Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Sare, I am 20 years old and I am from The Netherlands. I have a past of different studies, worked as a photographer for 2 years and as of currently am being made ready to start mechanical work for the police in my province. Most around me know me as Woods, an avid gamer, amateur live streamer and (co)founder of multiple support groups for gamers of minority groups (POC, LGBT, Disabled people). I love music and arts and do design work on the side where I can.
When did you start your account?
I started my account October 2018.
Why were you inspired to start an account?
I saw the Amsterdam account pop up, I looked at the other accounts and it felt safe. It felt powerful reading the submissions and knowing I wasn’t alone. I wanted to be able to help others feel the same as I did at that moment. I wanted to help give others a voice in moments everyone else would silence them.
Why do you think ending online harassment is important?
The internet is growing, it is becoming more accessible for everyone. It shouldn't be treated any different than the real world. Yes, luckily online we have the advantage that there is a screen in between us and the other person but at the end of the day - information is just a click away and words hurt just as much.
How can the online community better address harassment?
They need to take it more seriously. As of right now you are a stuck up bitch and you shouldnt take things too seriously whenever you report someone harassing you. That is not how it should work.
’’just block them’’, ‘’just turn off your dms’’ - no.. That is not how it works. We should not have to go out of our way for a harasser. We need to hold those people accountable.
What do you hope is the outcome of your account?
I hope it gives people a feeling of safety and validation. Eventually I hope it can grow more, implement it in my own and more known streamers communities as a project and policy where we hold each other more accountable for what we do and say.
What’s the most difficult street harassment situation you’ve experienced?
I was out in Leiden (a town not too far from me). It was late, I was alone outside the train station and a group of drunk kids kept bothering me and trying to touch me. They said some real ugly things I rather not get in to. I was 16 at the time I believe, it left me scared to be honest. To this day I still prefer to be home before dark, and I am turning 21 this year. Its been a while, it leaves a mark.
What does being a part of this campaign mean to you?
It genuinely means a lot to me. Sophie built a movement with an amazingly supportive community and I am truly humbled to be able to play my part in it.
