Streamer Spotlight: CtrlAltQuin
Welcome to a new Streamer Spotlight where this time, the spotlight falls on CtrlAltQuin!
CtrlAltQuin is a US-based trans, non-binary streamer with a passion for gaming and education. They describe themself as a queer, trans Star Wars nerd and a gentle, silly soul that loves gaming and quality cringe.
I got to chat with Quin about their work as a streamer, the importance of Black History Month (in the UK), and their view on the best droid in Star Wars.
When and why did you start streaming?
I started streaming in the Fall of 2018. At that point, I had been moonlighting in the gaming industry for several years and I was ready to take the leap into content creation. There are so many reasons why I started streaming, but one of the main reasons was how easy it seemed to start streaming. I was wrong, but I loved the journey! I always thought to myself I wanted to be a part of the streaming community and I would be playing the games anyway, so why not share them with an audience? Then I got here and realized how isolating it can be for people like me.
What games do you prefer to stream?
I love a rich, emotional narrative in a video game. It doesn’t matter if it’s an FPS, MMO, or puzzle game, a good story always pulls me in. I do like to pretend my esports level is at Fortnite, but I’m sloppy haha, my community would say otherwise.
What can people expect from your stream?
Laughs! Skill! And most importantly inclusion. I am a professional comedian with a focus on storytelling and I don’t shut up. I stay making puns and jokes in real-time while I’m gaming, which is one of the things my community loves about me. I am also very good at gaming which is a welcomed surprise to me as well!
I also have a zero-tolerance policy for hate. My stream and community are a safe welcoming hangout for anyone who respects that.
What do you do outside of streaming?
I am a HR consultant with several certifications! I know it’s a huge jump from being a gamer and folks often are like “what? … Are you for real?” Yes, I’ve pushed the corporate paper, but my work now is more focused on non-profits. I am also a mum to two beautiful growing gamers! My best friends, my daughters!
You describe yourself as a Star Wars fan, which is your favorite droid?
Okay so C-3PO is an icon! Definitely my favorite, but I have to give some love to BB-9E or more famously known as BB-H8 (hate). BB-9E looks just like BB-8, but when the design was dropped and fans got their first view of the latest droid edition, folks called BB-9E “BB-H8” and that was wild. I see you BB-9E you deserve all the love, baby!
I agree, I thought BB-9E looked amazing! Which of the many upcoming Star Wars series on Disney+ are you most looking forward to?
I can’t wait for Kenobi! I have wondered about Obi Wan’s perspective for many moons (pun intended) and I’m excited to CRY and watch it all unfold.
What do you enjoy the most about streaming?
There are so many things! Ah! The number one has to be the community, the people, the friends! Being able to be 100 percent myself and entertain so many beautiful humans who come to chill with me every stream. Being accepted, seen, and just embraced by so many people who get me and support my dreams. No words exist for how thankful I am for the connections I have made.
What have you learned about yourself through streaming?
I like to call myself an ‘introverted extrovert’, but streaming has really given me more confidence that I’ve been able to use outside of content creation!
How do you find being an out QTPOC streamer?
Being an out streamer with my identity has been hard, with constant bullying and harassment, but I will be okay. When I think about the way my voice changes the space for those who will come after me, it’s super important. I think it’s extremely important to normalize people like me in all spaces! Not just streaming
Here in the UK it is Black History Month, what black icons do you look up to?
Martha P Johson is everything to me. I feel as though more people NEED to learn Martha’s Story. I get so emotional just thinking about Martha and how much they change the world. There is still so much work that needs to be done for Black Trans Lives.
What would you say to a QTPOC person thinking about getting into streaming?
Don’t be afraid to reach out! There is an amazing Black and queer content creator community here on Twitch. There are so many resources for learning how to protect your community and so many folks who want to help.
What’s your main goal as a streamer for the future?
I want to be the voice and the face that I’ve never seen when I needed it there. I want to be the representation that I never had. I want to continue and advocate for diversity and inclusion in content creations. I want to see Black trans folks shine!
What are you looking forward to most this year?
I am really looking forward to the holidays and being able to hug my vaccinated family!
To find out more about CtrlAltQuin, head on over to their Twitch channel.
About The Author
