Twitter’s updated content moderation guidelines are a step in the right direction for social media companies that want to be considered inclusive and friendly to all users. Deadnaming or misgendering a transgender person is discriminatory and harmful, so Twitter’s new policy makes sense. By allowing transgender people the dignity of choosing their own name and pronouns, Twitter is showing that it values everyone within its community equally no matter what their gender identity may be.
Some people may be shocked to learn that Disney is now allowingpostscontaining hateful language and imagery. This change was made in early April, long after the initial controversy surrounding the removal of Pepe the Frog from various social media platforms. However, these new policy reflect Disney’s longstanding history of supporting diversity and acceptance. They believe that this content should be allowed on their platforms to represent all members of their community.
Many people believe that slurs and tropes against transgender people are harmful and should not be tolerated. Some say that they can reinforce the transphobia and discrimination that transgender people already experience. Others argue that these types of jokes are meant as satire or to provoke a reaction, but regardless of intent, they remain derogatory comments.
Twitter’s removal of language protecting trans people from hate crimes on its platforms is a concerning trend that threatens the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. The platform’s previous guidelines still forbid attacks based on gender, gender identity, or sexuality, but these protections are now being removed in favor of a “free speech” policy that prioritizes the rights of all users over those who are specifically vulnerable to discrimination. This change flies in the face of social justice movements like #MeToo and #pta that strive for inclusive environments where everyone is able to feel safe and respected. While Twitter has until recently been seen as somewhat friendly toward LGBTQ+ individuals, this shift indicates that it may not be committed to safeguarding their safety and welfare in the long term.
Since the takeover of Elon Musk by far-right extremists, the platform has disbanded its Trust and Safety council and reinstated the accounts of previously banned users like author Jordan Peterson and conservative satire outlet The Babylon Bee. In addition, use of the anti-LGBTQ “groomer” slur has increased. It remains to be seen what long-term consequences these changes will have for the safety and well-being of transgender people on Twitter.
One of the most visible social media platforms with a stated policy against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is Twitter. However, yesterday they announced that they will be rolling back protections for transgender users, much to the dismay of LGBTQ rights advocates. This decision pulls Twitter even further out of step with other social media platforms who maintain similar policies to protect their transgender users during a time when anti-transgender rhetoric online is leading to real world discrimination and violence.
