Ultra.
Throughout June, we are spotlighting LGBTQIA+ Streamers. We caught up with streamer Analog_Amber (she/they) to talk about life as a streamer and the importance of authenticity. Streamlabs is proud to host Analog_Amber on our Twitch channel on June 19th at 9 AM PST for their Lambda Legal Charity stream. Follow us on Twitch or catch up with Analog_Amber on Twitter and Instagram so you won’t miss their live stream.
Can you provide some background on your channel and how you got started? How long have you been streaming, and what do you typically like to stream?
I started streaming consistently in March 2020 after getting furloughed from my job at the start of lockdown. I started as a board game streamer, playing along with chat, and gravitated toward video games. Now, I play a variety of video games with a focus on indie titles and titles that tell in-depth stories.
What was it about streaming that initially interested you and inspired you to give it a try?
I had tried out streaming a time or two before I really got my start; it seemed like a great way to connect people with a hobby I loved, learn about new games and types of games, and meet new people.
What is the most important thing to you about being an LGBTQIA+ streamer?
For me, the most important thing about being an LGBTQIA+ streamer is giving myself a space to be who I am so that others feel the same. I’ve strived to create a space where people can explore different parts of who they are and experiment with different identities in a place where they are respected, heard, and loved. This was given to me by other streamers in the space, and I want to, in return, provide the same.
Are there other LGBTQIA + streamers that you are inspired by?
There are absolutely LGBTQIA+ streamers that inspire me! I wouldn’t have felt comfortable coming out if it weren’t for streamers like joyfuljupiter, ThatNerdViolet, and AlleeMac, who provided spaces of comfort, safety, and unabashedly queer joy. I wouldn’t be comfortable knowing that your journey doesn’t have to be linear without streamers like TinyTrees and Ms_Huffle. And I wouldn’t be so confident talking about successes AND struggles without streamers like Jambo.
Do you have any tips for new streamers entering the space?
When you start streaming for the first time, don’t be afraid to make some changes! Whether it’s with the games you’re playing, your setup, your layouts, your schedule, or even your username, if you’re not comfortable or don’t feel good about something stream-wise, make a change and see if it helps.
In your opinion, what makes a good/engaging live stream for viewers?
First and foremost, feeling seen and appreciated as a viewer makes for the best connection for me. I totally understand streamers needing to concentrate on gameplay, especially when playing with others or in intense games but acknowledging chat between sessions and taking the time to say hi and chat makes for a much more personal experience.
What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of streaming and creating content?
Outside of streaming, I play a lot of video games (shocker, I know), watch horror movies, take pictures, craft, and love cooking and baking!
How do you avoid burnout and stay motivated as a creator?
Avoiding burnout can be tough, especially when you’re passionate about creating, but creating scheduled, pre-planned breaks can help refresh and reset to avoid being overburdened and stressed. During your downtime, step away from your streaming software, put an away message on stream emails and practice purposeful resting so that you don’t accidentally work during what’s supposed to be relaxation!
Anything else you want to share with Streamlabs readers?
Being yourself should be your number one goal! You can’t make other people like you, but it’s going to be a lot easier to make friends and feel confident if you just be your authentic self.