Aspiring biochemist and variety streamer @keekeexbabyy has a passion for gaming, anime, and cosplay. This BroadcastHER Academy winner will tell you she basically came out of the womb that way! She’s 50% Vtuber and 50% Real Girl, who is just trying to spread good vibes and make her community smile and laugh.

What is your dream in esports and gaming?

My dream is to become a competitive fighting game player, commentator, and a more established full-time content creator who is a positive force for everyone in the gaming world. I want to continue to inspire, uplift, and empower those in marginalized and minority groups. I also hope to continue to build up my space to be inclusive, supportive, uplifting, loving, and empowering to all.

What does being the BroadcastHER Academy winner, which includes a $1,000 grant and all-expense-paid visit to the HyperX Esports Arena to shadow, mean to you and how will it help you reach your goals?

It means so much to me because not only does it help with visibility and representation in these male-dominated spaces, it helps confirm that I am valid — as are so many other women trying to make strides in these creative spaces. I am also excited to continue to show that women are just as deserving to be in these spaces and are just as qualified as men. This opportunity will allow me to learn more about navigating this competitive world, so I am just excited to learn and take in all the information provided.

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

There needs to be more uplifting of women and overall support, because there are so many stigmas that cause people not to support women and to overlook women who are qualified — even to the point of resentfulness and hatred. We have to keep challenging the stigmas of women in the gaming world — falsehoods like women only game for male attention, women suck at video games, women streamers have it easier than men when it comes to success, and so many more.

If we continue to have conversations to challenge those mindsets and inform people, I think it’s a good step. Holding people accountable and standing up for the mistreatment of women in the creative spaces — especially from men — is important. Amplifying women’s voices when speaking on issues within the gaming spaces and industry is also super-important. I feel like 1,000 Dreams Fund is making strides, too, because they uplift and help women in the creative spaces by empowering us and giving us amazing opportunities.

What are you most inspired by when it comes to creating encouraging content for young women in gaming, broadcasting, and esports?

I am most inspired by being able to be a positive and inspiring force — and hearing from other women that I have inspired them means so much to me. I am always happy to use my platform to uplift and empower others. Knowing that I can also be part of representation for younger women who look like me warms my heart.

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

Sexism and sexual harassment and just overall hateful harassment because of who I am — I am a bisexual, Black multi-raced woman, so I have had my share of hateful trolls. Despite these things, I have still been able to create an inclusive, loving, supportive, and positive community and that helps keeps me going! I have dealt with imposter syndrome and feeling as if I was less deserving of things; I’ve had some intense hardships. But, despite it all, I continue to challenge my trauma brain and the self-projection people throw onto me and remind myself that I am valid in this space and I deserve good things. I just want to continue to change the world, one touched heart and smile at a time. So I will continue to be a positive force with my platform — even in moments of being overlooked.

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

You don’t need to have expensive equipment to start streaming. You can literally stream off your console if you are not able to get or build a PC right now; that’s what I did!

Be yourself; have fun; make friends; network with other streamers — especially those who align with your interests and inspire you. Think about your brand and learn how to market it and yourself. It won’t be an easy road, but if it is something you are passionate about, don’t give up! Curate your space because all viewership is not good viewership. Filtering who is allowed in your space may feel slow, but having boundaries and rules to keep you and your community safe is key! Don’t worry about the numbers too much because it will stress you out.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Having a schedule helps me so much! But, so does having my community uplift me on my low days, pushing me to make content when my depression or anxiety is getting the best of me. I also give myself positive affirmations to remind myself that I am worthy and that I can do anything I put my mind to because where there is a will, there is a way.