A growing number of social media platforms are banning content promoting conversion therapy as a result of efforts from GLAAD. One of these platforms includes Spoutible, an alternative platform to X, launched in February of 2023. Last week, Spoutible founder, Christopher Bouzy, confirmed the ban was implemented. On the company’s website a mission statement describes the platform’s commitment to “creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable online space for all” while “mitigating targeted harassment, hate speech, disinformation, and platform manipulation.”
Another site seeing similar changes is Post, a platform meant to share news and information and encourage conversation amongst users. Last year, Post was praised by users for updating its policies to protect the LGBTQ+ community, more specifically transgender users. This updated policy included bans on pro-conversion therapy content.
The American non-profit dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy, GLAAD, is likely responsible for this progressive movement. According to The Advocate, “the organization has engaged with media and social media companies to promote best practices and LGBTQ-related content.”
GLAAD’s Social Media Safety Program pushes these platforms to revise their community guidelines to harbor a more inclusive and compassionate online culture. In recent years, LGBTQ+ users of platforms like X, have noticed an increase in hate speech. This phenomenon has only been exacerbated by the purchasing of the platform by billionaire, Elon Musk, who has given accounts back to users who were formerly banned for offensive comments.
Conversion therapy is still prevalent, with therapists, social workers, and professional counselors encouraging these practices, oftentimes behind closed doors. A study published in December of 2023 found that there are around 1,320 conversion therapy practitioners in the country, 46% of which hold active professional licenses and 54% of which operate in a religious capacity.
