GLSEN Engages New Media Strategies, Launches Social Media Campaign
NMS identified over 1,130 tweets in which something or someone was described as "so gay" and over 7,000 tweets in which someone was called a "fag" or "faggot" in just one week's time. Many of these anti-LGBT tweets were directed at specific individuals via @ messages.
GLSEN intends to reduce anti-LGBT language in schools and looks to social media to help spread the word.
Read more about the campaign on our blog.
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So, how do we erase the problem of anti-LGBT language online? One way is to direct people to ThinkB4YouSpeak.com, a campaign created by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) to raise awareness among teens about the consequences of homophobic remarks.
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) intends to reduce anti-LGBT language in schools and the campaign's website has many features that could have a real impact within Twitter and other social media platforms:
- Take the Pledge - Submit a word or phrase that could be used in place of homophobic remarks. GLSEN posts the best submissions on the "Say Something Original" wall.
- Send an E-card - Teens who've unintentionally hurt their friends through homophobic remarks can send an apologetic e-card in which they promise to "think before [they] speak" in the future.
- Watch and Submit Videos - Influential celebrities like Hilary Duff are featured in clever PSAs that aim to make teens think twice before insulting something as "gay." Young activists can even submit videos of their own.
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