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Geek streamers are exploring if — and how — technology can protect individuals against sexual assault and harassment, and how it can help and support survivors.
Today, Arianina & Co, a longtime gaming streamer gang with almost half a million followers on Twitch, is raising awareness about the realities of online sexual harassment by organizing a “SlutStream” where women gamers will reunite together to reclaim the meaning of “slut” — an insult often hurled at female gamers.
The streamers, who has long branded themselves as “Titty Streamer,” first introduced their idea for the “SlutStream” day on Twitter earlier this month. They called for other women gamers to “dress slutty” and add #slutstream to their title to raise awareness about the sexism women face in the industry for being comfortable with their sexuality, or simply wearing a v-neck shirt on stream.
Arianina & Co:
It would be really cool if all female streamers could arrange a day where we dress slutty and put #slutstream in our title, we can raise awareness about the sexism we face for being comfortable with our sexuality while also pissing off legions of incels
Last year, a study published by Bryter found that one-third of women who play video games regularly experience abuse or discrimination from other male gamers online. Of those, over half experienced verbal abuse and 10 percent have even been threatened with rape.
It shouldn’t take a demonstration like the “SlutStream” to remind male gamers to treat others like human beings, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. But this stream is a stern calling for platforms to take harder actions against those who harass and discriminate female gamers.
Those participating in the “SlutStream” are fighting against not just online harassment, but also how, in many cases, women in the industry are often blamed and persecuted for the abuse they receive from men on streams or in chat rooms.
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