International Day against Homo-, Bi-, Inter- and Trans-hostilityTogether against anti-queer hate speech

On May 17, 1990, homosexuality was removed from the list of mental illnesses. And since 2005, the International Day against Homo-, Bi-, Inter- and Transphobia (IDAHOBITA) has been held on this date. The day of action aims to raise awareness of the many forms of discrimination against queer people. The LGBTQIA+ community is also targeted daily on the internet. We show what people can do if they are affected by queer-hostile hate speech.

The situation of homosexuals, bisexuals, intersexuals and transsexuals has improved in many places in recent years. However, the number of anti-queer attacks is also increasing. Queer people are confronted with hatred and hate speech, not least on the internet. For example, people from the LGBTQIA+ community are mocked in posts and memes, they are denigrated as deviant and unnatural and in some cases violence is openly incited against them. The LGBTQIA+ community is also used for disinformation campaigns and conspiracy theories. In a briefing for the European Parliament, several typical anti-queer narratives were identified. These include, for example, the narrative of an alleged "gender ideology" driven by a morally corrupt elite and the claim that queer people pose a danger to children.

Behind this hate speech are often religious fundamentalist, right-wing populist or far-right groups and individuals. They try to make queer people appear to be a threat to society.

Active against hate speech

No one should be exposed to hate and violence. When we encounter hate speech online, there are many ways to actively combat it. This applies to both victims and witnesses.

• Be courageous! Trolls and haters should not cause people to withdraw out of fear. Take a stand for open-minded and respectful coexistence. Point out discriminatory content to others, make sure you use a fair tone and use humor to debunk absurd arguments.
• Protect yourself! Be aware of your boundaries when dealing with hate comments. If someone continues to rant even though you are having a discussion, say goodbye in a friendly manner. Delete or block trolls if their posts offend you.
• Set boundaries! Delete insults and threats as the moderator of a page. Block people who make discriminatory comments and report hate comments to the site operator. Secure evidence with screenshots. Statements that incite violence are prohibited by law and can be prosecuted by the police. Reporting centers such as www.jugendschutz.net or www.internet-beschwerdestelle.de offer support.
• Get help! If you feel insecure or hostile, talk to friends, parents or people you trust and seek support. Initiatives such as HateAid, #NetzCourage, Nummer gegen Kummer e.V. and Juuuport (for young people) also offer help.

Preventive measures

What can we do to prevent queer hate speech in advance?

• Creating spaces for experience: Young people need spaces to develop an objective, open and respectful culture of debate. This includes real opportunities to participate in shaping their (digital) environment, through which they experience the value of democratic processes.
• Teaching media skills: Young people should learn how to use the internet critically and independently. This includes protecting personal data, classifying and checking information and recognizing contact risks.
• Gender-sensitive pedagogy: Pedagogy that addresses gender issues and sexuality can help prevent hate speech.
• Reducing discrimination in everyday life: Educational professionals and parents should address discrimination structures in order to eliminate the breeding ground for queer-hostile hate speech.

Source - Together against anti-queer hate speech