Zee “ZIPIIH” Oliveira, a content creator, presenter, caster and former competitive League of Legends player, says women and LGBTQIA+ people still face bias in online gaming and esports. In an interview, she recounted leaving pro play, shifting to content creation during the pandemic, and using her platforms to promote inclusion across gaming and pop culture.
From competitive play to content creation
ZIPIIH’s interest in video games started in her youth, when gaming provided an outlet from bullying and the limitations of living in a small town. She discovered the competitive scene through League of Legends and initially saw a professional career as the main path to visibility in esports.
She joined CNB during her competitive run but opted to leave the professional circuit because of pressure and the demanding training schedule. During the pandemic she increased livestreaming and video production—activities she had wanted to pursue since childhood—and found alternatives to playing professionally.
The shift was reinforced by meeting other LGBTQIA+ creators and presenters, which made clear that opportunities in the gaming industry extended beyond being a pro player.
Online harassment remains a barrier
Despite growing representation, ZIPIIH says women and LGBTQIA+ players continue to face obstacles in online matches. She described discriminatory interactions that can begin with simple uses of voice chat and cited VALORANT as a title where she has experienced hostility.
ZIPIIH sees this antagonism as an extension of broader social prejudices that surface in digital environments, not merely a problem tied to any single game community.
She also criticized the idea of segregating competitions into separate inclusive or mixed categories as a final solution. While she acknowledges these efforts aim to increase participation for historically excluded groups, ZIPIIH believes the long-term goal should be equal access to the same competitive spaces for everyone.
Representation builds inclusive communities
ZIPIIH emphasized how important it is for players to find identification in characters, fellow players and creators. She recommends that people who struggle to find welcoming spaces seek out communities with shared interests, follow LGBTQIA+ creators and build support networks.
Her own absence from certain spaces motivated her to pursue those roles so that others would have similar opportunities. “Don’t stop doing the things you like and love because there isn’t a space for you,” she said.
She argues representation must go beyond diverse in-game characters and extend into broadcasts, content production, tournaments and professional opportunities throughout the industry.
Content creation as a tool for inclusion
ZIPIIH currently uses her channels to produce videos, stream and spark conversations about diversity in gaming and pop culture. She mentioned initiatives such as an inclusive VALORANT tournament and content addressing LGBTQIA+ language and experiences.
She acknowledged that sustaining inclusive environments requires continuous effort, especially when facing conflicts and prejudice on social networks. Supporting creators who focus on inclusion, she said, helps strengthen communities and broaden the presence of diverse audiences within the industry.
Her career path illustrates how content creation can open professional avenues in esports while advancing conversations about respect, belonging and representation in the gaming world.
