Dozens of regional LGBTQ community centers are deactivating their Twitter accounts today, decrying recent policy changes despite the rise of hate speech and calling on the app to do more to protect its users.
The announcement came from CenterLink(opens in a new tab), an international nonprofit network of more than 325 LGBTQ organizations, many of which will also be leaving the platform.
"Twitter has become increasingly unsafe in recent months for LGBTQ and BIPOC people with anti-LGBTQ, anti-trans, anti-Black, and antisemitic tweets on the rise. The removal of this policy was the last straw," Denise Spivak, CEO of CenterLink, told Mashable.
Earlier this month, Twitter, led by CEO Elon Musk, quietly removed a portion of its hateful conduct policy that specified protections against misgendering and deadnaming transgender users, adding to an already hostile, hate-speech filled(opens in a new tab) environment.
In response to the conduct changes, CenterLink and its members have decided to forgo the app entirely, formally deactivating their Twitter accounts today. Some participants have already left the app, announced they will no longer be active, or pinned statements opposing the app's changes.
Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)
Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)
"Purposeful communication requires an honest and transparent dialogue in spaces that respect our lived experiences and honor everyone's safety," wrote CenterLink in its deactivation announcement. "With more than 430 pieces of legislation(opens in a new tab) targeting healthcare, education, public places and services, and drag performers or entertainment, 2023 is on pace to be a record-setting year for state legislation targeting LGBTQ adults and youth. Now is a time to lift up the voices of those who are most vulnerable and most marginalized, and to take a stand against those whose actions are quite the opposite."
The participating centers include:
SF Center
Orlando Center
Las Vegas Center
Hudson Valley Center
Durham Center
CenterLink
Coastal Bend Pride Center
Indiana Youth Group
LGBT Life Center
Youth Outlook
Casa BruMar Foundation
LGBT Community Network
The Center Las Vegas
Our Family
Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center
Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center
CAMP Rehoboth
Queer Space Collective
Hudson Pride Center
The Frederick Center
The Pomona Pride Center
Diversity Center of Oklahoma
Compass Community Center
LGBTQ Center of Durham
Pacific Pride Foundation
The Center Orlando
Stonewall Alliance of Chico
Pacific Center
NoVA Prism Center
Twitter's quick evolution over the last year has resulted in a loss of trust from users. "Immediately reinstating the policy aimed at protecting transgender people from targeted misgendering and deadnaming would be a good place to start," Spivak said when asked what the platform could do better. "Beyond that, Twitter frankly doesn’t do a great job combating hate speech and should do more to ensure that the platform is safe for all its users. None of the major social media platforms seem to have found the exact formula to create and ensure a safe environment, but CenterLink still has active Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts."
Twitter has seen an exodus of users, verified accounts, and advertisers since Musk's purchase. While many see the app's changes as the end to a fun social ecosystem, others are more worried about the implications Musk's policies have on users with disabilities, LGBTQ users and users of color(opens in a new tab), the spread of accurate information, and the ability for organizations doing important work to stay connected to communities online.
"LGBTQ centers across the country are vital resources for our communities and provide a wide range of critical, life-saving services both online and in-person. These centers collectively serve nearly 2.7 million people annually and engage in advocacy, public policy, and civic engagement," Spivak said, noting LGBTQ community resources like these need national support, in the form of donations, volunteers, and political action, to keep their work going.
"When it comes to staying safe online, people can disengage from platforms that allow hate and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric — which now most certainly includes Twitter."
To find LGBTQ community centers in your area, and to learn how to continue following them online, visit CenterLink's online directory(opens in a new tab).
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