“Outrage Follows as LGBTQ Groups Accuse Elon Musk of Cyberbullying Over Twitter’s Pronoun Policy!”

On Thursday, the technology billionaire announced that he would permit Twitter users to misgender individuals on the platform, including through the use of pronouns. Elon Musk stated that while he personally respects and uses the pronouns preferred by individuals, including those of transgender persons, he would not impose this policy on Twitter.

LGBTQ advocates expressed their disapproval of Musk’s comments after he indicated that users would be allowed to misgender others on the social media platform.

In a tweet coinciding with the commencement of Pride Month, Musk remarked that he chooses to use the pronouns preferred by individuals, as it reflects good manners. However, he clarified that he would not enforce such a policy on Twitter.

Musk’s remarks were made in response to a complaint from Jeremy Boreing, co-CEO of the conservative outlet The Daily Wire. Boreing, who aimed to share a video opposing transgender rights and claimed that Twitter had canceled a distribution agreement, argued that the inability to use pronouns differing from those of a transgender individual constituted a free speech issue.

“It is definitely allowed,” Musk responded to Boreing. “Regardless of your stance on using someone’s preferred pronouns, failing to do so is merely impolite and does not violate any laws.”

Musk indicated that Twitter employees who had informed Boreing otherwise were mistaken.

In the ongoing cultural debates, the use of incorrect pronouns is frequently employed as a means to harass transgender individuals. Twitter had previously prohibited this practice as part of its policy against degrading behavior and hate speech until April, when the new management under Musk discreetly altered the rule without an official announcement. This regulation had been in effect since 2018.

Musk’s recent comments have drawn criticism from LGBTQ organizations, which argue that the revised policy paves the way for increased anti-trans harassment.
Laurel Powell, a representative of the Human Rights Campaign, remarked in a phone interview that Twitter, which once served as a supportive community for many marginalized individuals, including those from the LGBTQ community, has now turned into a hostile environment.

She emphasized that the current situation is not merely about censorship or the suppression of ideas, but rather reflects the type of company Twitter aspires to be and the societal landscape it aims to influence.

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, the executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, expressed disappointment regarding Musk’s tweet. He stated that such actions would likely exacerbate hate speech that has already negatively impacted their community on social media platforms.

Heng-Lehtinen highlighted the potential risks to lives, referencing a 2020 survey conducted by The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention. The survey revealed that transgender and nonbinary youth who reported that most or all individuals in their lives respected their pronouns attempted suicide at half the rate of those whose pronouns were not respected.

Musk has previously demonstrated anti-trans sentiments, having ridiculed transgender individuals in tweets and accused advocates for trans rights of hypocrisy. Recently, he participated in a Twitter event to support the Republican presidential campaign of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has enacted several laws limiting LGBTQ rights. Notably, a year ago, one of Musk’s children sought to change her name and have her gender officially recognized as female, stating a desire to dissociate from Musk.

In a tweet on Thursday, Musk elaborated on his current perspective, stating, “I should note that I do personally use someone’s preferred pronouns, just as I use someone’s preferred name, simply from the standpoint of good manners.” He further added, “However, for the same reason, I object to rude behavior, ostracism or threats of violence if the wrong pronoun or name is used.”
GLAAD, the organization dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ media representation, stated that the previous Twitter policy was implemented to safeguard individuals from harassment and to provide assurance to advertisers concerned about their ads appearing alongside bullying content.

“The actions of Elon Musk further compromise the safety of users on an already faltering platform, making it even less attractive to advertisers,” the organization remarked in a statement.