In October 2022, the social media landscape was reshaped when billionaire Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion, later rebranding it as ‘X’. This purchase promised changes, but a year later, the LGBTQ community reflects on a shift towards a more hostile environment.
The Early Days: A Community Space
Monica Rose, a transgender woman from Toronto, reminisces about joining Twitter in 2008. Back then, it was a friendly space for like-minded individuals. She found solace in the trans community there, engaging with activists and staying informed on legislative changes affecting her community.
Post-Acquisition: The Turn
However, the warmth of the platform soon dissipated after Musk’s takeover. In November, not long after acquiring ownership, Musk amplified a baseless, homophobic rumor about Paul Pelosi. He reinstated accounts previously banned for anti-LGBTQ content and began layoffs impacting the site’s abuse reduction teams.
Policy Changes and Their Impact
In the following months, Musk openly mocked pronoun use and made unfounded allegations against a gay former Twitter employee. The company’s Trust and Safety Council was disbanded, and previous protections against misgendering and deadnaming were silently lifted, leaving the LGBTQ community vulnerable to online harassment.
Musk’s Contradictory Stance on Trans Issues
Despite Musk’s occasional affirmations of support for trans individuals, his actions and statements have often contradicted these sentiments. Notably, Musk shared a video with anti-trans content in June, which went viral. His trans daughter has publicly distanced herself from him, emphasizing the strained relationship.
Real-world Consequences
Anika Collier Navaroli, a former Twitter policy official, warns of the real-world harms that can result from online bullying, which Musk’s policy changes seem to ignore. The rollback of safety measures can have severe implications, potentially endangering lives.
A Community in Distress
Before Musk’s acquisition, users like Rose had tools to combat hate speech on the platform. Reports of harassment were addressed, maintaining a level of safety. However, under Musk’s leadership, such reports often go unresolved for months, leading to a rise in unchecked hate speech.
Automated Responses and Legal Battles
X’s press office has yet to provide a comment, responding to inquiries with a generic automated message. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have noted an unprecedented rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric on the platform. X Corp. has taken legal action against critics, but organizations like the Center for Countering Digital Hate remain defiant.
Celebrity and Community Exodus
High-profile LGBTQ figures and allies, including Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres, have stepped away from X, citing concerns over misinformation and policy changes. These departures signify a broader trend of disillusionment within the community.
The Future of ‘X’
With advocacy groups ranking X as the least safe major social media platform for LGBTQ users, the future seems uncertain. Musk’s actions and the legal disputes surrounding the platform continue to cast a shadow over its commitment to inclusivity and safety for all users.
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