06/01/2026
Happy June; June is Pride month and the store and many of it's employees celebrate Pride Month. Our goal at Champion - Gaming is to show the LGBTQ+ community that we are a safe space. At Adepticon this year I had an amazing conversation with a game developer who is more conservative than I am. I respect this person's opinions and I respect them even more after the conversation. They spoke about what inclusiveness and safe spaces means to them. Their approach is to not alienate other people based upon thier beliefs and to keep people with conservative beliefs in mind. Conflict is often a two lane road, if you force people into one direction, conflict will arise. The store will be decorated with Rainbows, the staff have the freedom to wear what they want and express themselves, we are working on a play list, we have stickers behind the counter, we're going to work with the Pride Center on a few things etc. It can feel like a lot if you don't share the same beliefs. I as an owner, I want to provide an inclusive space, and that's going to be tough this month for our more conservative customers. The reason why this period is important is to normalize and welcome people in the LGBTQ+ community through that exposure and support. Gaming involves conflict. Winners and losers are determined by defined rules and objectives. My store is 100% unplugged, you settle things face to face, you respect your opponent and you play the game fair and with sportsmanship. Champion is a safe space for everyone who respects their opponents and plays the games fair.
