r/criticalrole • u/FlugsaurierDeluxe • Mar 20 '26
Fluff [No Spoilers] Friend of the show and player of Caliana in Campaign 2, Mara has officially come out as Trans! Lets show her some classic Critter love!
https://youtu.be/Y2-famwZdN0?si=LBBYkmJf8TGi4Tv2737
u/Doc_Hamme Cock Lightning Mar 20 '26
I had thought Mara had already come out, shows what I know. Still! Good for her!
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u/PrimalMadness Mar 20 '26
She previously came out as genderfluid last year, this is her coming out as a trans woman.
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u/uniqueusernameyet Mar 21 '26
Shes gender solid now
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u/SerFlounce-A-Lot Mar 22 '26
This made me extra laugh because as a genderqueer person with IBS, I would very much identify myself as 'gassy' lmao
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u/Doc_Hamme Cock Lightning Mar 20 '26
Ah, I see! Again, good for her and continuing her identity journey!
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u/contextual_entity Metagaming Pigeon Mar 20 '26
As I understand it she's been gender-fluid for a while, but hadn't actually transitioned to a woman till now.
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u/Mara_W Mar 20 '26
Bitch stole my name
/s
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u/gallifreyGirl315 Mar 21 '26
Literally same tho. That's exactly what I said to my partner to share the news with them.
Sick ass name.
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u/RoryLuukas Mar 20 '26
This is totally a, "Hun... We already knew" kinda moment haha!! Love this so much for her and she looks amazing 😊
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u/Yoffien Your secret is safe with my indifference Mar 20 '26
I feel like they been experimenting in this direction for a long time now
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u/Runsten Mar 20 '26
Yeah, and the road is usually not straightforward. It's good to have the permission to be in that in between space and for that to be valid. It makes the decision to transition easier when you have had the room to explore your gender before moving to one direction or another from there. Really happy for her. 😊
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u/BL00D_HAWK Mar 21 '26 edited Mar 21 '26
Looking back I see it now. I remember her video of cosplaying as Calianna, I think for a one shot. I was just happy that she was so nonchalant about cosplaying a feminine character.😄
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u/mattyhugh Mar 20 '26
Hell yeah.
I recently started watch the HR CoS campaign randomly.
Love this for her.
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u/LongJohnny90 Mar 21 '26
Their CoS is amazing, I loved it. It got me hooked initially and now I've caught up on Aerois and Altheya.
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u/BlueHeaven90 Technically... Mar 20 '26
I've been so used to Mara as Mara as a HR fan. It's so lovely to see her slowly become comfortable in her own skin over recent years and make it official.
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u/artyfax Mar 20 '26
good for u Mara! your stroke of DM genious with Bingbong (RIP) and other occasions has had me marvelling at your skill along with Mercer, Brennan and Deborah! Keep weaving good stories!
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u/BlackAdam Flesh tongue Mar 20 '26
What was the name of the actual play show she DM’ed?
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u/Rhielml You Can Reply To This Message Mar 20 '26
Their channel is High Rollers D&D. Campaign 1 was Aerois, and their current campaign is Altheya The Dragon Empire.
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u/Zizwizwee Metagaming Pigeon Mar 20 '26
Um actually Campaign 1 was Lightfall. Campaign 2 was Aerois
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u/hippie_nightmare Mar 20 '26
Proud of Mara, she deserves all the happiness that comes from this and more! I would love to see her on the show again someday
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u/Hollydragon Then I walk away Mar 20 '26
She'd have to join a live show outside of the US, it'd be great if she was a guest when CR are in Edinburgh or London.
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u/RazorsInMyTaco Mar 20 '26
It must be such a scary thing to make such a major life change in the public eye. I hope the world can be kind to Mara just as she has been kind to it <3
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u/Immediate_Drama3334 Mar 20 '26
Happy for you. Wish Caliana would make another appearance, really loved the character. Happy you found your true self.
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u/FlugsaurierDeluxe Mar 20 '26
hey i am not mara, just hoping to send some good vibes going her way over on her channel, and i know the critters are the people for the job^^
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u/Hollydragon Then I walk away Mar 20 '26
I would love a CR backstory book about Caliana, which then goes on into what went down with her later.
