Even as Sega has made its presence known all throughout June with plenty of press regarding its mascot's next game, Sonic Frontiers, the company has decided to celebrate the month in more ways than one. June is seen internationally as LGBT Pride Month, and to mark the occasion, Sega has announced a charity stream to raise money for Mermaids.Many gamers have had issues in the past with companies aiming to help support their LGBT customers in June, but then turn around and drop the support once the month ends. Sega, however, is known for openly doing all it can to support both its LGBT fans and employees alike on a regular basis. Sega publicly sponsors Tokyo's Rainbow Pride Parade in Japan and makes resources for its workers who fall under the LGBT umbrella openly available at all times. This year, Sega will be streaming from June 21 to 28 to raise money for the Mermaids charity based in the United Kingdom. Mermaids specifically focuses on helping trans and gender-diverse children and families known for having a dedicated help hotline, as well as inclusion and diversity training classes to help LGBT allies.
The fact that Sega chose to help a transgender-focused charity may be a decision made due to current events. In the UK, transphobic rhetoric is making its way into the media due to controversial actions made by the BBC, as well as the actions of JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Outside the UK, however, the US is also dealing with several anti-trans laws making their way through its legislation. These events may have played into why Sega is donating to Mermaids specifically.
Sega has yet to specify just what this charity stream will entail. While there's a strong chance that Sega will focus mainly on streaming its many video game titles, the company has yet to say which games will make an appearance. The only thing known currently is the dates, and that it will take place on Sega's Twitch channel once the event begins.
Ahead of the stream, the specific donation link for Sega's collaboration with Mermaids is already live for those who wish to go ahead and offer their support to the cause. The goal for the fundraiser is set to £2,000 Pounds, which is just shy of $2,304 US dollars after conversion. Fans will need to keep an eye on the stream when it occurs to see if the goal is met.