So Twitter Thought They Could Quietly Remove Trans Protections From Their Policy – GLAAD Noticed
GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), the LGBTQIA+ media advocacy organisation, has responded to Twitter’s decision to quietly remove its clause on targeted misgendering and deadnaming in their Hateful Conduct Policy. The change, which occurred on April 8, was criticised by GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, who said in a statement that Twitter’s decision was a step backwards in protecting transgender users, reports GLAAD.
Twitter is no longer safe
Ellis stated that Twitter’s decision was not only harmful to users but also to advertisers. She also pointed out that other social media platforms like TikTok, Pinterest and Meta continue to maintain policies that protect transgender users from targeted misgendering and deadnaming.
The practice of deadnaming, which is referring to a transgender person by their former name, has been identified as a form of hate speech by civil society groups such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Social media platforms have been under scrutiny for their handling of hate speech and misinformation, particularly during the pandemic and the rise of online hate speech. GLAAD’s response highlights the importance of maintaining policies that protect marginalised communities, particularly as anti-transgender rhetoric online continues to contribute to discrimination and violence.
Twitter has not yet responded to GLAAD’s statement.