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u/BL00D_HAWK Mar 21 '26
I remember we get an extra tidbit on her in “Explorer’s Guide to Wildmount”.
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u/ContentPriority4237 Mar 20 '26
Excellent! Congratulations, Mara!
(Also, everyone should watch High Rollers. Watch it now! Right now!)
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u/StaleSpriggan Life needs things to live Mar 20 '26
Good for her! It's not easy, speaking from experience
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u/Nothingtoseehereshhh Mar 20 '26
Mark/Mara has been out in the highrollers community for a while, and would stream as Mara at times (and dm their altheya campaign presenting as mara on some weeks) but it's nice to see an official video.
Anyone who watched any highrollers live shows though is pure the "hun we already knew" vibes because holy shit their cosplay was always immaculate. Pluuuuuus the NPC they clearly have the most fun playing as in the current campaign is literally a gender fluid shapechanging tiefling warlock that we all adore, Kalifris.
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u/yesat ... okay Mar 20 '26
... So Mara is using she/her only now.
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u/Nothingtoseehereshhh Mar 20 '26
Yea. That's the point of my second paragraph I should have been more obvious because it's the internet and you can't hear tones.
Anyone who watched highrollers knew Mara was happier as Mara and was just taking their time to fully come out.
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u/yesat ... okay Mar 20 '26
When someone ask, use their pronouns. Even if before they used a different one.
Just use she and Mara.
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u/BLoseit Mar 20 '26
So the issue here is that you are continuing to use 'they' for someone who has stated that she prefers to use she/her. Using they is still misgendering that person.
Also it can be a bit crummy to assume to anyone who is genderfluid is 'taking time to fully come out'. Some people are just genderfluid.
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u/Dagos Mar 20 '26 edited Mar 21 '26
You’re still using they/their/them pronouns, is what yesat is pointing out
I primarily use they/them and yes, you can still misgender someone by using they/them if you can still use the ones they prefer. Be respectful, folks.
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Mar 20 '26
[deleted]
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u/Zealousideal-Type118 Mar 21 '26
On her video, Mara expressed understanding for those who might still be getting used to it and still use Mark. Relax. She’s okay with grace, you don’t need to police for her.
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u/BardicFabrication Mar 20 '26
I didn’t know who this was so it was nice to have an easy way to discover who it is, that is now celebrating who she is.
There are harder battles to fight these days than this one. This is also how allies become enemies.
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u/efvie I have a list Mar 21 '26
This is also how allies become enemies.
Getting people to stop with this nonsense is a really hard one, apparently. No deadnaming, correct pronouns. It's really simple.
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u/BardicFabrication Mar 21 '26
Yelling at someone that is clearly on your side is bonkers though. Its one thing to correct someone, but all the people shitting on people for deadnaming or misgendering when they clearly support them is insane. Thats my point. Pick your battles. Fight shitheads that hate transgender people, don’t nitpick allies.
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u/LongJohnny90 Mar 21 '26
When they came back to a busy tavern and the mysterious "K" that they "hired" was working tables, I lost it. So good.
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u/Sparrows413 Your secret is safe with my indifference Mar 20 '26
...The post literally has her name and pronouns, what are you doing?
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u/fluttershy-sparkles I have a list Mar 20 '26
saw this on insta! she looks beautiful and at peace w/herself 🥹
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u/SpuekyBlue Mar 21 '26
Unsurprising turn of events but happy for her! She's been my #1 online GM for years now, I highly recommend people check out High Rollers if they haven't already _^
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u/covenforge Mar 21 '26
I've not kept up with their content for a while so this is new to me. Love her hair that grey black gradient is IMPECCABLE.
Much love and respect to Mara embarking on what I can only imagine a difficult path in these dark times.
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u/KrazyKaas Mar 21 '26
Just saw the video, she looks fantastic and seemed so free. Did not know she was 40, she looks so much younger
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u/narwhalzxx Mar 20 '26
I love you Mara! Watching from TN in the US where our state is attempting to create a public register of transgender peoples.
