Update (last updated 7/8/24): This article has been repeatedly updated with additional examples. The account Libs of TikTok directs the anti-LGBTQ outrage of a large audience toward individual people and institutions, authoring posts that are regularly followed by harassment and threats of violence. Bomb threats to hospitals and harassment against hospital staff have followed the account’s posts to social media. A similar relationship is apparent in a series of bomb threats, death threats, and harassment efforts against schools, libraries, and educators. The account has also seemingly inspired violent protests and threats to Pride events, drag shows, and drag queen story hours. Media Matters documented 38 institutions, events, and individuals who reported threats after being targeted by Libs of TikTok, and 10 who reported harassment — a total of at least 48 instances of threats or harassment. Here’s a timeline of threats and harassment seemingly sparked by Libs of TikTok’s posts, as well as some background on the account and the right-wing websites that help to amplify its hate.
Whaaa??
Oh, boy, am I glad I unplugged from social media at the beginning of covid