This is in response to a few comments I read throughout the beta forums regarding LGBT linkshells and free companies in FF XIV. Some comments were nasty, some were ignorant, and some didn't really seem to get why they would exist in the first place. I didn't post a lot of my thoughts there because I was too busy reading (and also the 1000 character limitation). I collected my thoughts and decided it would be relevant to make a post here. Sorry if it's too much of a soapbox for some.

I know not everyone feels the need for there to be separate LGBT groups. If existing guilds have anti-discrimination policies that should be good enough for everybody, right? I understand that by having a separate group it can imply that LGBT people are in some way inferior to non-LGBT people. That is not the case at all. I think having an additional group is a good idea for a few reasons:

-Until LGBT issues are a total non-subject for discussion (due to lack of interest) some people will want to have a safe and separate space to belong to.

-LGBT discrimination still exists at all levels of society. It exists in schools, workplaces and public spaces. Bullying can happen in virtual spaces too like in social media and video games. While there are supportive allies in all of these places, there are also people that choose to spread hatred and bigotry.

-A few negative (homophobic, racist, sexist etc.) comments can turn someone off of a group, even after they have developed a thick skin. Whether those comments were made through ignorance or malice is irrelevant. The perception from the outside will be that the group is non-inclusive.

-Sometimes LGBT people want to talk with other LGBT people (and allies!) about LGBT issues. In a larger environment there are people in the community who really don't want to hear about it, so having a separate and supportive space is nice for that reason.

What it comes down to is having a choice. The more choices people have, in this case variety of guilds, the more likely it is that they'll find what they are looking for.

I think it's important to provide a safe space for LGBT people and allies. I didn't have one in high school, but I did in university and it made a big difference in my life. That is why I started this group. It's something I want to belong to. I thought it was important to make because I didn't see one that completely fit my needs in the game.

Well said. I'll be joining more than one guild for endgame contents and raids. Its great to live in a free country.