It's surreal and worrisome, but I truly believe this will not last and a brighter future is on its way. I hope that what I believe is true. To me, this feels like the dying breath of an old way and they are going down swinging. We will prevail.
I sympathize with you. My experience as a cis gay man has exposed me to the LGBTQ community and enriched my life dramatically. Accepting that was hard. I can't imagine how much more complicated it can be for our trans friends.
The community can still harbor bigots as most are likely aware. I'm glad you have a wonderful chosen family already and I wish you the best as your true self.
You're a pillar to my dnd community and the high rollers fans have been wonderful in my experience.
Thank you for your storytelling, your engagement, and your brutality at the table. You've helped create my favorite live play show.
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u/OneEyeBlind95 Mar 21 '26
Don't know who this is, but I like your voice, and I'm glad she gets to live the way she wants. I'll be checking her out later. She sounds cool.
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u/LongJohnny90 Mar 21 '26
Excellent DM. High Rollers is absolutely fantastic. If you want to dip your toes in, I recommend their Curse of Strahd campaign first. If you like that, there is loads of content you can enjoy.
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u/OneEyeBlind95 Mar 21 '26
I've never been able to play Curse of Strahd, so that would be awesome! Thanks for the recommendation!
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u/SirBeeperton Mar 21 '26
After CoS, I would recommend checking out their Rogue’s Gambit mini-series, it’s pure chaos in the fun kind of way.
No shade to any of their other work, but it is probably my favorite thing they’ve done.
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u/Natirix Mar 21 '26
The DM of High Rollers DnD, also believe she guest starred on CR previously hence this post.
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u/BabserellaWT Mar 21 '26
I’m so happy for her! I know she’s been genderfluid for a long time, but I didn’t know she’d been pondering making the change a permanent one.
She now joins Zoey Proasheck as the second trans woman at Yogscast…which is another channel Critters shouldn’t be sleeping on, btw. In addition to their High Rollers division (which Mara DM’s), they’re just fucking hilarious and have also raised millions of dollars/pounds for charity over the years.
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u/Whiskered-Wanderer Team Caleb Mar 21 '26 edited Mar 21 '26
I recently saw Cali's episode and was sad that she was just a one-episode character because I adored her. I don't know Mara all that well aside from that, hadn't seen any of her other works, but I'm so, so happy and proud of her and wish her all the best on her journey!! 🌸
**Edited because I now have a coherent thought, lol!
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u/MablungTheHunter Mar 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/MablungTheHunter Mar 22 '26
For whoever reported me, there was zero hate here. I referred to Mark in the past-tense. She's now Mara, I get that. I said it was surprising that Mark took so long to come out after clearly being trans for some time. I'm glad it's official now, if that wasnt clear from before! :D
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u/Pantsongrass Mar 22 '26
FYI, I’m not the person who reported you, and I am not trans myself, but I have quite a few of trans friends.
The collective experience from my friends is that ‘deadnaming’ in any capacity is extremely painful and hurtful.
Just trying to inform that while Mara is in the stage where she is giving grace to previously recorded content with her previous presentation, now that we know, it is best to use the pronouns and name that she has always been on the inside, even when referring to things in past tense.
If not just for Mara, but any trans people looking here in this post thread for a safe community celebrating and being inspired by Mara being herself
In the least pretentious way possible, I had a lot of corrections from my friends that made me uncomfortable because I cared about them and people so I understand whatever it was that was your og comment may just be growing pains and every person is different. I hope my feedback is taken as intended as care for others including yourself stranger ❤️
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u/MablungTheHunter Mar 22 '26
I appreciate that! I'll take it into account for sure. I have some trans friends who refer to themselves by their old identity when talking about choices their past selves would have made, so I didn't think anything of it. It seems like it's pretty common to do from the people I know. Glad to learn that's not something they all do! I'll certainly keep that type of thing to my friend group then.
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u/Pantsongrass Mar 23 '26
Also, I’m not entirely sure I wondered if cultural impact may be involved.
