Adding character pronouns to the sheet is a simple and unobtrusive change that can help people understand personal pronouns and encourage gender fluid character creation. Though there is space to write character gender on the official character sheets, this space is rarely referenced since it is not on the front page, except on the Alternative 2 character sheet. Furthermore, this is not equivalent to having a space for pronouns, as someone’s gender label might not accurately convey their pronouns. It would be a simple but impactful change for Wizards of the Coast to add a space for character pronouns on official D&D character sheets.

A space for pronouns facilitates gender exploration in roleplaying and helps create an atmosphere in which players can feel more comfortable creating characters of different genders. It is not uncommon for people to express nervousness about trying to play a character of another gender. This is an unfortunate barrier because, though gender by no means defines a character, it is an interesting trait that many players may want to interact with. Adding pronouns to the character sheet helps players remember to correctly refer to each other’s characters, making it simpler to play a character of a gender different from one’s own.

Furthermore, including pronouns on the character sheet in an official capacity helps make trans and gender non-conforming people feel recognized and accepted, not just at their own table but by the D&D community in general. Before creating my custom sheet, I had to scribble pronouns somewhere in the margins. This was a constant reminder that pronouns, which are important to the well-being of many trans and gender nonconforming people, are frequently left unconsidered. The D&D table is a place to feel safe and have fun, so it can be frustrating for trans and gender nonconforming individuals to experience the same erasure at the table that is common outside of the game. By adding pronouns to the official character sheet, Wizards of the Coast would be recognizing that pronouns carry weight, which would show support and allyship.

Including a clear space for pronouns also accustoms players to giving their pronouns and familiarizes people with the concept of being mindful of them. Trans and gender nonconforming people often have to be responsible for educating others about pronouns and correcting misgendering, as many people are not cognizant of pronoun use. Exposure to the concept, however, can help normalize it. Asking for pronouns within the framework of D&D can encourage players to take initiative to introduce their pronouns, seek information about pronouns use, and ask for pronouns rather than assume gender.

As we become more aware of trans and nonconforming gender identities, paying attention to pronouns is a great step towards building a more inclusive D&D community. Wizards of the Coast has been expanding D&D content to be more inclusive of all genders, such as by including gender nonconforming characters like elven deity Corellon Larethian, and the addition of pronouns is a concrete action to continue this effort and raise awareness. We therefore ask that Wizards of the Coast acts by adding a space for character pronouns on official D&D character sheets.

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Should you have any questions you may have about the contents of this petition, please leave a comment in the "Comments" section of the form with your query and the best way to contact you if you would like to follow up.

Many thanks,
Pippa Rogak
(they/them)


Further Reading-
(None of the following sites or articles are affiliated with the creation of this petition in any way. They have been selected as relevant readings that may offer information and insight into further perspectives.)

Websites and Databases:

Glossary of Terms (Human Rights Campaign): https://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms

Gender identity and gender expression (brochure) (Ontario Human Rights Commission): http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/gender-identity-and-gender-expression-brochure

Understanding Gender (genderspectrum.org): https://www.genderspectrum.org/quick-links/understanding-gender/

LGBTQ Video Game Archive | A curated/researched collection of information of LGBTQ content in digital games from 1980s-present: https://lgbtqgamearchive.com/


Journal Articles:

“Where is the queerness in games? Types of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer content in digital games” by Adrienne Shaw and Elizaveta Friesem (International Journal of Communication): https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/ps/i.do?p=LitRC&u=ubcolumbia&id=GALE%7CA491909945&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon

“Privilege, Power, and Dungeons & Dragons: How Systems Shape Racial and Gender Identities in Tabletop Role-Playing Games” by Antero Garcia (Mind, Culture, and Activity): https://doi-org.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/10.1080/10749039.2017.1293691

“Transgender Population Size in the United States: a Meta-Regression of Population-Based Probability Samples” by Esther L. Meerwijk and Jae M. Sevelius (American Journal of Public Health): https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303578

“Dungeons and Dragons and Data: The Demographics of Players and Their Impact on Character Creation and Gameplay” by Maegan Trygstad (Huskie Commons Institutional Repository, Northern Illinois University): https://commons.lib.niu.edu/handle/10843/20042.


Personal Essays:

Introduction of Transgender Narratives in 5E D&D by Kikka Delarose (Nerdarchy): https://nerdarchy.com/introduction-of-transgender-narratives-in-5e-dd/

Perspective | How my role-playing game character showed me I could be a woman by Joan Moriarty (The Washington Post): https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/how-my-role-playing-game-character-showed-me-i-could-be-a-woman/2019/10/18/a0200216-f109-11e9-b648-76bcf86eb67e_story.html

D&D's Trouble with Trans Characters by Christine Prevas (PanopLit):
https://panoplit.org/2018/02/13/dds-trouble-with-trans-characters/


Podcasts and Actual Play Shows:

Venture Maidens (podcast, lives streams, and Youtube channel): https://venturemaidens.com/

The Broadswords (podcast): https://thebroadswords.com/

Dimension20 (actual play show available on Youtube and on CollegeHumor Dropout): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8zWIx8aBQme-x1nX9iZ0A

BeholdHer (podcast): https://dontsplitthepodcastnetwork.com/behold-her-podcast

Cinderbrush: A Monsterhearts Story (one-shot by Critical Role available on Youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51ykIVq9KcM

Dice Will Roll (podcast): https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/dice-will-roll/e/58585709?autoplay=true