Following the announcement on Friday that Twitch was to create a dedicated 'Hot Tub' category to counter controversy on the topic (and seemingly in response to advertiser pressure), a fresh wave of criticism was levied at the streaming platform.
Many creators felt that their calls for a more inclusive set of tags - including those which help identify and support marginalized communities such as LGBTQIA+ and those with disabilities - were being ignored.
Now, however, Twitch has responded. In a blog post it says that it will introduce "over 350 new tags related to gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ability, mental health, and more. The list of tags include transgender, Black, disabled, veteran, and Vtuber, among many others".
Initially, Twitch had resisted calls to introduce a tag for the trans community, something it had been calling for since the inception of tags nearly three years ago. Citing potential harassment, it was seen as a dismissal by many in the community.
Now it appears the platform has had a change of heart, amid the clamour becoming more of an unavoidable din, and is something long overdue.
Twitch has also pledged to remove references to 'ally' from the LGBTQIA+ tag, with controversy there being that cisgendered streamers were using the tag 'in support' of the community, but essentially co-opting it and erasing LGBTQIA+ visibility. While well-intentioned, it just wasn't the right solution.
In creating the new tags, Twitch says it has partnered with several independent, third-party organisations - such as GLAAD, The Trevor Project, AbleGamers, SpecialEffect and more to identify and progress under-represented communities.
Twitch has admitted that these changes should have come sooner, but the platform is notoriously slow and secretive to respond to major issues. Whether its visibility or transparency regarding bans, it creates confusion and anger within its many communities.
However, these seem to be positive changes, and are a step in the right direction.
Fans will be able to register for the E3 2021 digital event from June 2, with media, exhibitor, creators & influencer registration rolling out across this week.
