As a 15-year-old girl with a voracious desire to play TTRPGs and a friend group who couldn’t be less interested in the idea, I struggled to organically tap into the tabletop hobby. My first contact with wargames happened on the suggestion of a teacher of mine. Apparently, her son (a fellow D&D nerd) wandered into the Warhammer store after the Age of Sigmar launch drew in him like a moth to a fantasy flame. Cue the friendly sales assistants initiating him into the wonderful world(s) of Warhammer. Yes, please. I’ll have what he’s having.

Once I convinced my best friend to stray from our usual Saturday routine of drinking bubble tea and buying tat at Forbidden Planet, the plan was in motion. I was going to the Warhammer store. Unfortunately, I didn’t exactly receive the same warm reception.

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Progress is being made in representation for women, POC, and LGBTQ+ people in Warhammer games. No doubt, this is a worthwhile development (even despite the slightly scary, very politically charged backlash). Even in the absence of this, the most meaningful inclusion happens at your local store and within the community itself.

In hobby spaces like Warhammer which have developed an unfortunate boys club reputation, it’s just as important to see female players around the table as it is to see female minis on it. In order for that to happen, they have to feel accepted and welcomed.

So make an effort to engage new players, be kind, and try be receptive to their questions. As turns out, it’s pretty easy to stop a teenage girl from playing Warhammer if you don’t.