It all started when…

“I was looking for articles that related to someone like me--a Black girl, geeky, nerdy, a little older…”

…I was looking for gaming and geek culture content that felt like me, a Black girl, geeky, nerdy, and a little older. But all I found were spaces built by and for boys. Even as I enjoyed the games, the forums and fanbases felt hostile, gatekept, and anything but inclusive.

So I created GNL Magazine.

Originally, GNL stood for Geeky Nerdy Ladies. I built this space to celebrate the women who game, code, write fanfic, collect comics, and do it all with style. Women geeks don’t fit into one box—we’re homemakers, entrepreneurs, techies, creatives, moms, cosplayers, introverts, and anime lovers. We are straight, queer, genderfluid, and trans. We are loud, quiet, colorful, casual, hardcore.

And most importantly: we’re here.

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GNL Magazine: Grown-N-Leveling for Real Gamers

GNL started as Geeky Nerdy Ladies—a platform created by and for women who game, tech, cosplay, binge anime, and build entire worlds in their heads. The mission was simple: represent those of us who never saw ourselves in mainstream gaming spaces.

Seven years later, we’ve leveled up.

GNL now stands for Grown-N-Leveling. We’re still woman-centered, still deeply rooted in geek culture, but our focus has shifted. Today, GNL Magazine is your go-to hub for:

  • Quick, thorough game guides that skip the fluff and get you back into the action

  • Game and product reviews from a smart, inclusive lens

  • Spotlights on indie games and devs, especially from marginalized creators

  • Gaming-related tech—from mobile and PC builds to gear and accessories

  • And yes, we still talk anime, comics, and other geeky passions when they hit

This is the grown gamer's magazine. Built for those of us juggling jobs, life, and leveling up—both in-game and IRL.

What We’re About

  • Speed + Substance: You want a guide that works, fast. We get to the point without dumbing it down.

  • Honest Reviews: No hype machine. Just clear, thoughtful takes on games, gadgets, and gear.

  • Indie-Focused: We champion small devs and overlooked voices. If it’s dope and deserves more eyes, we’ll cover it.

  • Tech Talk, Not Tech Bro: Whether you're upgrading your rig or picking a new mobile gaming phone, we break it down without the condescension.

  • Geek Culture, Still: We may lead with gaming, but fandoms, comics, cosplay, and blerd life still have a home here.

Who GNL Is For

GNL is made for gamers who’ve outgrown the toxicity but not the love for the game.

We’re for:

  • Women and femmes who never felt seen in mainstream gaming media

  • Men who are allies, advocates, and just want better content

  • Queer, trans, Black, Brown, and disabled gamers tired of being an afterthought

  • Anyone who values inclusive, smart, and hype-free content

If you're into day-one drops and indie dev gems, love side quests and spreadsheets, you’re GNL.

Our Mission

GNL Magazine is here to change what gaming media looks and sounds like. We create content from a woman’s point of view—but it’s built for everyone who believes gaming should be better, smarter, and more inclusive.

TL;DR

  • Woman-led, gaming-first content

  • Game guides, reviews, tech deep-dives

  • Indie games and marginalized dev spotlights

  • Geek culture without the gatekeeping

  • Grown. Nerdy. Leveling up.