I want to give a big thanks to Virtulantes and specifically Firo for inviting me, and want to take a moment to get a little wordy and give some greater context to how much this means to me. It's pretty common that vtubers do not get out much - and I'm no exception. Vtubing brings safety and creativity to my life, but as a former social butterfly, I find myself missing big events, talking to new, random people, and feeling grounded in how wonderfully diverse the world is. In this experience, I was granted the best of both worlds - to be my great, comfy 2D self AND feel like I could connect with people one-on-one in a new but familiar way. The hour I was nervous to fill beforehand passed by wonderfully and all too quickly, leaving me feeling electric and excited and so, so happy. It wasn't lost on me that this was a great and unique opportunity granted to me, and I'm so glad and grateful I was able to show up as a queer, chubby woman in vtubing to break the mold a bit, and hopefully inspire passersby. Virtualantes and SMASH staff orchestrated the event perfectly, and it has only left me wanting more. I feel more confident and empowered to seek similar opportunities now, and maybe even try to create some for myself and others, and that is something I cannot thank the organizers and my friends for enough.
Collecting my thoughts and gratitude for @virtulantes.bsky.social tonight:
#smashcon2025
#oshipocalypse2025
