GLAAD recently published a report revealing the widespread presence of anti-trans content on Meta’s platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
GLAAD criticized Meta for its insufficient efforts to moderate extreme anti-trans hate, citing examples such as posts advocating for harmful practices like conversion therapy, violence against trans individuals, and the use of derogatory slurs.
This content often leads to mass harassment and real-life violence against trans individuals, according to GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
The report also pointed out that much of the anti-trans content violates Meta’s community standards, particularly in regard to hate speech.
Many of these posts come from accounts with high follower counts, which profit from spreading hateful narratives against LGBTQ communities.
GLAAD expressed concerns about the role Meta plays in amplifying hate speech, noting that fear-mongering posts containing lies, conspiracy theories, and violent rhetoric generate engagement and revenue for both account owners and the platform itself.
GLAAD’s report questioned the effectiveness of Meta’s current content moderation practices and raised concerns about the platform’s accountability in combating hate speech.
Despite calls from LGBTQ celebrities, public figures, and allies for better protection against anti-trans hate in a joint letter issued in June 2023, Meta’s platforms have continued to be fertile grounds for harmful content. This underscores systemic failures in addressing online extremism.
Why Does It Matter?
GLAAD’s findings underscore the pressing necessity for social media companies like Meta to take decisive action against online hate speech targeting marginalized communities—especially as they downsize their teams responsible for moderating misinformation and hate speech.
The proliferation of anti-trans content not only breaches Meta’s community standards but also perpetuates damaging stereotypes and fuels real-world harm, including violence against transgender individuals.
