Erin Chin, Head of Global Brand Marketing, Logitech G
Creators from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community play a pivotal role in shaping our cultural ecosystem with remarkable contributions. In addition to bringing a diverse outlook, BIPOC creators are responsible for influencing key industries like gaming, music, film, literature, visual arts — challenging societal norms, breaking barriers, and fostering inclusivity and empowerment.
At Logitech G, we are expanding on our commitment to serving the needs of gamers and creators, striving to bring recognition, representation and resources to those that have historically been marginalized.
In recognition of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, we are leveling up our commitment to empowering and supporting gamers and creators in their mental health journeys. Throughout July, we will provide safe spaces to support mental health and work collectively to drive change. Our program this year is divided into five pillars, all inclusive of opportunities for empathy-first communications and amplifying voices of honesty and awareness: LISTEN, GIVE, PLAY, SUPPORT & ASK.
LISTEN — We will host two roundtable Twitch streams with Dr. Jess Clemons, MD, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who is spearheading the movement with Logitech G. Dr. Jess will be joined by representatives from partner organizations to destigmatize discussions of mental health. These sessions will illustrate the positive benefits of openly discussing mental health and ignite conversations around change and equity. Together with communities of care, we can help support BIPOC creators on their mental health journey and work together to drive change. Tune in to our roundtable sessions at twitch.tv/logitechg.
GIVE — Building off the commitment that Logitech made in 2020, throughout the month of July Logitech and Streamlabs will be making a donation to 4 charitable organizations, including WeXL, YR Media, Black Girls Smile, and Asian Mental Health Collective, through our Donor Advisory Fund. Additionally, members of our community now have the opportunity to nominate a peer to receive a care package from Logitech G. Each care package comes equipped with:
- Logitech G G915 TKL (Carbon)
- Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless RGB Gaming Mouse (White)
- Logitech Litra Beam Premium Streaming Key Light
- Logitech StreamCam
- Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless Gaming Headset (White)
- Blue Yeti Nano USB Microphone
- Streamlabs Ultra (1 year subscription)
PLAY — Come, play, and learn as we host a number of opportunities for gamers and creators to join us and game. We will be showcasing #CreatorSpotlights where BIPOC creators can play together as a community on the Logitech G and Streamlabs Twitch channels.
#CreatorSpotlight Logitech G Twitch Streams:
July 7th – TattedPoodle, DrunkenBuddha, N3ku, StooCHiePants
July 10th – MiladyConfetti, Urbanbohemian, Imperial
July 17th – KarimCheese, MsAshRocks, BlissKai, KDotDaGawd
July 24th – Friskk, Alyek, Londyn Lucshaw, CtrlAltQuin
#CreatorSpotlight Streamlabs Twitch Streams
July 12th – Ciarratonin
July 19th – JaharaJayde
SUPPORT — In partnership with Modern Health, Logitech G will be providing complimentary mental health support via listen and learn Circles to promote education and support for a variety of mental health topics. Each Circle can accommodate up to 1000 people and are led by therapists and coaches who specialize in the areas specified. Sessions will be taking place on:
- July 14 – Promoting Belonging Across the Globe
- July 18 – Meeting Mental Health Needs Within Relationships
- July 21 – Coping with Stress and Anxiety During Uncertainty
- July 28 – Taking a Stand: Education and LGBTQIA+ Allyship
ASK — During all activations, we will have links to mental health resources and certified professionals available. Through gaming and community, we can explore what it means to care for one another authentically and provide a community of support.
BIPOC individuals have encountered social injustice for decades, and often face unique challenges and systemic barriers that significantly impact mental health. Historical trauma, racism, discrimination, and microaggressions can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, depression — and when one’s mental health is suffering, it can negatively impact all other aspects of their life.
“It’s so important to focus on destigmatizing mental health, especially within BIPOC communities to help aid in individual and community healing,” said Lauren Carson, Founder and Executive Director, Black Girls Smile. “We can, will, and are changing the narrative surrounding mental health and well-being so we can all thrive mentally!”
BIPOC creators are an enormous part of our community and culture at Logitech G; it’s a no-brainer for us to prioritize authentic partnerships that ensure our community members feel supported and empowered to be and play at their best.
In recent years, there has been a great amount of research that demonstrates the positive impact gaming has on mental wellness, as well as a wide variety of key psychological mechanisms. A Boston College study illustrates how playing video games can improve memory, attention, emotional regulation and decision-making abilities, as well as enhance multitasking and coping skills, reduce impulsive behaviors, and can even reverse negative cognitive effects due to aging (Gray, P. (2015). Cognitive benefits of playing video games. Psychology Today.).
“Gaming, like other art forms, can provide a sense of community,” said Dr. Jess. “Gamers not only experience the benefits of an enjoyable outlet, but also the benefits of being in a space that allows for authentic self-expression, connection to others with similar interests, and a mode for stress relief.”
This is where we’ve planted our flag at Logitech. We are dedicated to supporting all creators in their mental health journeys, and provide secure spaces for cultivating well being and positivity.
We made a promise in 2020 to raise $1 million over the next decade to support BIPOC charities; I am proud to announce today that we have reached $700,000 of our initial goal — and I couldn’t be more excited for what we’ve got planned.
Follow our journey by tuning in on the Logitech G and Streamlabs Twitch channels, and @LogitechG across social media. I invite you all to join me in our roundtable discussions, create your own communities of care and nominate a peer for a care package. The power of community is always stronger when we’re together — and the power of play is here to build the next generation of revolutionary, trailblazing gamers.
