Renowned lesbian activist Lady Phyll has made the decision to depart from Twitter, now known as X, due to a significant rise in hate speech and the suppression of marginalized voices on the platform.
Lady Phyll, whose full name is Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, is a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and Black liberation. As the co-founder and CEO of UK Black Pride, her departure marks a critical moment for activists questioning the role of social media in their advocacy.
A Platform Once Full of Promise
In a statement released on Thursday, January 30th, Lady Phyll lamented the changes she has witnessed on the platform since she joined in 2010. "No platform is perfect," she acknowledged, "but Twitter was once a place where real conversations led to real connections and change." Over the years, the site became a tool for her to "amplify Black liberation, LGBTQ+ rights, and fight for justice—loudly and unapologetically."
However, this is no longer the case. She alleged that the platform has become a "breeding ground" for hate and disinformation. "Black and LGBTQ+ activists are being harassed," she wrote, "while misinformation thrives unchecked." Reports have suggested that Twitter's algorithm may have actively suppressed the reach of activists from these communities.
Content Moderation and Its Dismantling
One of Lady Phyll's primary concerns is the dismantling of effective content moderation. "Hate speech is rampant," she explained, "while those who speak out against oppression are punished." She expressed her refusal to stay on a platform that "actively works against the very voices it once helped to uplift."
Her departure is part of a larger exodus of LGBTQ+ voices from the platform since Elon Musk's acquisition. Under his leadership, several changes were made that rolled back protections for the LGBTQ+ community, leading various organizations and individuals to reconsider their presence on Twitter.
Exploring New Horizons
Despite leaving Twitter, Lady Phyll emphasized that her "fight for equity, justice, and liberation doesn't stop—it just finds new spaces to thrive." She announced her move to Bluesky, a social media platform known for its strict community guidelines that explicitly ban "sexual harassment and gender identity-based harassment."
Lady Phyll joins other notable entities and individuals who have left Twitter, including brands like Ben & Jerry's and Trans charity Mermaids. Actor Bella Ramsay and others have also chosen to disconnect from the platform, citing similar concerns.
Community Response and Reflection
Upon Lady Phyll's announcement, there was an outpouring of support from activists and community members who share her concerns. Many echoed her sentiments about the need for safer digital spaces for marginalized voices.
Charity LGBT Youth Scotland, which also left the platform in 2023, noted an "increasingly concerning number of statements and decisions" that negatively impacted the LGBTQ+ community. They observed a troubling rise in extreme views and targeted attacks, which foster an environment contrary to their mission of "creating safe spaces for young people to feel hopeful about the world."
Ultimately, the charity concluded that "Twitter does not make this possible," highlighting the ongoing struggle for safe and inclusive online environments.
As more voices leave Twitter, the call for platforms that prioritize safety and inclusivity for marginalized groups becomes louder. The departure of influential figures like Lady Phyll underscores the urgent need for alternative spaces where advocacy can continue without the fear of harassment or suppression.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the impact of social media on activism. Remember to keep discussions respectful as we navigate these important issues.
Tags: LGBTQ+ activism, social media, digital safety, content moderation, Lady Phyll
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