Gay Monopoly (1983) Board Game

Gay Monopoly is a unique twist on the classic Monopoly board game, created by Fire Island Games, Inc. in in 1983. It was designed to celebrate and represent the LGBTQ+ community, featuring gay-themed properties, spaces, and elements throughout the game. The game has gained a cult following over the years for its inclusive and entertaining gameplay.

Game Components of Gay Monopoly

Board Design: Circular board featuring Tom of Finland style illustrations and images of “Ollie Gator”.

Properties: Named after gay districts in the USA, such as Castro Street in San Francisco, Cedar Springs Road in Texas, and South Broadway in Denver.

Railway Stations: Replaced with famous discos like Studio One, Trocadero Transfer, Backstreet, and The Saint.

Tokens: Jeep, pair of handcuffs, stiletto heel, teddy bear, hairdryer, or leather cap.

Cards:

Family Pride Cards: Describe famous gay men from history; correct guesses allow players to move to any space.

Manipulation Cards (Ollie’s Hanky Code): Players guess the meaning of hankies in various colors and positions; correct answers earn $69, incorrect answers result in a $69 fine.

Ollie’s Sleaze Bag Cards: Various instructions, such as “Go directly to Straight City” or “Collect $43 for your Madame Butterfly Halloween costume”.

How To Setup Gay Monopoly

To set up Gay Monopoly, players need to choose a banker who is adept at financial transactions, ideally someone with a flair for the dramatic or familiar with unique financial scenarios. Each player selects a token and places it on the “Stonewall Bank,” where they receive $203 every time they pass. The game includes specific instructions for the banker’s role, emphasizing the need for someone who is meticulous and possibly entertaining.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to accumulate wealth and drive other players into financial trouble.

Mechanics:
– Players roll dice to move around the board.
– Properties are bought and traded.
– Players draw cards from the three different decks (Family Pride, Manipulation, and Ollie’s Sleaze Bag) which provide challenges and opportunities.
– Instead of going to jail, players are sent to “Straight City” by an “Immoral Moron”.

Player Experience

Playing Gay Monopoly is an immersive and humorous experience, especially for those familiar with 1980s gay culture. The game is filled with witty references and unique mechanics that set it apart from the traditional Monopoly. Players engage in a fun and educational journey through gay history and culture, with the added twist of navigating through a world filled with colorful characters and challenging cards.

Pros

Unique Theme: Celebrates gay culture and history in a playful manner.

Educational: Introduces players to famous gay men and historical contexts.

Humor: Incorporates witty and satirical elements, making the game entertaining.

Charitable: Originally produced to raise money for AIDS research and support groups.

Cons

Limited Availability: The game was short-lived due to an injunction from Parker Brothers, making it rare and expensive to acquire.

Potential for Misinterpretation: Some elements, like the use of stereotypes, could be seen as offensive or insensitive.

Personal Thoughts on Gay Monopoly

Gay Monopoly is a game that is clearly intended for those who appreciate its unique blend of humor, history, and cultural references. It is ideal for players who are interested in LGBTQ+ culture and history, and who can appreciate the game’s tongue-in-cheek approach. However, its rarity and potential for misinterpretation make it a niche product that may not appeal to everyone. Despite its short-lived production, Gay Monopoly remains a fascinating piece of gaming history and a celebration of gay life in the 1980s.

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