[Update: I wanted to add to this post the fact that this set, and the story that is attached to it is being blocked in many countries, including in Latin America, even though homosexuality is not illegal in most of those countries]
Pride is still a bit away, but Magic: The Gathering has already shared the glory of their upcoming Pride themed Secret Lair set. Wizards of the Coast shared the announcement yesterday and, with it, the news that a portion of all sales will be donated to charity.
“The cards in this Secret Lair drop draw from many experiences, and it is our hope that people find some part of their own unique selves reflected in these cards,” the statement said. “50% of each Pride Across the Multiverse purchase will be donated directly to The Trevor Project.”
Art director Stephanie Cheung, spoke about the process of finding artists to highlight and bring this set to life across the LGBTQ+ MTG fandom.
“Pride Across the Multiverse is a celebration and reflection of how far we’ve come, what it took to get here, and what still lies ahead. From the start, we wanted this Secret Lair to celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community’s relentless creativity. There was no way this collection of eight cards would represent EVERY aspect of the community, but we wanted to honor the hope and joy found in our multifaceted identities. It is our hope that people find some part of their own unique selves reflected in these cards.
“The team worked incredibly hard to depict characters from across the Multiverse on cards that represent everything from quiet mundane moments to big celebrations while recognizing the ongoing fight for our future. As art director, I wanted to celebrate the wide spectrum of identities and experiences by working with artists to express themselves with their style and unique experiences in these cards. This project was a terrific opportunity to bring in new styles and artists while also giving visibility to the folks who have been painting Magic: The Gathering for years! I looked for artists across the spectrum of LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC identities; having a breadth of artists is an important part of celebrating the diversity of our community and experiences.
“As a queer Asian American woman, working on this drop was deeply meaningful and a tremendous challenge. This was my first-ever art direction experience, and I am incredibly thankful for the mentorship of Jess Lanzillo and the support from Jontelle Leyson-Smith. I had the immense pleasure of working with an incredibly talented and playful group of people on this project.
“Each card in Pride Across the Multiverse tells its own story of love, struggle, resilience, joy, and community. Stories are how we practice hope, and I think it’s so important to hope, to really be in the practice of holding fast and remaining true. It is our triumph, and we will shape the future with our ferocious resilience. I am so proud of what we were all able to accomplish in this set and thrilled to accompany you on this journey.”
The set of eight cards costs $39.99 for regular finish and $49.99 for foil versions; they’ll arrive in a rainbow foil box. Honestly, it is all worth it for that Bearscape. I’m glad this was done, because I know I still feel the sting of the erasure concerning Chandra and Nissa following War of the Spark. M:TG has been working to include non-binary characters into the game, and I hope more queer characters will follow. Halana and Alena, Partners deserve their relationship to be canon!
(via Polygon, image: Screenshot/Ricardo Bessa)
