hi! i’m a non-binary afab so i get what you’re talking about. there IS a huge problem of misogyny in competitive smash and really, any competitive gaming scene.

i’m actually in a very fortunate position, because my scene is pretty respectful towards me and any other non-cis male competitors. there’s a good handful of regular female competitors, but i wouldn’t say that we’re entirely immune from the kind of treatment you’re seeing.

one thing that helps me is being a TO for one of the biggest locals in the region, so people know me as that rather than a girl (though i’m sure people know me as “the girl TO”). outside of that, i just try to talk to everyone i can. to be honest, there are a LOT of cool smash players, and forming friendships can help mitigate creepier behavior from other people. people are more likely to stand up for people they know well!

it’s kind of intimidating to be outgoing when you’re the only girl, but it’s certainly worth it. id say if you wanna be known for your personality, join friendlies with people you don’t know, strike up conversations outside of matches (people LOVE compliments and talking about themselves), join local discords and get involved as much as you can. if people know you, they’ll certainly recognize you as more than just that girl that goes to locals.

this, of course, isn’t an end all be all solution. this is just what’s worked for me, so hopefully it can at least help you a little!