She Got Game: Multicultural Women Are Changing The Face Of Video Gaming
This article is in partnership with Verizon.
Video gaming isn’t just about decompressing in your sweats, or logging virtual social interaction hours anymore. It has become a legitimate and lucrative career option. In fact, video gaming is the largest gaming industry in the world, with the U.S. market expected to surpass $65 billion in 2021. Yes, $65 billion, with a “B.” And multicultural women are pulling up a seat to cash in.
Gaming can be extremely lucrative, but for years, its highest earners have been white men who’ve dominated the industry. Now, female gamers from multicultural backgrounds are rising among the ranks and changing the face of the industry.
Well-known female gamers like GlitchxCity, starsmitten and Hafu are helping to level the streaming field and have each had a hand in shifting some of the more challenging aspects of being a female gamer. They’re rising among the ranks in gaming, leading the charge as role models for other up-and-coming female gamers, and answering the call to create community over competition among females in the industry.
GlitchxCity
Courtney aka GlitchxCity is a gamer, music remixer/producer, and Twitch streamer. She first gained popularity for her remixed Pokemon tracks and is inspired by video games and pop culture. Her creations cover a range of genres, including ambience, orchestral, lo-fi hip-hop, and electro house. She has a massive online audience, with her YouTube channel garnering over 300K subscribers and more than 150 million views.
On Changing The Game:
“For me to be a woman in gaming, it has been an incredible experience so far,” says GlitchxCity. “It's definitely a living and breathing thing that I'm just excited to be part of, and just share my passion [for] gaming with the world. If I could change one thing about the gaming industry, it's that I want to see more marginalized groups in leadership positions—and more Black hairstyles in game customization,” says GlitchxCity.
“One way that we can help marginalized groups in the gaming industry is definitely [to] give them a voice and a platform to speak about their experiences and share their story with the world. The more people hear the struggles that their peers are going through, the more [the] call-to-action will be to fix that.”
starsmitten
Celine aka starsmitten rose to fame thanks to the gaming skills she displayed streaming on her Twitch channel, where she currently has over 260K followers. Her skills have also earned her more than 96K YouTube followers with over 7 million views. She has been posting regularly since mid-2018 when she started out with a Fortnite gaming broadcast. Her following skyrocketed thanks to her live League of Legends gaming sessions. She’s now often on a late night degen VALORANT grind with other streamers.
On Building Support Systems:
"...The best way [to support marginalized genders and People of Color in Gaming] would be through representation, acknowledgement, and to stand up for each other. Being surrounded by people who are able to empathize with me or understand what I'm going through [has] helped me tremendously. My advice to young gamers is to try to build a really healthy support system, because I think to endure things alone is pretty hard.”
Hafu
Hafu is a five-time legend Hearthstone player, finishing at rank #7 during season 3 and peaking at rank #2. She is currently known as one of the top Among Us players in the world, for her various achievements in World of Warcraft and Bloodline Champions, and for being the #1 Teamfight Tactics (TFT) player in the public beta. She’s amassed over 290K YouTube subscribers with over 63 million views.
On The Power Of Representation:
“I love video games so much, it's such a huge part of my life...I truly hope to stay in this industry, but at times, it felt like I was unwelcome,” says Hafu. “But, as things have changed and moved forward, I don't feel that way anymore. I feel welcome. I do belong in gaming and I hope other girls feel that way, too. Honestly when I first started in the industry I didn't realize how [much] representation mattered. You need to see other people who look like you make it, so you know that it is an option and that you're welcome. I'm really proud to be that person for young girls out there.”
Courtesy of Verizon
More Growth, More Opportunities
The gaming industry still has disparities in representation. But, more growth in the industry means more room for opportunity. Despite dealing with challenges like fear of being judged and, sometimes, outright harassment, more and more Black and multicultural women are picking up their game controllers. They’re climbing to the top of the leaderboards and leaning into the impact their presence has on the future of the industry. They’re making friends, building community, showing appreciation for each other’s work, and normalizing connection over competition. They’re also reaching back to help open doors, shatter ceilings, dissolve stereotypes, and make access easier for current and potential multicultural female gamers.
Continued innovation in the gaming space is also making it more inviting, and more accessible as a career option. Gamers can enjoy better on-the-go access thanks to cloud providers becoming the new must-have game console (and, perhaps, offering an alternative to standing in long lines to purchase expensive/exclusive at-home consoles?!). And 5G technology addresses what gamers refer to as “lag,” the amount of time between a player action and the reaction of the game console. The benefits of newer and faster technology are creating a lower bar of entry that could be beneficial to potential industry newcomers.
