TikTok Bans Trans Model Laith Ashley From Going Live – Why Is That Exactly?
If you haven’t heard of Laith Ashley, it’s likely you’ve seen his work as either a model, actor, dancer or trans activist. He was recently featured in the Lavender Haze music video alongside Taylor Swift.
He also recently spoke out against TikTok after being banned from using their LIVE feature for allegedly promoting sexual activity and services – a claim he vehemently denies.
Algorithms gone wild
It was only last week that we reported another instance of mistaken content banning. Men Having Babies posted a picture of two new dads embracing their baby, which Instagram labelled “graphic and violent content”.
Laith Ashley was on a LIVE on TikTok streaming a series titled That Trans Guy You Might Know where he was discussing the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ content creators. He was highlighting how their identities are often politicised, affecting their opportunities for brand deals.
Despite discussing important issues, Ashley was banned from TikTok LIVE for supposedly promoting “sexual activity and services”. Many in the LGBTQIA+ community have echoed Ashley’s concerns about censorship on the platform, with fellow actor-model Arisce Wanzer sharing similar experiences.
In response, Ashley criticised the platform’s hypocrisy, noting the prevalence of hate speech and bigotry that often goes unchecked while LGBTQIA+ voices are silenced through LIVE bans or content restrictions. He emphasises the broader issue of erasure faced by marginalised communities, expressing frustration with the lack of accountability.
Despite appealing the ban, TikTok swiftly denied Ashley’s request without providing a satisfactory explanation. The platform has yet to address the matter publicly, leaving many to question its commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ voices.
