Twitch has systemic problems that have allowed abuse, harassment, and sexual misconduct to run unchecked for years.

Victims are coming forward, yet Twitch has only responded with platitudes.

I'm participating in a #twitchblackout happening 6/24, 12am-11:50pm in your time zone. https://twitter.com/third_artifact/status/1275101456970866689

The purpose of the blackout is to demand action from @Twitch, to back up their statements with more than just words.

A PR statement from them doesn't accomplish anything, and won't help improve the problem if it's not followed by actionable items. https://twitter.com/JustinWong/status/1275286544668979201?s=20

I want to make it clear, that I'm choosing to do this as a form of protest, and in solidarity with the victims.

Do NOT judge anyone who does choose to stream tomorrow. Everyone's circumstances are different, and not everyone has the privilege to take the day off of streaming.

Wondering what else you can do to help?

~ Don't stream on Wednesday
~ Support your content creators directly using PayPal instead of bits / subs
~ Amplify victim's voices
~ Spread awareness about #twitchblackout
~ If you do stream, use your voice raise awareness about this issue

If you want to read more about this topic, the New York times has a good summary of what's happening:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/style/women-gaming-streaming-harassment-sexism-twitch.html

This medium post is aggregating the stories of victims who are coming forward:

https://medium.com/@survivors_streaming_industry/survivor-stories-of-harassment-assault-with-the-gaming-and-live-streaming-industry-11cb2fab96f0

Thanks for reading