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The universe of electronic games has the potential to be a place of unity, entertainment, and welcome. However, for women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, participating in this medium still involves facing discrimination and prejudice.

In a conversation with Olhar Digital, Zee “ZIPIIH” Oliveira, who works as a content creator, presenter, caster, and former competitive League of Legends player, discussed her journey in the industry and the need to increase representation in esports and in the games themselves.

Currently, ZIPIIH focuses on producing material centered on pop and gamer culture, emphasizing the inclusion of women and LGBTQIA+ people. Her affinity for video games began in her youth, when games served as a refuge from bullying and the restrictions of living in a small town.

It was in League of Legends that she discovered the competitive scene, viewing a professional career as one of the few chances to gain prominence in esports. She stated: “I thought that the only place and the only way for me to reach that spotlight was by playing professionally.”

Throughout her career, ZIPIIH joined CNB but chose to leave competitions due to the intense training routine and pressure. During the pandemic, she intensified her investment in live streams and video production, something she had been interested in since childhood.

This shift in focus was also influenced by contact with other LGBTQIA+ content creators and presenters, which demonstrated the existence of opportunities outside of a player career.

Despite advances in game representation, ZIPIIH believes that women and LGBTQIA+ people continue to face barriers when playing online. According to the creator, discriminatory acts can arise in simple interactions, such as using voice chat with other players. She cited VALORANT as an example of an environment where she experienced such a problem.

For her, hostility is not limited to a specific game but reflects social issues that persist in digital spaces. The creator also raised the issue of the need to create inclusive and mixed categories in certain competitions. While recognizing the intention to give more chances to historically marginalized groups, she argues that the ultimate goal must be to ensure that everyone can compete on the same stage.

During the interview, ZIPIIH emphasized the importance of finding identification in both characters and fellow players and content creators. She advises those who have difficulty finding welcoming environments to seek out communities with similar interests, follow LGBTQIA+ creators, and establish their own support networks.

Her own experience shaped her work; upon noticing the lack of certain profiles in the spaces she aspired to, she decided to seek out these opportunities and help others do the same. She declared: “Don't stop doing the things you like and love, because there isn't a space for you.”

For ZIPIIH, representation must be broader than just the presence of diverse characters in games; it needs to reach broadcasts, content production, tournaments, and professional positions within the industry. Currently, she uses her platforms to promote debates about diversity in pop culture and gaming, creating videos and streams.

The creator also mentioned initiatives such as an inclusive VALORANT championship and content targeted at the language and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. However, she acknowledges that maintaining these environments requires continuous effort, especially in the face of conflicts and expressions of prejudice on social media. ZIPIIH concludes that supporting creators who fight for inclusion strengthens communities and increases the visibility of diverse audiences in the industry. Her trajectory illustrates how content creation can open doors in esports and drive a larger discussion about respect, belonging, and representation in the gaming world.