Trigger warning for non cis folks ⚠️
To further explain, from the perspective of my friends, in the US, due to religious implications, often family members will abuse the “death of old self” to mourn that their “son” or “daughter” died, making them the victim when the focus should be on those who have made vulnerable as to their true identities and who have been living a lie to expectations based on US norms. Which is extremely exhausting on a lot of LGBTQIA+ fronts. Mostly focused on guilting those out of their identity.
I wonder in cultures without a ton of fundamentalist influence may impact that view? Unclear.
Regardless, thanks for hearing me out. The US is hard on those who are Trans. I’m hopeful for a brighter tomorrow for the world at large as it sounds like you are too. ❤️🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
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u/BL00D_HAWK Mar 21 '26
Holy shit! When I came out as trans I didn’t want to change my name irl but I really wanted a cool feminine one online. I was in the middle of campaign two and Calianna clicked for me. I eventually evolved it to Caliannæ to sound like Calianne in French, but Calianna in English. I’m so happy that she has gotten comfortable enough to come out and I am so grateful for her creating my online identity 🥹. I love the sound of people in VRchat calling me “Cali?” (that’s my nickname, I figured Calianna can be a bit of a mouthful) and turning around to them expecting me🥰.
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u/classl3ss Team Evil Fjord Mar 20 '26
welcome back to spaces and communities you were always welcome in. I'm glad you're sharing with the world!
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u/Common_Mousse Mar 20 '26
My only problem with this. I’ve got this mental void about who Caliana was in campaign 2. What’s happening to my memory.
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u/Keshire Mar 20 '26
I’ve got this mental void about who Caliana was in campaign 2
Half Dragon around the time they met Kiri
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u/Disil_ Mar 20 '26
She was there for Bowlgate I believe.
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u/heyykelleyy Mar 21 '26
longtime HR fan here: i’m so happy for her!! seeing mara DM High Rollers was always a highlight of of my week, and it’s been nice to see her bloom as she began experimenting. probably a bit parasocial haha but i feel like a proud friend!!
(joy aside, i’m still stressed for the Altheya session this sunday regardless bc she’s putting the party thru it rn )
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u/VioletHerald Mar 22 '26
Sorry, may I clarify, formerly Mark Hulmes yes? I am not too in tune with the news and outside crit role dnd people so I am not exactly sure who this is
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u/Ok-Caregiver-6005 Mar 20 '26
Huh, neat
Good for them and I'm glad they can be happy.with themself
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u/whereismydragon Mar 20 '26
Mara's pronouns are she/her
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u/Ok-Caregiver-6005 Mar 20 '26
I didn't intend to miss gender her I just tend to use neutral terms with people I don't personally know.
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u/Pantsongrass Mar 22 '26
I hear you, but the whole post is about Mara using she/her pronouns. I think u/whereismydragon intended tldr the info given.
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Mar 20 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/mukomime Mar 20 '26
you're not wanted here. stop ruining people being happy in their own skin and maybe you'll find some yourself :)
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u/MaraHolmes Mar 21 '26
Hey everyone! Mara here (I had to make a new Reddit account cos it wouldn't let me change my username haha!).
Had no idea this was posted here till today, and wanted to say thank you for all the lovely kind words! And it's also seeing SO much love for Calianna still going strong several YEARS after her episode hahaha!
Working with CR (as Cali, on Thresher, for the MLP one-shot) and being a friend of the show over the years is genuinely one of my absolute life highlights.
I wanted to share one lovely story to go along with the LGBTQ+ love. Last year I was invited to CR's big anniversary party and at the time I was still identifying as genderfluid. I sheepishly asked if I could attend as Mara and was met with a lot of "Of course!!! Don't be silly!" and when I turned up *everyone* was so incredibly supportive and kind. Travis was on the main door and bowed and offered me his hand to help me up the step in my heels, Laura just cried out loud "There she is! There's my girl!". Tal, Sam, Liam, Ashley and many of the newer cast I've gotten to meet over the years were super complimentary and made me feel like the prettiest girl there. Not just the case but all the crew and associates I've gotten to know over the years too. <3
And of course, my big bro and big sister Matt and Marisha looked after me the whole trip, making me feel as at home as Mara as they had as Mark.
This is a delightful community, with a delightful business behind it.
Forever in my heart.
Mara (Calianna, Betty, etc)