Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
2023
Publication Title
Proceedings of the Digital Games Research Association International Conference (DiGRA)
Abstract
Drawing on ethnographic research of LGBTQIA+ live streaming speedrunners, this article demonstrates how by centering queer perspectives, we can catalyze meaningful social changes for all. Though for most people, beating the original Super Mario Bros. in under five minutes would seem unfathomably difficult, LGBTQIA+ speedrunning live streamers regularly accomplish this superhuman feat, while coming out to an audience of thousands at the same time. For queer and trans folks, broadcasting such a transgressive, transformational form of play is defiant demonstration of vulnerability; one that creates a comfortable space for a community to thrive, by cultivating a culture of queer conviviality. Following in their fleet-footed steps, this article explicates how, as game studies and human-computer interaction researchers, we might center those on the margins in order achieve truly communal goals.
Keywords
speedrunning, live streaming, video games, conviviality, queer temporality, queer mobility, grassroots activism, representation, gender, sexuality
Rights
© 2023 Authors & Digital Games Research Association DiGRA. Personal and educational classroom use of this paper is allowed, commercial use requires specific permission from the author.
Recommended Citation
Brewer, Johanna, "Coming Out While Going Fast: Queer Conviviality in Speedrunning Live Streams" (2023). Computer Science: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/csc_facpubs/384
Comments
Archived as publsihed.
Proceedings of the Digital Games Research Association International Conference (DiGRA), Seville, Spain.