Lady Phyll, a legendary activist known for her tireless work in advocating for Black and LGBTQ+ communities, has made the bold decision to leave the social media platform X. Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, who co-founded UK Black Pride and has been its CEO, expressed her reasons for departing X, citing the escalating presence of hate speech and disinformation on the platform.
In a heartfelt announcement on Thursday, January 30th, Lady Phyll shared her thoughts, acknowledging that while "no platform is perfect," she could no longer remain on X due to its transformation into "a breeding ground for hate, disinformation, and the silencing of marginalised voices."
Reflecting on her journey with the platform, Lady Phyll reminisced about her early days on X, stating, "I joined this platform in 2010, back when it was a space for real conversations, real connections, and real change. Over the years, I’ve used this space to amplify Black liberation, LGBTQ+ rights, and fight for justice – loudly and unapologetically."
Concerns Over Platform's Direction
Lady Phyll has been vocal about the challenges faced by Black and LGBTQ+ activists on X. She alleged that these groups had been subjected to harassment while misinformation spread unchecked. Reports have surfaced suggesting that X's algorithms may have suppressed the visibility of content created by Black and LGBTQ+ activists, exacerbating the issue.
"The dismantling of content moderation has allowed hate speech to run rampant," she continued, "while those calling out oppression are punished for speaking truth. I refuse to stay in a space that actively works against the very voices it once helped to uplift."
Despite her departure from X, Lady Phyll remains committed to her advocacy work, emphasizing that the "fight for equity, justice, and liberation doesn’t stop – it just finds new spaces to thrive." She announced her intention to join Bluesky, a social media platform with community guidelines that explicitly prohibit "sexual harassment and gender identity-based harassment."
A Growing Trend of Departures
Lady Phyll is not alone in her decision to leave X. Since the platform underwent ownership and policy changes, many LGBTQ+ organizations, public figures, and brands have also chosen to sever ties. These decisions often stem from concerns about rising hate speech and the rollback of protections for marginalized groups.
Among those who have left are prominent entities such as Ben & Jerry's, Trans charity Mermaids, and actor Bella Ramsey. These departures highlight a broader dissatisfaction with the platform's direction under its new leadership.
In 2023, the charity LGBT Youth Scotland also decided to leave X, stating that the platform had become "increasingly concerned by a number of statements and decisions that have had a real impact on the LGBTQ+ community." The charity emphasized its commitment to creating "safe spaces for young people to feel hopeful about the world" and concluded that "ultimately, X does not make this possible."
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, activists like Lady Phyll are leading the way in seeking out and supporting platforms that prioritize safety, inclusivity, and the amplification of marginalized voices.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this issue and encourage a respectful, constructive discussion in the comments below.
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