@Mermaidqueenjude (she/her or they/them) is a queer, Latinx storyteller, variety streamer, content creator, “sailor guardian,” and cat mom to Orion — the chaos prince. She calls her community the mermaid kingdom and it can get very chaotic and very loud, she says. Here’s what else the BroadcastHER Grant winner has to say.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

I wish to change the landscape of who’s allowed to be an entertainer!

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

This grant will help me make audio upgrades in order to be on and host podcasts, digital events, and more!

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

Getting this grant means a lot to me, as a queer, Latinx creator! It validates the work that I’m doing and the community that I have cultivated.

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

We have to give women and women-presenting folks the space to show up and be their best selves. And this is without the pressure of being “perfect,” We don’t have to be perfect to be valid.

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

Trying to break into the content creation space as a queer, Latinx, fat femme was difficult. But I pushed and I made my way through. My background was on YouTube where I faced harassment and people not understanding what it was that I was building.

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

You are enough! You are enough just as you are. And there are going to be people who are going to try to dim your light and your shine. But you have to find your voice and stick to your guns, and the right folks will come along to hang with you.

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

Being on stream teams and making friends with people in the field help! I am motivated by my peers and I have a place to go if I have questions or feel discouraged.