She’s been streaming for more than six years, but @Bloocifer’s career hasn’t been without some serious challenges — including a malicious attack from another broadcaster that affected her well-being in more ways than one. That’s all behind this BroadcastHER Grant winner now, though, and she’s back to working on her unique content that includes book streams, literary discussion and a read-through project.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to make engaging gaming and literature content.

How will the BroadcastHER Grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals?

This grant will allow me to procure better equipment and devote more time to streaming.

What does being the recipient of the BroadcastHER Grant mean to you?

This grant has made possible the continuation of my literature streaming project that is almost totally unique to Twitch!

Women are underrepresented in gaming, broadcasting, and e-sports. What can we do to change this?

We need to believe women when they talk about their struggles and support them when they tell their stories and lived experiences.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

In late 2014, a Partnered Twitch Broadcaster and her unpartnered broadcaster fiancé attacked me in my stream and accused me of con-artistry and fabricating my multiple serious health issues. The Partner told me she would do everything in her power to see me run off Twitch or banned completely. She used their combined audiences to maliciously raid, brigade, and witch-hunt me for months, and I received serious, scary threats

Over the next six months my average viewership fell significantly while I simultaneously experienced a heavy influx of users entering my chat just to terrorize me. I was in a very dark place for a long time, but over the last year, I have more or less escaped the pall hanging over me that her accusations left while attempting to recover my stream.

What advice do you have for women who want to start broadcasting?

You are worth it. You are beautiful, intelligent, and valued. You have just as much right to play games for people as the boys do. Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I am very driven. As I am not able to work traditionally due to serious health issues, I treat streaming as my career and take it extremely seriously.