"Gift?"
Yeah, this was a gift. I think it's about time I talked about the meaning behind it publicly.

(Warning, long thread) https://twitter.com/ghirapurigears/status/1175586657157836802

A little context, first. I was born into an extremely conservative Christian sect and spent the majority of my life following its teachings pretty tightly. I'd say I was an ideal churchgoer. Lots of volunteer work, paid my 10% tithing, politically and fiscally conservative, etc.

I got into Magic in 2013 and quickly became hooked on Commander. I followed a lot of Magic content creators, including @loadingreadyrun , @commanderinmtg, @commandcast , and a certain bearded blunder we don't talk about (I'll get back to that).

I first heard about Shivam when he made a guest-appearance on the @commanderinmtg episodes 63 & 64, "Diversity In Gaming with Shivam Bhatt". At the time, I was a politically centrist straight white cis man who was slowly sliding toward the right thanks to good ol' Brambly.

But listening to that two-part podcast on Commanderin' made a huge impact on my perspective. I was intrigued by the discussion and immediately started reading through Shivam's blogs, articles, and any other content I could find. I began seeking other perspectives, too.

From there, I quickly began improving my attitude and perspective on diversity, feminism, and equality, not only in gaming but in life as a whole. I distanced myself from the Hamburger and his rapidly-radicalizing fanbase. I became a better husband to my incredibly patient wife.

I am no longer a member of my religion of 28 years. I am living a spiritually fulfilling and ethical life without it. I feel more at peace with myself than I have in my whole life, and I continue to learn how best to be an ally for those without the privileges I was given.

I owe this transformation, in large part, to a single socially progressive discussion on an MTG podcast. A discussion led by @ghirapurigears.

(Now look me in the eyes and tell me the active discussion of equality in gaming doesn't matter.)

Thank you so much for everyone's positive response! There are so many positive voices in Magic!
@Em_TeeGee
@jfwong
@JoshLeeKwai
@TolarianCollege
@
@jay13x
@OriginalOestrus
@BibliovoreOrc
Please comment with other progressive and/or minority content creators to follow!

Oops, typo
Let's pretend the empty @ was the ENTIRE LoadingReadyRun cast because they're all amazing and do so much for the community.
@Graham_LRR
@Kathleen_LRR
Paul Saunders
@James_LRR
@alexsteacy
@UnarmedOracle
@BengineeringTV
@WakeUpSuper
@ihorner
@LunarJade