So how can the industry itself meet gamers halfway? Companies can start by striving for a broader representation of genders and multicultural groups within the ranks of their executive leadership and staff. They can reward and recognize female gamers more publicly to help break down the myth that all gamers are men. And they can work to develop industry-wide initiatives that lift up marginalized groups and amplify trusted Black and multicultural voices that are ready to change the game.
Verizon Gaming is highlighting multicultural female gamers and streamers with its “She Got Game” campaign. Visit Verizon.com/gaming to learn more about its efforts and how 5G Ultra Wideband is the best connection for all your gaming and streaming needs.
Featured image courtesy of Verizon
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
Looking for ways to level up your solo sex sessions or your partnered sex play? Entering the wonderful world of arousal oils might be exactly what the doctor ordered. As its name suggests, arousal oil arouses. And they might very well be the pleasurable vessel through which your mind-blowing orgasms can be beckoned. Specifically, arousal oils are a pleasure-enhancing sex lubricant intended to increase the sensitivity to your nipples, your vulva, or your clitoris, just to start.
With an ingredient list that can include the likes of CBD, ashwagandha, and essential oils, arousal oils act as an aphrodisiac in a bottle, maximizing intensity and heightening the levels of pleasure you feel, thereby making your climax that much more attainable.
Keep reading for our selection of some of the best arousal oils in the game right now.
Bloomi Luxe Arousal Oil
Described as a "sensual pleasure oil," the Luxe Arousal Oil by Bloomi is clean with plant-derived organic ingredients. With 2-4 pumps, a gentle massage with this oil-based intimacy oil is formulated to intensify pleasure to your clitoris, your vulva, your thighs, or anywhere else you care to use it, before and during the act.
Foria Awaken Arousal Oil
Not only do reviewers rave about the "incredible o's" from Awaken Arousal Oil, but this best-seller is also known for its sensuous aroma, slip, and feel. With the uncanny ability to enhance sensations, users of the product have reported reinvigorated orgasms and renewed sex lives. And all we have to say is, say less.
Mood Maker Pleasure-Enhancing Intimacy Oil for Couples
Amazon
The Mood Maker had us at hello. Christina Aguilera's sex oil is where luxury and intimacy meet. Thanks to the relaxation facilitated by magic mushrooms and pleasure-enhancing adaptogens, the Mood Maker lays the groundwork for easeful foreplay, sex, and even an encore. With its texture like silk and warm scent, the oil effortlessly sets the perfect mood for pleasure play and allows your body to follow suit.
Lure Deluxe Intimacy Oil
Sultry, clean, and moisturizing are the cornerstones of this intimacy oil. The oil is formulated with organic ingredients like MCT coconut oil and CBD, so there is no need to worry about throwing off your pH balance or leaving behind a sticky residue when using it for intimate moments. The silky texture provides a sensual slip that is all gas no brakes, creating a slip n' slide glide during partner play, as well as solo play.
Bonus points: since it's all-natural, it's also oral-friendly. So Deluxe Intimacy Oil is queening-approved.
Green Compass Intimacy Oil
Green Compass
Entice and awaken your pleasure and your senses with the Intimacy Oil by Green Compass. An intimacy oil made for every body, this oil is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free and formulated with plant-based and organic ingredients. With ingredients like organic hemp flower extract, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, the pleasure felt and experienced in intimate areas becomes even more intense upon application.
FOCL CBD Arousal Oil
Loved by users for its "perfect texture," its "warm wonderful feeling," and the fact that it's "non-irritating," the CBD Arousal Oil by FOCL is definitely worthy of a spot in your tox boy. Like other CBD oils, the hemp-derived product is said to ease tension and promote blood flow, which are major keys to enhancing and maximizing your sexual pleasure.
Sensuva On Arousal Oil
Amazon
Looks like we saved the best for last. Available in Lite, Original, and Ultra to give you the ability to choose the intensity that suits your intimate moments best, the On Arousal Oil by Sensuva is said to be one of the most powerful arousal oils on the market with good reason. With a "unique, buzzing vibration sensation on the clitoris," in 1-2 drops, On Arousal delivers more sensation during sex, helps women achieve orgasms quicker and more intensely, and can also help curb any issues with vaginal dryness.
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