Alongside multiple LGBTQ+ organizations, Family Equality calls on Twitter/X to develop policies and practices that prioritize the safety and well-being of its users
New York, NY — Today, Family Equality announced that it will indefinitely pause all activity on Twitter/X following policy updates that enable and embolden misinformation, harassment, and cyberbullying against the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. In this decision, Family Equality joins several movement organizations, including GLSEN, whose full statement Family Equality signed onto earlier this week.
“When we began our account in 2009, Family Equality recognized the impactful role that Twitter could play in helping us create safe, affirming, and informed communities of changemakers,” said Family Equality President and CEO, Jaymes Black. “But, since last fall, attacks against LGBTQ+ users have increased substantially. It goes against our core values to sit silently while the platform pushes new policies, practices, and rhetoric that put our communities at risk. We hope that by indefinitely pausing our presence on this platform, we can not only safeguard the safety and well-being of our audience but also push the site to address our concerns and work towards a safer online environment for all.”
In June, GLAAD’s annual Social Media Safety Index reported that Twitter/X was “the most dangerous platform for LGBTQ+ people,” in part due to changes made following the platform’s acquisition by Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, in October 2022. Among other incidents, Twitter removed a policy against targeted misgendering and/or dead-naming of transgender individuals.
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
# # #
Press Contact
Tonya Agnew,
Vice President,
Communications & Marketing
(765) 490-4709 / tagnew@familyequality.org