Last year around this time I had the opportunity of a lifetime to give a speech at GDC for the #1reasontobe panel on being a trans woman in game dev. I wanted to re-share this one on Trans Day of Visibility because everything I expressed last year remains true today.
youtu.be/smNiyzAkOQs?...
This afternoon I made a call to prioritize community over craft. I skipped a talk on POI design in Outer Worlds 2 and another on hybrid/remote work to attend the #1ReasonToBe panel and another on the necessity of hiring juniors.
It was the right call.
WE are the reason we're here.
5 women of different backgrounds on a stage at gdc with happy smiles . Blue background
Once another #1reasontobe at @officialgdc.bsky.social !
I can't begin to express how honored and Inspired I am by these women
Let's continue celebrating women making videogames and protect the legacy that @brendaromero.bsky.social @leighalexander.bsky.social and @ramiismail.com started
#gdc2026
The #1ReasonToBe panel at GDC. Six women on stage in front of a large room that should have more people in it
More people at GDC could probably benefit from the stories at #1ReasonToBe.
Everything is on fire but there are comrades and hopeful stories everywhere.
I can't wait to learn about these amazing people at #1ReasonToBe at @officialgdc.bsky.social !
#1ReasonToBe is back and I'm proud to present the marvelous panelists we have for this edition.
It's a special challenging year, but if you are at @official_gdc please come join us to this celebration of why we continue making games
share.google/hnWRf11dJVHi...
#gdc2026
Pixelles, Dames Making Games, Girls Make Games, Stugan (not strictly advocacy/rep, but helped fund game devs based on applications), GDC's #1reasontobe, I Need Diverse Games, GaymerX, and maybe AbleGamers/Special Effect, although I think they're older
I've got 97 submissions for the #1ReasonToBe panel
Let's make 12 sessions during GDC and accept them all (??
Now, being serious, selecting women is the hardest process because ABSOLUTELY every woman in the industry has something valuable and inspiring to share
I'm grateful for this moment
6 women giving a panel at GDC
Longest-running diversity panel at @officialgdc.bsky.social #1ReasonToBe is looking for panelists for 2026
We are looking for underrepresented women in video games living in the U.S., or from abroad, who normally attend GDC, due to the challenges of entering the country
forms.gle/QWSK8wPjLu5t...
The panel I organize at @officialgdc.bsky.social #1reasontobe is one of the top-rated examples for submissions, and that makes me super happy! ♥
I'm beginning to assemble the participants form for next year's edition.
It will be extra challenging, but please stay tuned if you're interested.
So last year I invited a Kenyan dev to the #1reasontobe panel at GDC. Unfortunately, she got her Visa denied so she couldn't make it.
Happy that at least we could refund her VISA costs (180 USD) thanks to cool industry folks that helped through buymeacoffee ♥
Slide from #1reasontobe 2025 / GDC
Sharing my fave slide from my closing remarks at #gdc2025 on the #1reasontobe panel
Was afraid my joke didn't land since my sense of humor is in my mother tongue... but everyone seemed to enjoyed it :p
The #1reasontobe was truly something special this year
With representation from Saudi Arabia , Chile and topics like accessibility and trans lives
The panelists brought tears and inspiration to us all
Thank you for those who supported it and attended it !
#gdc2025
There were some great talks, but there were a few more dead spots than normal. The normal great stuff was great (#1reasontohe, alt-ctrl) but the impacts of the current state of the industry and US were always felt. #1reasontobe had a pair of visa denials. Smaller alt-ctrl.
I had a great time at GDC but I am REALLY looking forward to going home and snuggling my wife and cats. The #1reasontobe panel was such an amazing experience, I met some incredible people and I can't wait for the video to go up so I can share it with everyone who couldn't attend in person!
Hanan Makki - Saudi Arabia, Morgan Baker - US, Javi Sepulveda - Chile, Liana MacKenzie - US, Kate Edwards - US
The #1reasontobe panelists destroyed me, I can't. 🥹💛
The #1ReasonToBe panel at GDC was absolutely baller. Super inspiring women.
Longest running diversity panel #1reasontobe is about to start at 11 am west hall 2002
Come join us !
#gdc2025
#1ReasonToBe is back at #GDC2025, showcasing women from emerging territories across the globe, engaging in candid conversations about game development. Starts in 30 minutes (11:00am) in Room 2002 (West Hall) #GDC2025 buff.ly/KXkMOpE
Panel today! If you're at GDC make sure to check out #1ReasontoBe in room 2002 in the West Hall!
GDC’s #1ReasonToBe panel will celebrate women game devs in a tough climate #Technology #Gaming #WomenInGaming #GameDevelopment #GDC2023
Thank you @venturebeat.com for this amazing piece on #1reasontobe 2025
See you on Thursday 11 am on west 2002 at @officialgdc.bsky.social
venturebeat.com/games/gdcs-1...
Looking forward to this #1ReasonToBe panel at this year's GDC. Thursday March 20, at 11 am. It is always inspirational.
Made lots of business cards to promote the #1reasontobe panel at GDC !
Thursday 11 am / Room 2002 west hall
schedule.gdconf.com/session/1rea...
Just one week away and I'm excited to be heading back to the @officialgdc.bsky.social and to be invited to participate in 2 sessions this year:
1) Crafting Worlds, Building Teams: The Power of Culture in Game Development
2) #1ReasonToBe
Hope to see you there!
#meetmeatgdc #WeAreGDC #gdc2025
⭐ #1ReasonToBe Panel
When: Thursday, March 20 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Room 2002, West Hall
Speakers: Laia Bee, Javiera Paz Sepulveda, Kate Edwards, Morgan Baker (myself), Liana MacKenzie, and Hanan Makki.
Link: schedule.gdconf.com/session/1rea...
I'm speaking at GDC on March 17-21. Wednesday, March 15 @ 5PM is the Accessibility by Design Roundtable. Thursday, March 20 @ 11AM is the #1ReasonToBe Panel
Obligatory I'll be at #GDC and speaking post! I'll be around on Wednesday and Thursday, where I'll be hosting the accessibility roundtable with @tarav.bsky.social and sitting on the #1ReasonToBe panel with a group of lovely folks & advocates. Let's connect! #GDC2025 #GameDev
Links in the thread ⬇️
Save your GDC Thursday at 11 am!
#1reasontobe showcases women from across the globe, engaging in candid conversations about game development within their unique points of view.
With accessibility, immigrant, trans, and geographic diversity representation.
schedule.gdconf.com/session/1rea...
