TwitchCon's Bold Move: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
TwitchCon 2024 was a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and diversity. Held at the San Diego Convention Center, the event showcased a wide array of queer creators and their fans. From drag performances to pronoun pins, the convention was a testament to how Twitch supports marginalized communities.
A Spectacular Drag Showcase
The highlight of the event was the third annual TwitchCon Drag Showcase. High-profile streamers like Central Committee and KaceyTron joined smaller Twitch affiliates and fans to enjoy the performances. JuiceBoxx, one of the hosts, had her face plastered all over the convention center.
RuPaul's Drag Race superstar Trixie Mattel even had a makeup space on the show floor. Attendees could get beauty tips and touch-ups. Pronoun pins were available for everyone, and nonprofits like TransLifeline had booths at the event.
Creating an Inclusive Space
TwitchCon is more than just a streaming convention; it's a safe space for everyone. The event featured drag performers, cosplay, and pride flags. Rachel Delphin, Twitch's Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the importance of creating a community that reflects the diversity of its users.
Delphin mentioned that TwitchCon aims to be an extension of the online community. The platform has specific rules to ensure it remains a welcoming space. "We've never claimed to be a place for free speech," she pointed out, highlighting the intentionality behind their policies.
Drag and Twitch
Many drag performers turned to Twitch during the pandemic when in-person shows were not possible. JuiceBoxx, a contestant on Canada's Drag Race, started streaming in 2021. She quickly reached affiliate status and then partner, the higher tier of monetization for Twitch creators.
JuiceBoxx enjoys connecting with her fans on Twitch. "I thrive on stage, but Twitch allows me to have a relaxed atmosphere with my fans," she explained. Deere, another drag performer, found Twitch to be the perfect platform to showcase her art, mixing pop culture, fashion, and nerd culture.
A Diverse and Welcoming Community
The TwitchCon Drag Showcase featured various performers, each bringing something unique to the stage. From burlesque shows to lip syncs, the performances were a hit. The final performer, Jax from RuPaul's Drag Race, received a standing ovation.
As the crowd left the performance, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and a sense of community. TwitchCon proved to be a warm, safe, and queer-friendly space. The entire show floor was full of queer folks donning cosplay or pride flags, existing as an act of resistance.
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