YouTube Is Blocking Videos That Include LGBTQ Themes And Users Are FURIOUS

YouTube has sadly introduced a new ‘algorithm’ that filters out “inappropriate” content and it’s resulted in thousands of LGBTQ themed videos becoming invisible to users browsing under Restricted Mode. Restricted Mode has been around since 2015 but suddenly YouTubers have found that any ‘pro-gay’ videos are now almost exclusively targeted, while awful videos about hating gays are free for everyone to see. SMH.

We are honestly so, so sad to see this happen. YouTube was such a beautiful community and now they’ve done this?! These videos have helped MILLIONS know they’re not alone… why is that a bad thing?

NeonFiona and Rowan Ellis have found any of their ‘queer positive’ videos now sit under the restricted banner:

https://twitter.com/neonfiona/status/842390135257874432

ALL 3 OF MY RECENT VIDEOS (ABOUT ME BEING TRANS) ARE GONE AFTER YOU TURN ON HE AGE RESTRICTION FILTER I'M SO UPSET. 😡 https://t.co/IpVnL7zfph
— Sofia (@Sofiatheedoll) March 17, 2017

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Transgender YouTuber Gigi Gorgeous has also been affected and has posted a powerful video saying she is proud to be restricted and YouTube has made a HUGE mistake stopping people seeing this content. In the video she says:

“YouTube was my family, YouTube was the place where I found a community of people that understood what I was going through…” she said. “Someone’s coming out video is what a 10, 11, 12-year-old — or younger — might need to see. That video might be the ultimate tipping point for them — in their transition, in their gender identity, in them becoming the best person they can be. And I really do think that this YouTube restriction stops people from being their authentic selves.”

My thoughts on the new LGBTQ restriction on YouTube. https://t.co/lGpNvxyoFa pic.twitter.com/bAKShQL4Fe
— Gigi Gorgeous Getty (@TheGigiGorgeous) March 19, 2017

YouTube powerhouse Tyler Oakley is also leading the charge about raising awareness about YouTube’s new restrictions, telling people to keep supporting the community and to not believe the platform’s lies until they see a change in restrictions.

still not fixed. one of my recent videos "8 Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Who Inspire Me" is blocked because of this. i'm perplexed, @YouTube. https://t.co/MrGBmPum1a
— tyler oakley // schedule pinned (@tyleroakley) March 19, 2017

oops! you did this wrong. how to fix this: admit you messed up, apologize without excuses, immediately stop enforcing the ineffective policy https://t.co/TmPo0DGkd7
— tyler oakley // schedule pinned (@tyleroakley) March 20, 2017

Other openly gay and bisexual YouTubers have been sharing their anger at the news, also urging YouTube to fix it NOW.

https://twitter.com/ingridnilsen/status/843901731926814720

So upset about the LGBTQ+ @youtube filter. Creators have worked to make this a platform of progression + inclusion. This isn't who WE are! 😕
— Joey Graceffa (@JoeyGraceffa) March 19, 2017

YouTube fans are also hitting back, starting the hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty:

https://twitter.com/byebyehealy/status/843762271067213824

i'm confused, shouldn't these be the restricted videos??#YoutubeIsoverParty pic.twitter.com/4kfasbVdnj
— Kat (@kat_katayama) March 20, 2017

YouTube: We support equality!

Also YouTube: *restricts LQBTQ videos from being seen*#YouTubeIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/ZhppSxIDWP
— Mike T (@rhymeswithbeg) March 19, 2017

Your sexuality doesn't define you nor should it define how easy it is to search content on @youtube #youtubeisoverparty
— Cam Mansel (@CamMansel) March 20, 2017

Are you listening YouTube? PICK UP YOUR GAME. Homophobia and transphobia are sooooo 11th century, change your values or we’ll find somewhere else to watch videos.

Danielle K

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