The Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity (LHC) recently commissioned a study that uncovered high levels of online abuse targeting the sexual orientation and gender identity of LGBTQ+ journalists in the United Kingdom. This groundbreaking research found that such harassment has become increasingly common, with over eight in ten (82%) respondents reporting that they have faced online trolling, and more than half (56%) experiencing homophobic harassment.
Mental Health Impact of Online Harassment
Many LGBTQ+ journalists feel unsafe in their roles, as 76% of those surveyed either disagreed or strongly disagreed that media organizations are providing them with adequate protection from abuse and harassment. The study also revealed that nearly three quarters (74%) of the professionals surveyed suffer from anxiety due to the abuse they receive.
Social Media Platforms and the ‘Trans Debate’
Twitter was identified as the most common platform for online harassment, followed by Facebook and Instagram, with 88%, 33%, and 24% of respondents experiencing abuse on these platforms, respectively. The study also highlighted the so-called ‘trans debate’ as a catalyst for increased abuse against LGBTQ+ journalists who engage in the current media coverage.
Recommendations for the Future
The research prompted calls for journalism training to incorporate strategies for managing online threats and increased education for executives on how abuse against journalists can impact them both personally and professionally. The report, titled “Are media organisations adequately protecting LGBTQ journalists from harassment and abuse?”, was produced by award-winning journalist Finbarr Toesland with academic supervision from researcher Dr Poppy Wilde at Birmingham City University’s School of Media.