Over the weekend, YouTuber and streamer Harry Brewis, who goes by the username ‘Hbomberguy‘ held a 57-hour charity livestream. Originally, Hbomberguy, whose videos generally aim to provide ration”measured responses” against the arguments of the far right, had hoped to raise around $500 for Mermaids; a UK-based charity which provides support for transgender children and young people. However, in a stream which featured guest appearances from gaming industry figures, celebrities and politicians; the YouTuber attracted almost 700,000 viewers and raised over $340,000.
Hbomberguy’s 57-Hour Charity Livestream Raises $340,000 for Mermaids
When it comes to an association with politics, the gaming community’s reputation has long been tarnished by the events of Gamergate; the history of which was recapped by the Guardian in their coverage of Hbomberguy’s recent charity livestream. As they note; this stream demonstrated that the gaming community is capable of coming together to achieve truly great and positive things. Certainly, it was a very welcome departure from the online misogyny and abuse which has fuelled the rise of so many far-right figures following the events of 2014; an online subculture which has sadly been pervasive and vocal ever since.
Hbomberguy began the stream to “spite” Graham Linehan, an anti-trans TV writer who had publicly attacked the Mermaids charity. The stream featured Hbomberguy attempting to achieve 101% completion of Donkey Kong 64. However, its charity focus quickly drew many thousands of viewers. Indeed, the stream exploded online, and numerous high-profile figures began calling in to voice their support.
Charity Livestream Guest Appearances in Support of Mermaid
The stream featured appearances from gaming journalist Jim Sterling, Doom co-creator John Romero, alongside other members of the gaming industry, and even political figures like Chelsea Manning and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Ocasio-Cortez in particular drew attention to the stream on Twitter, where she has a huge supportive following. During her appearance on the stream, she talked about the Nintendo 64 and playing games at her cousin’s home while she was growing up. Of course, she also spoke about the discrimination faced by trans individuals, an issue which she also addressed during a speech she gave at a Women’s March in New York on Saturday. “Trans rights, absolutely, it’s a no-brainer,” she said, during the stream; “trans rights are civil rights are human rights.”
It was great popping in and chatting with you all 👾 thanks for inviting me! https://t.co/pGnDr99VNo
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 20, 2019
When the charity livestream drew to a close after 57 hours, Hbomberguy had succeeded in raising over $340,000 for Mermaids. The stream attracted a total of around 659,000 viewers, demonstrating the widespread support that does exist online, and in the gaming community, for positive causes such as this. Certainly, the event was a much-needed antidote to the toxicity which so often permeates online discussion; a toxicity which is often at its most vitriolic and abusive when it comes to topics like trans rights. In a brief Twitch appearance the next day, the YouTuber again encouraged his viewers to; “please talk to trans people instead … this weekend has shown their voices still need to be heard.”