Over the past decade, GLAAD Gaming has worked to improve how the video game industry engages with LGBTQ stories and players. This commitment has included consulting directly with video game studios and dev teams to ensure LGBTQ content is authentic, spotlighting queer-inclusive games at the GLAAD Media Awards, and publishing research on representation in games and LGBTQ gamers. Together, these initiatives reflect GLAAD’s belief that authentic representation in media can create positive cultural change for LGBTQ people. Yet even with the growing awareness of the importance of inclusive storytelling, more opportunities exist to support the creators who make these games possible.
That is why we are thrilled to announce that GLAAD Gaming, supported by Logitech, is launching Queer Emerging Developers (QED), a program for LGBTQ video game developers who are passionate about cultivating an industry that uplifts queer voices and champions video games with bold, boundary-pushing stories.
Queer Emerging Developers is designed to empower early to mid-career LGBTQ developers with tools and a platform to create impactful LGBTQ representation and foster a more inclusive player culture. Over the course of four months, a selected cohort of eligible developers will gain access to mentorship from industry professionals and training by the GLAAD Media Institute. Equipped with experience working on projects such as The Sims 4, Apex Legends, and Tell Me Why, members from the GLAAD Gaming team can offer practical insights on everything from designing inclusive LGBTQ characters to effectively communicating queer stories in marketing and media.
Increasing visibility and access form a core part of Queer Emerging Developers. Cohort members will be featured on GLAAD’s website, showcasing their work to broader audiences. The program also includes attendance at the 2026 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, where cohort members will receive an All-Access pass and a limited travel stipend. As the largest professional conference in the video game industry, GDC offers invaluable opportunities for cohort members to connect with attending developers and gain access to education that can assist them with furthering their career.
Queer Emerging Developers is a response to an existing and growing need within the video game industry. The 2024 GLAAD Gaming research report found that 17% of gamers in the United States identify as LGBTQ, a number that continues to increase especially among younger players. Despite LGBTQ people making up a significant percentage of players, many mainstream video games do not reflect the diversity of their playerbase. Queer Emerging Developers addresses this gap by investing directly in LGBTQ developers and amplifying the work of those already shaping the gaming landscape. By offering structured guidance that cohort members can use to strengthen their craft and build momentum in their careers, Queer Emerging Developers is committed to ensuring LGBTQ professionals can find success on the development side, and are also equipped to bring authentic LGBTQ stories into games to reach the audiences that are waiting for them.
Applications for the inaugural cohort are open now through Monday, November 10th, 2025. The first cohort will begin in the first quarter of 2026. LGBTQ developers from all disciplines and regions are encouraged to apply. More information, including eligibility details and a link to the application form, can be found at glaad.org/qed.
