $2,500 to local LGBTQ+ gaming groups, helping them expand their reach to build communities. Secondly, Double Jump will target LGBTQ+ professionals who want to break into the games industry by complementing their existing skills.
Last but not least is a third initiative, PrideXP Boost Mentorships, which will connect LGBTQ+ games industry workers and content creators with mentors, creating a learning-based support network.
The Gayming Foundation is a sister organization to Gayming Magazine, which has been running since 2019 and most recently hosted its 2025 Gayming Awards on July 8, which was streamed by all-new partner WOW Presents Plus.
Both the magazine and Gayming Foundation are the brainchild of Robin Gray, the new charity’s executive director and chair, who has reached out to LGBTQ+ representatives from across the industry to form its executive board and the delivery committees.
Robin Gray, the founder of Gayming Magazine.
Gray said: “After six years of running Gayming Magazine and the Gayming Awards, we’ve been able to get first hand experience of how anti-DEI rhetoric and shrinking funding streams can affect diverse workers, content creators, and communities in and around the video game industry.”
“We will support LGBTQ+ games workers through mentorships and networking, build a diverse talent pipeline focusing on career-switching LGBTQ+ people, and build a resilient fanbase with content creators and IRL gaymer groups. The result being positive change that benefits the global games industry, supports vulnerable workers and protects queer art!”
