Major social media platforms continue to neglect the safety of LGBTQ+ users by failing to curb hateful content. Twitter is a perfect example of this. GLAAD’s new report named “Unsafe: Meta Fails to Moderate Extreme Anti-trans Hate Across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads,” exposes Meta’s persistent shortcomings in moderating hate speech against transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Covering the period from June 2023 to March 2024, the findings illustrate Meta’s inadequate response to reports of harmful content that violates its community guidelines on their platforms. Despite GLAAD’s diligent reporting, Meta frequently dismissed violations or failed to respond, allowing harmful content to persist. The reported material includes violent speech, targeted harassment, and calls for harmful practices like “conversion therapy” and eradicating transgender individuals. GLAAD’s president and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, condemned Meta’s inaction, calling it unacceptable. Ellis emphasized that Meta’s choice to overlook these issues reflects a deliberate disregard for the safety of vulnerable users on its platforms. GLAAD’s report underscores the pressing need for action, echoing a June 2023 open letter by over 250 LGBTQ+ leaders and allies. Last September, The Advocate reported on a Media Matters study revealing Meta’s moderation shortcomings, notably Instagram’s tolerance of groups like Gays Against Groomers, spreading harmful anti-LGBTQ+ messages. Of course the most pressing issue is whether Meta will take necessary action to protect the LGBTQ+ community?
