Recently, homophobic hate speech has become alarmingly common on TikTok. Users attack, mock, and insult us, spreading false information disguised as scientific fact. Others target strangers with comments like, “We know you’re gay,” threatening and inciting judgment from their followers.  

This echoes a similar hate campaign on Facebook years ago. At the time, critics claimed such bigotry “didn’t exist in our country,” pointing fingers abroad and calling for “border guards” to “protect” society. Back then, the campaign felt new and terrifying. I dreaded logging onto Facebook, anxious about what family, friends or acquaintances might post.  

Today, despite the rising tide of hatred, I’m inspired by the countless queer individuals and allies—many anonymous—who fight daily through comments and advocacy. They fight not only for their own rights but those of the entire community. We’ve moved from denial (“This doesn’t happen here”) to panic (“They’re spreading it”) to a growing acknowledgment of our existence, even among those unfamiliar with our lives. As hatred intensifies, so must our collective voice.  Enjoy! 

Here’s how we resist:

– When they tell hateful “jokes,” clap back with humor.  

– When they spread lies, share the real, lived histories of queer people.  

Together, we’ll shift the narrative until even our critics are forced to admit: “They are demanding their rights—and succeeding.”