Introduction
Hey there! If you’ve ever loved dragons, magic, and bold queer identity, then you’re going to love getting to know Gayfortans. This term blends “gay” (and broader LGBTQ+ identity) with “fantans” (fantasy fans) — a community where queer folks and allies embrace fantasy worlds as their own safe, imaginative space.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what Gayfortans is, why it matters, how you can participate (even if you’re a newbie), and practical ways to bring it into your life. By the end, you’ll feel ready to join this inclusive fandom with confidence.
What is Gayfortans?
The definition
At its core, Gayfortans is a fandom and identity-space where queer folks (and allies) blend their LGBTQ+ pride with a love for fantasy—think epic quests, magical creatures, mythical realms—and make those worlds wholly their own. According to one article, it “offers a space where fans could reclaim and reimagine fantasy tropes with queer protagonists, romances, and mythologies.”
Origins & community
From what the web suggests, Gayfortans began circulating in online queer spaces and fantasy forums in the late 2010s. It grew as folks realized that mainstream fantasy often sidelined queer people, so fans decided to build their own inclusive narratives.
The community now shows up in fan-art, tabletop RPGs, queer-friendly conventions, online meetups and more. It’s less about a brand and more about culture and belonging.
Why Gayfortans Matters
Representation in fantasy
If you love fantasy but have ever felt “othered” in that world (because you’re queer, non-binary, trans, etc.), Gayfortans is a big deal. It’s about seeing you in the hero’s journey—not just as a sidekick or a tragic figure.
Representation matters because stories shape how we think about ourselves. When queer folks see themselves as wizards, dragon-riders, or myth-makers, it signals: “Yes, you belong here.”
Safe space + community building
Gayfortans creates a safe space where queer fantasy fans can gather, create, share, and support each other. Whether it’s writing a queer dragon-lord story, setting up a trans-friendly D&D campaign, or cosplaying a non-binary elf warrior—these acts are community building.
And when personal identity meets creative escapism, the result often becomes healing. I’ve seen many queer folks say they discovered their voice through fan-fiction or fantasy art.
Cultural shift in fandom norms
Mainstream fantasy is changing—and Gayfortans is part of that shift. It’s nudging the genre toward more inclusive, diverse portrayals of gender, romance, identity and heroism. One article notes the movement is “reshaping fantasy storytelling” by placing LGBTQ+ characters at the center.
That’s cool because when one community opens up, others follow. If you love fantasy, you win too.
How to Get Involved: Practical Tips
Here are some actionable steps if you want to dive into Gayfortans culture.
1. Explore queer-friendly fantasy media
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Search for books, comics or games that feature queer protagonists or inclusive worlds.
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Try fan-art communities: Tumblr, DeviantArt, Instagram hashtags like #gayfantasy, #queerfantasy.
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Look for tabletop RPG groups that declare themselves “LGBTQ+ friendly”.
2. Create your own story or character
One of the best ways to belong is by doing.
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Write your own short story: maybe your wizard is trans, or your dragon-rider is bi.
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Design a character sheet for your next RPG session that defies traditional tropes.
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Share it in friendly forums or Discord servers — you’ll likely find others who love the same mix of queer identity + fantasy.
3. Connect with the community
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Join Discord servers or Facebook groups dedicated to queer fantasy.
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Attend conventions (even online ones) that focus on inclusion and fandom.
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Participate in fan-art exchanges, writing prompts or role-play games.
4. Bring it to everyday life
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Use fantasy motifs that reflect your identity (rainbow dragon pin? trans-flag spellbook?).
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Host a mini themed gathering with friends: fantasy-cosplay night that emphasises identity.
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Use the metaphor of “quest” for real-life challenges: finishing school, coming out, starting a new job — you are the hero of your story.
A Personal Anecdote
I’ll share something: a few years ago I joined a small online RPG group that insisted “all identities welcome”. I created a non-binary elven mage whose magic was tied to their coming-out story. Writing that felt weird and freeing at the same time. It wasn’t just escapism—it helped me process parts of my identity with humor, magic and friends. That’s the kind of thing Gayfortans is. It’s games, yes—but it’s also self-discovery, laughter, art, community.
Challenges & How to Handle Them
Finding inclusive spaces
Not all fantasy fandom spaces are queer-friendly. If you’re stepping into forums or gaming groups, look for explicit statements of inclusion, pronouns, moderation policy. Don’t hesitate to leave if it feels unsafe.
Tokenism vs genuine representation
Sometimes you’ll see queer characters added just for show, without depth. To avoid that: support media where queer characters are fully drawn, not just there for ticking a box. Ask questions: Is this character real? Do they have agency? Are they central?
Burn-out from creation
Creating fan-art, running campaigns, writing stories is thrilling—but it can also burn you out if you feel pressure to perform. Remember: it’s okay to rest. Your identity isn’t a costume you must keep on 24/7. Take the breaks you need.
Why It’s Great for Allies Too
You don’t have to identify as queer to appreciate or join Gayfortans. As an ally you bring value: you amplify voices, share inclusive media, create welcoming spaces. Your involvement can help spread the message that fantasy is for everyone.
By supporting Gayfortans, you help make fandoms richer, more diverse, and more fun for all.
Quick Tips & Takeaways
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Use queer-friendly fantasy mediums as both enjoyment and exploration.
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Create your own queer-fantasy character or story—share it!
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Engage in safe, inclusive communities: filter for pronouns, moderation, welcoming language.
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Recognise that representation matters—both in what you consume and what you make.
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It’s okay to rest, to take breaks, and to not perform perfection.
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Carry the metaphor of fantasy into real life: you are the hero.
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Share your experience—tell others about what Gayfortans means to you.
Conclusion
So there you have it—Gayfortans isn’t just a fun mash-up term. It’s a vibrant, inclusive culture bridging queer identity and fantasy fandom. Inside this world you’ll find reclaimed tropes, welcoming communities, and tools for self-expression.
If you’ve read this and something clicked—maybe it’s time to pick up that fantasy novel, design that character sheet, or join a friendly server. Want more? Feel free to explore our related posts about inclusive fandoms and queer storytelling If you enjoyed this post, I’d love you to share it, comment with your favourite queer-fantasy character, and subscribe for more inclusive fandom content. Let’s build magical worlds—together.
