YouTube's LGBTQ #ProudToBe initiative attracts hateful comments
LOS ANGELES -- YouTube's #ProudToBe initiative is facing a sea of haters.
The video series, launched last week, was created to celebrate people throughout the LGBTQ community and around the globe.
The kick-off video (above) features prominent YouTubers including Gigi Gorgeous, Tyler Oakley, Kat Blaque, and Tre Melvin.
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It has amassed a whopping 8.8 million views.
However, the number of thumbs down dislikes (245,574) outpaces the number of thumbs up likes (187,495).
And due to the amount of negativity from YouTube users, the platform has now disabled all comments.
Before they were taken down, comments ranged from "You’re all freaks of society” to “There is only three gender [sic]. 1. Man 2. Female 3. Mental disturbed [sic].”
YouTube said it bans hate speech “including the promotion of violence on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The video initiative came in time for June's Pride month and after mass shooting in Orlando at a gay nightclub. The tragedy shook the nation, but also Team Internet since YouTube has become known as a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community.
At VidCon, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki showed the video during her keynote.
“Over the last year at YouTube, we’ve given a lot of thought about what we stand for, and we’ve identified a number of 'Freedoms' that we believe in and want to promote at YouTube," she said.
"This includes the Freedom of Expression: that YouTube gives everyone a voice. The Freedom of Information: that YouTube provides information to everyone around the globe. The Freedom of Opportunity: that anyone on YouTube can build a media business and the Freedom to Belong: that everyone can find connection and community.”
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Saba was a Los Angeles-based reporter who covers all things digital entertainment, including YouTube, streaming services and digital influencers. Prior to that, she spent two years at the Los Angeles Times covering entertainment for the Calendar and Company Town sections. Saba grew up in Santa Monica and graduated from Boston University with a B.S. in journalism and B.A. in political science. When not reporting, she is usually binge watching shows online or looking for new coffee shops to frequent.
