X/Twitter has ‘quietly restored’ a ban on misgendering and deadnaming trans people
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In April 2023, Elon Musk’s X platform, previously known as Twitter, made a controversial decision to roll back a crucial policy protecting transgender users from misgendering and deadnaming, sparking widespread condemnation. This move put X behind other social media giants such as TikTok and Pinterest, both of which had explicit bans on misgendering, deadnaming, misogyny, and the promotion of conversion therapy practices.
The decision to backtrack on the policy came after Elon Musk himself suggested that his own tweets might violate the 2018 guidelines, leading to the rule being quietly dropped. However, in a surprising turn of events, X quietly reinstated the original policy in January 2024. According to Ars Technica, X’s updated policy now includes a section labeled “Use of Prior Names and Pronouns,” which confirms that the platform will reduce the visibility of posts that purposefully use different pronouns or previous names that individuals no longer go by as part of their transition.
Upon the reinstatement of the policy, LGBTQ+ journalist Ari Drennen shared the news with her followers, highlighting that X had quietly restored their ban on misgendering and deadnaming trans individuals, as long as it is reported by the target. This move came amidst a wave of LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals leaving X due to a perceived increase in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans hate on the platform.
Users on X reacted to the news of the policy change, with one individual expressing disbelief at receiving a violation for using the word “cis” and another speculating whether the change was motivated by a widening perspective or potential litigation. The impact of this policy change on the overall safety of LGBTQ+ individuals using the platform remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether organizations that have previously left X will consider returning.
Notably, The Trevor Project, a non-profit LGBTQ+ suicide prevention organization, announced its departure from X in November 2023, citing concerns about the platform’s moderation functions affecting the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people. Similarly, transgender charity Mermaids, LGBTQ Youth Scotland, and The San Francisco LGBT Centre also announced their departure from X in response to the perceived lack of support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
As X quietly reinstates its ban on misgendering and deadnaming, the impact of this policy change on the platform’s LGBTQ+ community and whether it will lead to a shift in the platform’s moderation practices remains to be seen. Despite these changes, the departure of key LGBTQ+ organizations underscores ongoing concerns about inclusivity and support for marginalized communities on social media platforms.
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