Rainbow Arcade is a collective of content creators who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community and are committed to fostering inclusive, supportive, and secure environments in the gaming community and other areas. The group was established in 2018 and comprises a diverse group of queer individuals who use their experiences to uplift and empower the community online.
In a recent interview with four members of The Rainbow Arcade, Game ZXC got to hear about both the struggles and triumphs that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience. Members including Peachy Aenne, Spofie, Rookuri, and Dona Tarte explained that recent instances of discrimination against LGBTQIA+ streamers have created an uncertain outlook for many members of the community. However, Rainbow Arcade is working toward keeping the LGBTQIA+ online spaces strong.
“Rainbow Arcade has been a way for viewers to find creators who are within the community and ensure they are respectful, comfortable to interact with, and ultimately foster what could be considered a safe community and space,” Dona said.
Rainbow Arcade Challenges
Rainbow Arcade is at the forefront of the movement to create welcoming, secure, uplifting, and inclusive spaces in gaming and other online communities. The group consists of talented individuals who are dedicated to advancing diversity and acceptance in all facets of their work.
Aenne is a developer who has contributed to queer visual novels such as Arcade Spirits and First Bite, while Spofie is a Final Fantasy streamer. Rook is a partner of Rainbow Arcade and co-hosts the podcasts Lightbringers and Aetheryte Radio. Originally from Ireland, Dona Tarte is a drag performer who streams narrative games and advocates for LGBTQIA+ equality and representation, student well-being, and reproductive rights.
In recent years, the world has experienced a rise in online discrimination, resulting in an increasingly hostile environment around Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA+ rights, and women's rights. The members of Rainbow Arcade have revealed that they have been facing ongoing hate raids on Twitch, prompting the platform to implement additional security measures to safeguard creators. These focused assaults flood a channel with bots that disseminate derogatory messages concerning sexuality, gender, race, or various other factors. As Rook put it,
“Given the current political climate, it can seem like diversity and LGBTQIA2+ joy is being drowned out by voices that would rather see us quieted, forced to live a lie, or made into some abstraction of ‘otherness’, when in reality we’re all just people living our lives."
As Twitch grappled with the challenge of providing resources to support streamers impacted by these campaigns, numerous members of Rainbow Arcade stepped forward to prevent these critical voices from being silenced. They united to produce and distribute blacklisted account lists, useful tools, and resources, and also amplified social media posts, advocated for those targeted, shared opportunities, and participated in streams to assist in moderating channels and supporting those impacted by these attacks. As Aenne described,
“I love seeing people from my community continually hanging out in the streams I follow. Being in the Rainbow Arcade has given us all exposure to other people's communities. I know that if I'm raiding another RA member, they will be safe and welcomed. Seeing familiar names over and over again is such an amazing feeling and lets us know we are doing right by the LGBTQIA community.”
The Rainbow Arcade's Mission
Rainbow Arcade's objective is to create an online atmosphere that is welcoming and accepting for everyone, despite the increasing prevalence of discrimination. The group recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry and is committed to making a positive impact on the community. The members of Rainbow Arcade are passionate about ensuring that diverse voices are heard in the online world. According to Rook, their primary goal is to "amplify and empower LGBTQIA2+ voices online" to demonstrate that the online world is far more diverse than it has historically been portrayed. Spofie added that she views her role in Rainbow Arcade as an opportunity to create safe online spaces for individuals from all backgrounds.
“It’s so important to have representation and a role model that you can relate to, and giving more platforms to diverse folks to share their talents is incredibly important."
The Rainbow Arcade's Impact on the LGBTQIA+ Community
In addition to its online activities, Rainbow Arcade has also made significant contributions in the real world to support the LGBTQIA+ community. The group has arranged Pride events, discussion panels, and fundraising drives, raising over $31,000 for various organizations in 2020, including the American Heart Association and Trans Lifeline. They also collaborated with Queer Black Excellence to hold a summit and showcased group members through video features during heritage months.
Moreover, Rainbow Arcade actively promotes diversity and representation within its group through its inclusive and open administration team. According to Aenne, anyone can have the opportunity to be part of the leadership if they wish to do so. Each member contributes their distinct experiences and perspectives, ensuring that events, opportunities, and discussions are reflective of the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole. Communication is a key component of this, Aenne said.
“We listen and respect each other. Language and ideas are always changing, and we are always listening to how we can better ourselves within our community.”
Rainbow Arcade's Future Goals and Aspirations
Rainbow Arcade has set several future goals, including celebrating Pride season, improving its fundraising efforts within the community, expanding its group's presence on Twitch, and maintaining a safe space for all members of the community. They aim to plan enjoyable celebrations for Pride season, engage in more effective fundraising and support for LGBTQIA+ creators on Twitch, and recruit additional streamers to participate in group activities, such as charity streams.
Despite these challenges, Rook and other members of Rainbow Arcade remain confident that the group is a force for good in the online space and will continue to promote tolerance and inclusivity in the future.
“Through content creation and gaming, we can use various platforms to show there are fewer differences between us than people think. We can all find common ground in our shared interests, hobbies, and passions. By doing so, we can light the way forward and lead the way to greater understanding in our communities.”