by Joe Siegel

In the last month, Elon Musk’s Twitter/X has seen a massive departure of users to rival social media platform Bluesky, including LGBTQ journalists and media outlets.

Erin Reed, an independent journalist covering trans rights issues on Substack, told NBC News on November 30, “I think that Bluesky’s demographic is literally just anybody who can’t stand the sort of toxic environment that Twitter has become, and that spans a large range of people. Journalists don’t like toxicity and toxic comments. We want to have conversations with people, and we don’t want everything to devolve into slurs being hurled back and forth.”

This past July, the Advocate reported that Twitter/X abruptly shut down Pink Media and the #ILoveGay network.

“They had a reach spanning over 1 million followers, so the abrupt suspension of their more than 250 profiles shut down a leading voice in LGBTQ+ marketing,” the Advocate reported. “Pink Media, known for its strategic engagement with diverse LGBTQ+ audiences, found itself inexplicably shut down by X, allegedly due to a ‘user report’ of violating platform rules. However, the specifics of the infraction remain shrouded in mystery, leading to speculation about the true motives behind this mass suspension.”

In part due to Musk’s embrace of President-elect Donald Trump and right-wing extremism, LGBTQ media outlets have embraced Bluesky.

Wilton Manors, Fla.-based OutSFL, for one, released a statement on its website about the switch.

“OutSFL is thrilled to announce that we’ve officially joined Bluesky, an innovative social media platform designed for open and decentralized communication,” the newspaper wrote. “As South Florida’s primary source of news for the LGBTQ community, this move underscores our commitment to staying connected with our readers across multiple platforms. BlueSky has experienced significant growth since the election, becoming a hub for meaningful engagement and community-building.”

Publisher Jason Parsley added, “We understand that our readers consume news and information in highly individualized ways. It’s important for us to expand our reach to ensure we’re connecting with every segment of our audience.”

News Is Out, an coalition of LGBTQ media outlets, said it is also expanding its reach with Bluesky.

“While News is Out is still active on X, we recognize the importance of expanding our presence to Bluesky,” said Dana Piccoli, News is Out’s managing director. “X is certainly not what it was a few years ago, but as a news organization covering marginalized communities, we want to ensure people can access our news on the platform. We joined Bluesky about two weeks ago, and so far, the engagement has been solid. We’re reaching a new audience that seems very invested in LGBTQ+ journalism.”

WhatsApp has also become a popular platform for various LGBTQ media. Last May, London, U.K.-based PinkNews launched its own channel. “We’ll be using the channel to share as many as four important updates a day, making it even easier for you to keep informed of all things PinkNews. From breaking news to in-depth features and agenda-setting exclusives, the PinkNews WhatsApp channel will include wider entertainment, politics, and what-to-buy content from across the globe.”

OutSFL has also joined WhatsApp. “One of OutSFL’s missions is to meet readers where they are. Over the past few months, we’ve launched new digital newsletters and created a channel on WhatsApp,” said Parsley.

Parsley said followers can look forward to “real-time updates on LGBTQ news and events in South Florida, exclusive behind-the-scenes content from OutSFL’s projects and initiatives, and a safe, inclusive space for meaningful dialogue with readers and supporters.”

IN THE NEWS
Volume 26
Issue 10