YouTube: Stop Giving a Platform to Anti-Trans Hate
Youtube
Trangender people are under attack in the United States. In 2021, anti-trans violence reached an all-time high in the United States. Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender or nonbinary children live in a supportive household. Legislatures across the country are criminalizing transgender health care and banning transgender children from participating in athletics.
During this difficult time, many transgender young people are turning to the internet to find community. However, transgender youth using YouTube are getting targeted by anti-transgender advertisements that promote dangerous misinformation and even hate groups.
Consider the story Alex and their mother shared with ParentsTogether:
Alex is nonbinary and and makes YouTube videos about art and fashion. Alex makes video playlists that help transgender kids transition, such as what to do with hair and how to talk to friends at school about being transgender. Alex also uses YouTube to learn about identity, culture, and style ideas. Ads for highly discredited and dangerous “conversion therapy” and anti-trans videos frequently bombard Alex. We noticed Alex went from feeling proud and excited about YouTube to constant depression and anxiety.
YouTube needs to take action. Sign our petition and demand that YouTube deplatform transphobic advertising.
Sponsored by
To:
Youtube
From:
[Your Name]
We, the undersigned, are concerned community members calling on YouTube to stop creating a platform for anti-trans hate and misinformation.
For many transgender youth, YouTube is a space to learn about ideas for style, fashion, coming out, navigating school, travel, and more.
However, YouTube has also allowed videos promoting transphobia and advertising from anti-transgender hate groups to have a loud platform. Anti-trans films as well as dangerous and deceptive “conversion therapy” is advertised on Youube, frequently targeting users who are searching for LGBTQ or feminist content. Transgender misinformation and hate is even more prevalent on non-English channels.
Transgender youth exposed to transphobia, stigma, and shame are more likely to consider suicide, struggle with depression, and self harm. YouTube is making money off their pain.
Enough is enough. YouTube, it is time to stop anti-transgender advertising.