TL;DR
- GLAAD’s report shows Meta’s safety for LGBTQ+ users at an all-time low.
- Policy changes have made platforms more harmful, especially for trans and non-binary individuals.
- YouTube and X also scored poorly for LGBTQ+ safety.
- TikTok is the only platform maintaining its score for LGBTQ+ safety.
- GLAAD urges advertisers to reconsider support for platforms neglecting LGBTQ+ safety.
Hold onto your rainbow flags, folks, because Meta just took a nosedive in LGBTQ+ safety according to GLAAD’s latest Social Media Safety Index. And let’s just say, it’s not pretty. The report reveals that Meta—home to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads—has hit an all-time low when it comes to keeping its LGBTQ+ users safe. Talk about a social media scandal!
With policy changes that have made these platforms more dangerous for queer folks, particularly trans and non-binary individuals, it’s time to sound the alarm. GLAAD has been keeping a close eye on these developments, and the findings are alarming. In 2025 alone, Meta decided to loosen its grip on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This included allowing anti-LGBTQ+ terminology and removing protections for LGBTQ+ users. Can you believe it?
But wait, there’s more! Meta has also been accused of removing LGBTQ+ content and accounts left and right, all based on false user reports. And when users try to appeal these removals? Good luck with that! The tech giant has been as transparent as a brick wall. Meanwhile, they’ve appointed right-wing, anti-DEI pundit Robby Starbuck as their AI advisor. Yes, you heard that right. This is the same guy who was accused of “peddling lies and pushing extremism.” What a choice!
As if that wasn’t enough, GLAAD’s report doesn’t just stop at Meta. They also found that YouTube scored a dismal 30 out of 100, dropping 11 points from last year, while X (formerly Twitter) scored the lowest of any platform with a pathetic 29 out of 100. TikTok, however, is the only platform that managed to keep its score steady at 56 out of 100. Guess they’re doing something right!
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis did not hold back in her criticism. She stated, “Leading social media companies today do not meet basic best practices in content moderation, transparency, data privacy, and workforce diversity.” She emphasized that these companies continuously refuse to prioritize the safety and expression of LGBTQ+ people. It’s a systemic failure, and it’s time for tech leaders to step up!
Ellis also had a message for advertisers: “To LGBTQ creators, advocates, and organizations targeted on and by these platforms: these companies need to hear from you.” She urged them to hold these platforms accountable for the threats, disinformation, and bullying that lead to real-world violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s not just part of the job; it’s a crisis that needs fixing.
So, what does this mean for the future of LGBTQ+ safety on social media? If these platforms don’t start taking action, we might just have to start a digital revolution. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of a long fight for our rights online. The LGBTQ+ community deserves better, and we won’t settle for anything less!