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Aired Sep 1, 2022

Staying Safe Online While Facing Anti-LGBTQ+ Rhetoric

A small — but very aggressive — minority has been overwhelming online spaces with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and even threats of violence. A recent report connects how anti-LGBTQ+ legislative and policy wins in local and state governments have helped amplify hate on social media platforms. Worse, ineffective responses to this issue have only emboldened and empowered some people to do more damage.

We hosted a conversation about this article as a part of PFLAG Connects and Something to Talk About Live on Thursday, September 1. Did you miss it? You can still watch it here!

Article: After ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill passed, anti-LGBTQ ‘grooming’ rhetoric surged 400% online

Source: NBC News

Author:  Jo Yurcaba

Questions for Discussion:

  1. In your experience, has the online climate around LGBTQ+ issues become more hostile as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation grows more widespread? Do you think that this is because of politics/political leaders? Or is it something else?
  2. Do you think that online platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) should monitor and regulate content? Do you even think that trying to do so can be successful? Why or why not?
  3. Have you changed your online behaviors/interactions at all because of a shifting climate online? If yes, how? If no, after reading this report, do you think it will influence the way you interact with others online?

Bonus Resources: Check out Digital Hate: Social Media’s Role in Amplifying Dangerous Lies About LGBTQ+ People  from the Human Rights Campaign and the Center for Countering Digital Hate and “Boston Children’s Hospital warns employees over far-right online harassment campaign” from NBC News by Brandy Zadrozny and Phil McCausland.

About Our Guests:

Ari Drennen, LGBTQ+ Program Manager, Media Matters for America

Greg Rokisky, Social Media and Digital Media Manager, PFLAG National

Ways to Watch:

Also available on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Something to Talk About Live is a series designed by PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality program to create conversation about LGBTQ+ issues. Each week we offer an article on LGBTQ+ topics and suggest a few questions you can use to lead a discussion with your ERG, community group, or PFLAG chapter.