LGBTQ Journalists Face High Levels of Online Abuse and Limited Employer Support, Survey Reveals
A recent survey conducted by Birmingham City University sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ journalists who encounter pervasive online abuse targeted at their sexual orientation and gender identity, often with inadequate support from their employers.
The survey encompassed 40 British LGBTQ+ journalists and unveiled concerning statistics: 86 percent of respondents reported experiencing abuse and harassment, while 62 percent refrained from reporting such incidents internally. The findings revealed that the majority of LGBTQ+ journalists (78 percent) believe that the environment for them is deteriorating. Additionally, these professionals expressed dissatisfaction with their employers' lack of substantial protective measures (78 percent) and policies that acknowledge the specific risks they face (58 percent).
The nature of the abuse varies, from attacks on Twitter—where individuals are overwhelmed with derogatory comments—to threatening emails and remarks. For instance, articles authored by LGBTQ+ journalists, particularly those covering events like Pride, are often met with online vitriol from trolls who perceive them as biased compared to reports by heterosexual colleagues.
However, an ingrained culture within the journalism field discourages victims from reporting such abuse internally, fearing they might be perceived as weak or not cut out for the job if they speak up about its impact. Compounding the problem, few UK newsrooms have formal structures in place to address cases of abuse and harassment. Consequently, victims often hesitate to report their experiences, doubting their employers' willingness to take action.
The report outlines seven key recommendations for newsrooms to enhance support for LGBTQ+ journalists, based on input from survey respondents:
Incorporate LGBTQ-specific threat training in journalist training programs, focusing on combating homophobic abuse.
Provide media executives with training on the implications of journalist abuse and the best practices for supporting staff in countering online abuse.
Offer therapy and counseling services for both staff journalists and freelancers who face abuse.
Record and track instances of abuse and harassment.
Introduce policies encouraging journalists to report abuse easily and anonymously.
Review abuse policies to encompass the distinctive risks LGBTQ employees face.
Cultivate an environment in which LGBTQ journalists feel truly included, extending beyond representation goals.
The report's author, freelance journalist Finbarr Toesland, hopes that the findings raise awareness about the unaddressed abuse suffered by LGBTQ journalists.
His report, “Are Media Organisations Adequately Protecting LGBTQ Journalists from Harassment and Abuse?” can be found HERE.
