The refusal of advertising and posts from the transgender community follows M3ta's controversial decision to relax its hate speech policies, which many argue normalises anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric.
Reports indicate that M3ta's has been rejecting paid advertisements related to transgender rights and pride events, citing vague policy violations. Queer advocacy groups claim this is part of a broader shift by the company to deprioritise LGBTIQ+ content, coinciding with the removal of Pride themes from its Messenger App earlier this year. These actions have sparked fears that the company is actively suppressing visibility for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and nonbinary communities.
The New Policy Changes Allow Anti-LGBTQ+ Content
M3ta'ss recently revised guidelines and now permit users to describe LGBTIQ+ individuals as "mentally ill" under the guise of political or religious discourse. The company has also removed prohibitions against slurs targeting protected groups, including transgender people, and allows misgendering and dehumanising language. Critics argue these changes create a hostile environment for marginalised communities.
The timing of these policy changes aligns with the resurgence of anti-trans rhetoric in the United States under Donald Trump's administration. M3ta's actions mirror broader political trends, including attempts to roll back transgender rights in multiple states. While Meta claims these changes reflect "mainstream discourse," LGBTIQ+ organisations warn they embolden hate speech globally, including here in Australia.
FOLLOW FUSE MAGAZINE ON BLUESKY SOCIAL
Advocates are calling on M3ta's to reverse its policies and ensure fair treatment of all people on its platforms. They also urge community members, businesses and event organisers to explore alternative platforms like Bluesky to promote LGBTIQ+ and pride events, emphasising the need for safe online spaces free from discrimination.
Trans Rights are Human Rights.
