In a recent update to its policy, Discord made it clear that users are not allowed to post, share, or engage in any form of hate speech, including repeatedly using slurs to degrade and demean individuals or groups, deadnaming, or misgendering transgender individuals. This policy applies to Discord’s vast user base of 350 million registered users and 150 million monthly active users.
Exceptions and Consequences Discord does allow exceptions to its policy for “reclaimed language, satire, educational, or documentary purposes.” However, the platform emphasizes that the use of satire must be obvious, and it will not tolerate users deflecting blame retroactively by claiming their statements were made ironically or as a joke. Users found in violation of these policies will receive a direct message from Discord, informing them of their offending content and the specific policy they violated. Severe or repeated policy violations can result in permanent suspension.
GLAAD’s Praise and the Wider Landscape GLAAD, an LGBTQ+ media organization, commended Discord for its stance, highlighting how targeted misgendering and deadnaming have become common ways to express hate toward trans and nonbinary people on social media. Notably, among major social media platforms, only TikTok expressly prohibits targeted misgendering and deadnaming in its hate and harassment policy. Discord’s move stands as a crucial step in combatting online hate speech within the LGBTQ+ community.
Discord’s firm stance against hate speech comes as other social media platforms face criticism for their handling of similar issues, with X (formerly Twitter) facing backlash for removing protections against transphobic hate speech. The LGBTQ+ community continues to grapple with online harassment and hate speech, underscoring the need for platforms to take meaningful actions to protect their users.
