Code Switching

What it is and why I do it

When it comes to talking about diversity in the board game industry, code switching is a topic that inevitably comes up. Code switching is when a member of an underrepresented group changes how they speak, look or act in order to have a better chance of fitting in. I'm currently rewatching Netflix's show Bridgerton and came across an example of code switching that makes me laugh every time.

How and what specifically I talk about when it comes to diversity truly depends on who I'm talking to and my comfort level. My conversations with cis-het white male board game designers who just met me are very different from a queer person of color tabletop role playing game (TTRPG) designer that has diversity as part of her platform.

I'm currently in Austin and had the pleasure of meeting Mo (@Sirenabesos). We compared our different diversity related experiences in board games and in TTRPGs. It was nice to be able to speak freely and communicate easily with her since she seemed to instantly know what I meant. Normally, I’d have to provide a lot of context and background information. It was refreshing to also not have to critically think about which stories to share. I got to just be me and I wish it happened more when I talked to other industry professionals.

Code switching is one of the barriers we have when it comes to increasing diversity in the board game industry. If underrepresented groups felt comfortable enough to speak their mind, we wouldn't have to do it and actual progress would be made. I've built an audience on TikTok by including them in diversity conversations and hearing perspectives they normally wouldn't hear. I started this blog because I felt like I was code switching to a large degree on TikTok. I’m hoping this platform provides me with a place where I do not have to do that as much, if at all.