How Gaming, Online Communities, and SocialPlatforms Help Build Connections Beyond Cities

The digital world has introduced new ways to connect people, and certain online pastimes do wonders. Around 53% of Canadians play video games regularly, with 49% of adult gamers playing with or against others. Meanwhile, there are 31.7 million active Canadian social media accounts in 2025. The digital world has given us new ways to meet people, build relationships, and connect emotionally about interests we share.

Gaming is more than just entertainment for the queer community, while social media has become a means to find like-minded people. The world of digital tools has bridged the gap, allowing 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to move from isolation into global communities, especially those living in smaller towns. Discover which tools create opportunities for connection, community, and friendship beyond city limits.

Gaming Offers Shared Interactive Experiences

Video games have always bridged the gap between global communities, and it’s no different for queer individuals. The highly social spaces provide Canadians with ample opportunities to make friends, connect with like-minded people, and partake in community-driven events. Queer Canadians living in rural communities are particularly benefiting from the gaming industry, as local spaces that promote social gatherings can be limited.

Individuals can enjoy a game of poker online, and those exploring their options can find a top list available here to see how different platforms compare. Playing poker against people around the world through live tournaments enables more than socialization. It allows individuals to share the experience around a strategic game that demands mental stamina and grit. There’s a mix of high-stakes competitions and casual games, individuals can choose from, with some variations including Omaha, Texas Hold’em, Razz, 7-Card Stud, and Open-Face Chinese Poker. These events welcome players to share strategic and social experiences in safe environments designed for secure gaming.

Alternatively, someone in a remote BC town can meet peers in a multiplayer game like Baldur’s Gate 3, Stardew Valley, and Dragon Age. These multiplayer online games actually have active queer communities that allow you to express yourself with people who share your interests and values. The space is free from judgment when joining the right gaming community, and the experience builds camaraderie while you bond with new peers.

Online Communities Are Safe Identity Spaces

Many 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals join messaging boards, forums, and other community networks that focus on shared identity interests and topics. There are various online communities that dedicate themselves to queer fandoms, culture, and even specific games. These spaces are ideal for advice, mutual support, and even storytelling with people who understand every angle. Non-binary and trans individuals are particularly active in these environments because they often find mentors and peers.

Joining online communities is becoming more important for queer individuals, with 4.1% of adults aged 25 to 64 identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. These digital spaces allow individuals to come out, navigate relationships, and overcome personal challenges. Isolation becomes irrelevant as individuals can interact with queer societies around the world, even from a small BC town.

Asynchronous communications also make sure that all members can participate when it’s most convenient to them, which improves sustained engagement levels. These spaces typically become the first point of call when individuals go from curiosity to acceptance, allowing them initial visibility, knowledge, and recognition.

Social Platforms Allow Distance Bonding in Real-Time

Social media has been an excellent communication tool for those who bond with individuals across borders. They provide immediate connections that games and forums can’t always match, especially once the initial bond is created. Live chat during games, video group calls, and community-driven social hubs also count as social media resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It’s about engaging in real-time interaction.

Other social media resources include groups focused on queer issues, creative projects, and even casual social meetups in a nearby city. These spaces are ideal for regular contact and exchanging ideas. Remote residents in the BC area can also enjoy live-streamed events, weekly video calls, and shared watch parties for queer-themed content. Every experience reinforces friendship, trust, and affirmation. These social platforms become emotional support mechanisms.

More Digital Tools That Invite Social Connections

Other digital tools can increase how much of time individuals spend with other queer friends and communities. It’s amazing how only 1% of Canadians admitted to being gay in 1988, but that number rose to 5% identified as being gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans by 2012. Those numbers continue to increase as more genders, identities, and fluidity types become normal, which is why there are more and more tools available for our communities.

Individuals can connect with other queer people through creative collaboration platforms, digital magazines, and other support resources. Join a queer-managed writing collective, collaborate on music or art, or contribute to support forums. These tools enable communities to celebrate collective initiatives and partake in online workshops. Every tool strengthens 2SLGBTQIA+ community identities one more notch, and there are no borders keeping individuals tied to a specific location anymore.

Conclusion

Join the many gaming, online, and social communities dedicated to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across the globe to connect with people outside of a small BC town. Borders don’t exist in the digital world, and there are many ways to partake in social events that encourage relationships, friendships, and shared interests.

Please play responsibly. The 2SLGBTQiA+ community is known to be at higher risk for gambling-related harm due to a range of social and economic factors. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are support services available in British Columbia. Contact the BC Gambling Support Line at 1-888-795-6111, available 24/7, or visit www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca for confidential help, information, and free counselling.