SHe: An Autobiographical-ish Experience

SHe is all about me: Elizabeth Charlotte Jackson. It's also in honor of my second Bethiversary (anniversary of discovering I'm Beth, a trans woman) and legally obtaining that name. That happened just a day ago, on October 20th, 2023! 

SHe is a solo journaling experience using a standard deck of cards, something to write with, and something to write on. You'll learn a bit about me (okay a lot) and then dive into my life and experiences... sorta. 

See, I've been trans for about two years now, but thanks to COVID and remote work I've also been sheltered from a lot of experiences, for both the good and the bad. I'll be looking for an in-person job soon, though, and I've experienced a lot of things second-hand. I included things that I fully expect to experience, as well as things I experienced second-hand (like the misogyny Angel experiences) in addition to things I've experienced myself. I've also mashed some experiences together to make for more interesting and impactful prompts. 

While I discuss trans experiences, I also discuss other aspects of my life: my bipolar, game design, work, rage issues, and anything else I can think of. Each prompt that covers a sensitive topic has a content warning, and you're welcome to skip any prompts you want.

I'm not hiding who I am, I'm a very flawed person. We all are, and that's okay! All we can do is better ourselves a little at a time. 🧡 And I hope that sharing who I am shows you that you're not alone. 

Speaking of which, the goal of SHe is to promote empathy, explore emotions you may not otherwise feel, and grow as a person. Maybe you’ll realize you’re trans or otherwise queer, or open yourself up to the possibility and realize you absolutely are not. That's okay too! Straight, cisgendered people can be awesome too! 🥳 

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried a few times writing parts of this game. I also got really angry a few times, and super happy and proud other times. It's been emotional and cathartic.

And with that said, if anyone ever wants to make their own version of this game about their life, feel free! If you do, please let me know, I'd love to check yours out! You might even finish yours before me! 😅 

First Draft?

I originally wanted to make this game over a month ago but then I learned about The Queerness and Games Jam, and I figured it'd be a perfect time to make it! However, all I got done was a partial version, which I called "First Draft-ish."

Then the Identity Jam happened and I desperately wanted to finish it in time, but I was burnt out and didn't quite meet the deadline. I did enter the game into the jam, though, and then two days later I uploaded the First Draft. This is a fully playable version of the game, but I haven't edited it AT ALL, and I'd like to redo some of the prompts and such.

Read More About SHe

I've got a blog where I wrote about SHe a few times and touched on it in other posts as well, and I intend to continue writing about it as I go. 

I would be delighted if you joined and checked out the progress as I go. Free members get the free posts emailed to them, and they can also comment on posts. :D Paid members get access to our games as they are released, too!

I've made a lot of stuff in the past, but this is a really important creation for me. It's my most honest, open, and exploratory title thus far, and helping others embrace who they are is truly my biggest mission in life. I hope I can do that for you. 🧡 

Check Out Other Autobiographical Creations!

Each of these zines is created based on my real life and experiences :D