Cloud-based streaming platform StreamElements unveiled on Wednesday the recipients of its Creator Diversity Fund, an initiative designed to assist Twitch content creators in underrepresented groups with professional services.
Launched in August, the $100,000 fund intends to reach the Black and LGBTQ communities, as well as people of color and those with disabilities. Recipients each receive approximately $5000 in graphics, services and support geared toward professional live-streaming.
Among the recipients is Los Angeles-based streamer aquarterghost, who shared with The Hollywood Reporter the significance of the fund. “This program means that I will be represented for who I am and help those that also need representation. It will pave the way for other transgender voices to be recognized like myself.” Aquarterghost streams “chill games” on Twitch and aims to “create an environment that is a safe welcoming space for lgbtq+ individuals.” They added, “This program will help me reach my goals of amplifying marginalized voices by providing the tools necessary to be seen and heard as equals.”
Meanwhile, Canadian streamer Tiffany Witcher often streams for charities including The Lupus Foundation, which helps kids struggling with Lupus, and The Sunshine Foundation, which helps disabled children live their dreams. “This program will give me a voice to show what my stream is about and why I am doing what I’m doing for charities,” Witcher tells THR.
London-based variety streamer SheGamerxo is looking to improve the visual quality of her streams, which include Dead by Daylight and The Sims 2. “As a black woman, I’ve noticed that there’s a lack of representation in the gaming industry,” SheGamerxo tells THR. “We are not taken seriously or ‘lightened’ to be more ‘appealing.’ Being the only woman and Black person in my Computer Games Development course, where I’m also top of the class, but still being overlooked is a problem within this industry. This fund allows us as a minority to be heard and collaborated with. It allows us to shine and for more people to see our potential, talents and characters without being judged by stereotypes first.”
Recipients will each receive design, mentorship and production guidance aimed at maintaining a top-tier Twitch channel, including how to grow an audience, sell merchandise, create professional animated graphics and secure sponsorships. Each recipient will also receive access to a server on gaming platform Discord.
“Livestreaming is not an easy profession and it can be even more daunting for members of underrepresented groups,” said Doron Nir, CEO of StreamElements. “Even with the right tools, it is the access to knowledge from experts who believe in them that is hard to come by. With the Creator Diversity Fund our goal is to provide those invaluable industry insights on top of improving all aspects of their channels. There is no shortcut to success, but having a roadmap and an aesthetic channel designed for engagement is a great foundation to start with.”
Below is the complete list of 20 recipients, listed by their Twitch name and linked to each of their channels. Every content creator will be profiled on the StreamElements blog in the coming weeks.
3llebelle
Aquarterghost
BigWillieIsms
CtrlAltQuin
DragonQueenTTV
Flera
Goofywisetv
Kilcannon
KiwiOnTheSticks
Lucanaii
MondaScott
Nelinde
SheGamerxo
SpringSims
StraightOuttaTokyo
StreetGrind
Teknikalx
TiffanyWitcher
Utxjgthedon
Zombaekillz
