From cannon relationships to iconic LGBTQ+ cards, Magic: The Gathering is jam-packed with queer characters. In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know about LGBTQ+ representation in MTG, a cool event we snuck into, and how to play Magic: The Gathering from the comfort of your PC.
Last week I joined a group of fellow queer journalists, creators, and just generally cool people for a few games of MTG in a LGBTQ+ friendly space… and now I’m kind of addicted. You win again, WOTC; just take my money.
I’ll be the first to admit that prior to last week, I had never played MTG or, to be honest, any CCGs. So, when the call came to head down to London for Magic: The Gay-thering, I jumped at the chance! And dear reader, the promise of free booze had almost nothing to do with it.
Magic: The Gay-thering?
Continuing on with doxing my own ignorance, I have for years been somewhat aware of MTG but never imagined the CCG as having a large LGBT playerbase or even strong representation. Oh, heck, was I wrong! I don’t even really have any reason to have assumed this either; I’m no stranger to WOTC’s other hit D&D with several queer-coded campaigns under my belt at this point.
As my first steps into MTG, Magic: The Gay-thering was a great experience. With around twenty or thirty LGBTQ+ people in attendance, the event saw experienced and first-time players like me take on the game in a relaxed atmosphere. Seemingly difficult at first glance of the Wiki How page (yes, I really spent my train ride to London on Wiki How…), MTG is actually pretty straightforward. In fact, you can start playing with just a couple of beginner-friendly booster packs, which are ideal for making a small deck and removing any unfair advantage experienced players might have.
Hi, I’m Rob. I’m addicted to collecting dice and now also MTG cards
Magic: The Gathering isn’t just an inclusive game; it’s packed with iconic LGBTQ+ characters and relationships that make the multiverse feel as diverse as its playerbase. Whether through flavour text, card art, or the rich lore embedded in the game, MTG has steadily increased its representation of queer characters over the years, often breaking new ground in how LGBTQ+ stories are told in the world of collectable card games.
Arguably one of the most famous LGBTQ+ characters in MTG is Alesha, Who Smiles at Death. Alesha, a trans woman, leads her Mardu clan with ferocity and honour, embodying her true identity in a world where strength is often seen as purely physical.
Then there’s Niko Aris, the first non-binary planeswalker introduced in the game. Niko’s storyline is centred around breaking free from expectations and telling a story designed to express the shared experience of non-binary people without focusing on their gender.
Of course, there’s fan favourites Ral Zarek and Tomik Vrona. With their relationship officially confirmed in the War of the Spark storyline, their love is depicted as strong and enduring, even amidst the chaos of interplanar conflict.
These characters are just a couple of examples, with lots more in the ever-expanding lore of MTG. More than just tokens of representation, they’re integral to the world of Magic, with rich backstories, complex motivations, and a profound impact on the game’s ongoing narrative. For queer players like me, seeing characters who reflect our identities is not just validating, it makes the game feel more welcoming and inclusive. Now more than ever, queer people need events and games like MTG to be ourselves in a friendly space.
The Art
One of the most compelling aspects of Magic: The Gathering is its breathtaking art. For many players, myself included, the sheer diversity in art style makes the collecting aspect just as much fun as the gameplay. Each card in Magic tells a story, and the artwork plays a crucial role in bringing that story to life, immersing players in the rich, fantastical worlds that make up the MTG multiverse.
Over the years, Magic has featured artwork from some of the most talented artists in the fantasy genre, including names like Terese Nielsen, John Avon, and Rebecca Guay. Their unique styles have helped define the visual language of Magic, making each set feel distinct while still being unmistakably part of the same universe.
Whilst at Magic: The Gay-thering, I had the chance to sit down with queer MTG illustrator Jack Hughes (@jackmrhughes), who has worked on sets including Doctor Who, Streets of New Capenna, Modern Horizons 3, Murders at Karlov Manor, and more.
Hughes shared, “I grew up in a household with two older brothers who were very much into D&D, fantasy novels, Magic: The Gathering— that kind of thing.”
“The kind of things I like to draw. As gay men, we’re obsessed with badass women, femme fatales, drag queens, the whole bunch… I have a big fashion illustration love so every time they give me a card, I’m like can I do it in like this 1999 Alexander McQueen couture dress… so I think my queer representation comes through in my influences and the way I draw the characters I get given.”
Reflecting on his favourite work, Hughes noted, “Reflector Mage, who was part of my Secret Lair. I had four cards, and it was you know (the opportunity to) make it fashion-based, and I ended up just drawing Reflector Mage as myself. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to immortalise myself in a card, and yes, I gave him rock-hard abs and pecks. So, I think he’s probably my favourite. No, let me give you a serious answer. Vannifar is probably one of my favourites. She is a slime jellyfish woman, but I just loved her character before I even started my illustration.”
“They already did a Baldur’s Gate set, which I was devastated to miss out on. I would have loved to have drawn Viconia DeVir, because I grew up with that game and that woman. My god, the chokehold she has on me. She has formed me as like a teenager which is bad because she’s an evil person. I would have loved to have drawn her.”
How To Play Magic: The Gathering On PC
If you’re itching to dive into the world of Magic: The Gathering from the comfort of your PC, you’ve got a couple of great options that cater to different play styles and preferences. Here are two of the most popular ways to play MTG online:
Magic: The Gathering Arena
Magic: The Gathering Arena is the go-to platform for many players looking to experience MTG digitally. I may have spent way too many hours in MTG Arena since last week, so I can confirm the game is brilliant, especially for beginners. Launched in 2018, Arena offers a sleek, modern interface that closely mirrors the paper version of the game, complete with animated spells, and detailed card art.
Built for both newcomers and experienced players, Arena features tutorials that help you learn the ropes and daily quests that keep you coming back for more. The game supports a variety of formats, including Standard, Draft, and Historic, allowing you to build and play with decks that suit your style. What’s more, MTG Arena is free to play!
You can grab MTG Arena for free on the official Magic: The Gathering website.
Magic: The Gathering Online (MTGO)
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive and classic version of Magic: The Gathering, MTGO might be the platform for you. Around since 2002, Magic: The Gathering Online offers a broader range of card sets and formats, including Legacy, Vintage, and Modern.
MTGO operates on a different economic model than Arena, with cards having real-world value and a secondary market where players can buy, sell, and trade cards. This makes it a bit more complex and potentially expensive, but also incredibly rewarding for those who enjoy the deep strategy and long-term investment aspects of Magic.
MTGO is available on the official Magic: The Gathering website.
Ready To Play MTG On PC?
Whether you’re ready to jump into MTG Arena, MTGO, or any number of other online formats, Overclockers UK has you covered. From pre-built, pre-tested, and ready-to-ship for next-day delivery gaming PCs to fully custom PCs and all the peripherals you could ever want, we’ve got it all.
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What’s Your Favourite LGBTQ+ MTG Card?
In all honesty, I am now slightly addicted to Magic: The Gathering and on a quest to create the queerest deck possible. Make sure to let me know which cards I need to grab in the comments.
- 9 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
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