• In Character
  • Out Of Character
  • Behind The Scenes
  • Making
  • Galleries
  • Politics
  • About
LARP.GUIDE
In Character 0

VICE – LARPing Saved My Life

By Charlie · On October 9, 2015

VICE Magazine have always sought to focus on issues on society that don’t always get the right amount of publicity, and their most recently ‘Profile’ segment is no exception. The short documentary focusses on Jon Gallagher, a participant at Mystic Realms LARP in New Jersey. What sets this apart is that Jon has Asperger’s syndrome and this video explores how LARP has taught him to interact more efficiently with the world around him.

When I make a character, I use an actual part of me. This character has courage, wisdom, and power. He’s supposed to be the part of me that decides to be the hero. Not me. He’s courageous, and I’m kind of not at times.

I let go of my emotions. Both of us. That’s the one flaw that carries. I hate that flaw. It comes from Autism, it’s a burden. I try to act it off.

Sometimes people look at me and they know I have autism and they poke fun at it. Other times they look at me and they treat me as a lower intelligence person.

It’s one of the remarkable things about LARP as a hobby that those who have struggled to find their place in wider society often find a home in LARP. Perhaps it’s because of the structured nature of games and the hobby, with rules and guidelines, or maybe it’s just that LARPers are generally good people. I don’t know, and I couldn’t speculate with any authority.

Our program here at Mystic Realms, we really stress real-life skills. Organisational skills, writing skills, leadership skills, social skills.

Hearing about how Jon used LARP to get a job (by evidencing his problem solving abilities), and how it’s enabled him to widen his social circle and become more outgoing reminds us that LARP really is quite a special hobby filled with wonderful people. The documentary also touches on transgender issues and how LARP can offer a sanctuary from the every day world.

It’s like having two parts of the same person, in the same area, but unable to interact with each other. And it’s like having one of them decide to break the fourth wall, grab the other one by the neck and say ‘I need your help. Now.’

Experiencing difficult situations in LARP can leave us better prepared for the real world, giving us confidence in our interpersonal relationships and wider social situations. To many people LARP may well be ‘just a game’, but for many it’s an essential tool for coping with the world.

As an additional plus point – VICE.com have treated LARP as seriously as any other documentary subject that they might broach. It seems like the tide may be turning with the way that the media represents LARP – and that can only help the hobby as we look to grow in the future.

(Via: VICE.com)

(ed. – Larp Guide would love to hear from any writers who would like to write about subjects such as disability or transgender issues in LARP. Please do drop us a line if you think you would like to have a chat about some articles.)

Aesperger'sLARPLRP
Share Tweet

Charlie

When Charlie isn't playing or photographing LARP, they're stuck down the costume mines making accessories for others to wear when playing LARP!

You Might Also Like

  • In Character

    Colour at LARP: Sumptuous vs Austere

  • In Character

    Beginner Mistakes in SFX Makeup

  • In Character

    How to Create Realistic Wounds Using Latex

No Comments

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Subscribe & Follow

Follow on Instagram
Follow larpguide
  • Popular
  • Comments
  • Tags
  • Clothes Not Costume – How to layer and improve your LARP costume!

    August 21, 2015
  • LARP has a Woman Problem

    February 20, 2015
  • Feminism at LARP – and Why We Need It

    August 9, 2016
  • That event is too expensive

    August 28, 2015
  • Just Say No

    April 3, 2015
LARP LRP Costume Running a game Gallery Making Sculpting Mandala LRP Cosplay Photography Minion Mondays Mask Making Creating a game Photographs Inspiration Empire Airsoft Empire LRP

Find us on Facebook

Tagcloud

Cosplay Costume Creating a game Gallery LARP LRP Making Mandala LRP Mask Making Minion Mondays Photographs Photography Running a game Sculpting
  • In Character
  • Out Of Character
  • Behind The Scenes
  • Making
  • Galleries
  • Politics
  • About

TWEET US

My Tweets

CATEGORIES

  • Behind the Scenes (84)
  • Gallery (46)
  • Garb Inspiration (9)
  • In Character (45)
  • Interview (2)
  • Making (59)
  • Mandala's Minion (72)
  • Out Of Character (44)
  • Politics (8)
  • Reviews (1)
  • Shopping (5)
  • Site Operation (3)
  • Slider (1)

Latest POSTS

  • Staying Creative for LARP During Lockdown

    January 18, 2021
  • Free Crafting Classes for the Pandemic

    March 26, 2020
  • featured on larp guide

    Get Featured on Larp.Guide

    February 10, 2020
  • Designing Logos for Larp

    December 10, 2019
  • Simple Handmade Notebooks DIY for LARP

    November 24, 2019

SEARCH

ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE

LARP.guide may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.

© 2013 Solo Pine Designs, Inc. All rights reserved.