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iwoll · 6 months ago

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The Intersectionality of Queer Identity & Punk Rock

A Zine?

Yes, zine! Zines are like little pockets of subculture just waiting to be discovered. For me, they've been a constant source of fascination since my middle school emo days, when I first read Perks of Being a Wallflower. It was like finding a secret language, a way to express myself outside the mainstream. The Rocky Horror Picture Show and alternative music were my jam back then (and still are!) and discovering that zines could blend both worlds was utterly mind-blowing.

I delved deep into zine archives, soaking up inspiration from creators who came before me. I researched tirelessly, learning the ins and outs of zine-making, and honing my writing skills for the chance to contribute my own voice to this brilliant community. Suddenly, I had this platform where I could talk about everything I loved in one place. It wasn't just about sharing passions; it was about connecting with others who felt the same way, building a community of like-minded souls bound together by ink and paper. It was liberating!

Why did I choose this mode?

As stated before, zines bring together important conversations that people are passionate about. I am pulling from Perks of Being a Wallflower in the sense that I am bridging two concepts that are very close to my heart. As an as a self-described alternative queer man, I believe it is very important to remember where we came from, who came before us. This zine serves as an homage to the queer/alternative voices that came before me; however, this is not just for other queer or alternative individuals. This is for everyone. Regardless of politics, identity, or location, this zine is for you.

Where does Zine culture come from?

Zine culture, with its raw, unfiltered expression and grassroots ethos, finds its roots intertwined with the rise of punk music in the mid-1970s but can be traced all the way back to the early 1930s. Emerging as a response to the commercialization and homogenization of mainstream media, zines served as DIY platforms for individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and creations in a tangible, accessible format.[x]

The DIY ethos embedded within zine culture finds its parallel in the punk movement. While previous musical genres such as skiffle and rock and roll also embraced DIY elements, it was punk that elevated the concept to a central tenet of its cultural and musical identity.[x] Punk rejected the polished, corporate-driven sound of mainstream music in favor of a raw, do-it-yourself approach that prioritized authenticity and individuality over commercial success.

In the face of state intervention and commercialization within the music industry, participants in alternative music scenes often embraced DIY as a form of resistance. By creating and disseminating their own zines, bands, artists, and activists asserted their independence from mainstream institutions and asserted their right to self-expression. This resistance was not merely a rejection of external forces but also a reclaiming of cultural autonomy and a celebration of DIY values.

Zine culture, therefore, emerges as a direct response to the limitations and shortcomings of mainstream media and culture. It represents a space where creativity knows no bounds, where voices that are often marginalized or silenced can find resonance and solidarity. In its simplicity and accessibility, zine culture embodies the spirit of punk's DIY ethic, offering a platform for self-expression and community-building that continues to thrive and evolve in the digital age.

Why are zines important?

Zines are vital conduits for self-expression, community building, and the preservation of alternative voices. Rooted in a rich history of resistance and creativity, zines offer a platform for individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and creations outside the constraints of mainstream media. Emerging as a response to the homogenization and commercialization of traditional publishing, zines embody a rebellious spirit that champions authenticity and individuality.

Unlike glossy, corporate publications, zines are often cheaply made and readily accessible, democratizing the process of expression and inviting participation from individuals of all backgrounds. This accessibility not only empowers creators to share their stories but also fosters a sense of connection and camaraderie among like-minded individuals who share common interests and passions.

At its core, zine culture is about more than just printing; it's about building community and amplifying marginalized voices. By creating and sharing zines, creators forge connections with readers, sparking conversations and collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries. Zines serve as historical and cultural artifacts, documenting the experiences and perspectives of diverse communities, ensuring that alternative narratives are preserved and celebrated. In a world where mainstream media often overlooks or silences marginalized voices, zines offer a space for these voices to be heard, valued, and embraced.

The Basics

A subculture refers to a distinct group within a larger society that shares a set of beliefs, values, practices, and interests that deviate from mainstream culture. Subcultures are born out of a variety of social, cultural, and historical factors, often as a response to the perceived limitations or inadequacies of mainstream society. Dissatisfaction with societal norms and values can lead individuals or groups to seek out alternative spaces where they can express themselves authentically and find like-minded peers.

Subcultural groups often draw inspiration from existing cultural forms, such as music, fashion, art, and literature, which they reinterpret and repurpose to reflect their own distinct identities and sensibilities. This process of reclamation allows subcultures to create new meanings and symbols that resonate with their members, contributing to the evolution and diversification of subcultural identities.

Why punk?

In "Visual Vitriol" by David A. Ensminger, the author encapsulates the essence of punk rock as a refuge for those seeking a space to express themselves authentically. He reflects on the allure of punk, suggesting that many are drawn to it for the opportunity it provides to embrace a queer or unconventional identity comfortably. The quote from "INSIDE FRONT #13" captures this sentiment, highlighting punk as a haven for those who feel alienated from mainstream culture, offering a platform for self-expression without judgment.

Ensminger also acknowledges the significant influence of the LGBTQ+ community within punk. He asserts that "Gays shaped both the looks typifying punk and the history of punk music," recognizing the pivotal role of LGBTQ+ individuals in defining punk's aesthetic and its evolution as a cultural movement. This acknowledgment underscores the profound impact of queer individuals on the visual and musical elements that have become synonymous with punk. In essence, Ensminger's summary portrays punk not only as a musical genre but also as a cultural space shaped by and for those who seek to challenge societal norms and celebrate their identities openly.[x]

Punk 101

Punk rock emerged in the mid-1970s as a raw, energetic, and rebellious response to the perceived stagnation and commercialization of mainstream rock music. Its roots can be traced back to earlier musical movements such as garage rock, protopunk, and glam rock, which laid the groundwork for the aggressive, stripped-down sound that would later define punk. Bands like The Velvet Underground, The Stooges, MC5, and New York Dolls contributed to the development of this new musical aesthetic, characterized by its simplicity, urgency, and confrontational lyrics.

The early punk scene in New York City, centered around clubs like CBGB and Max's Kansas City, saw the emergence of pioneering bands like Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, and Patti Smith. These artists rejected the polished, virtuosic style of mainstream rock in favor of a do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos and a more direct, unfiltered approach to music. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a parallel punk movement was taking shape in the United Kingdom, spearheaded by bands like Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned, and Buzzcocks. Fuelled by a sense of disillusionment with the social and political climate of the time, UK punk bands captured the attention of disaffected youth with their raw energy and provocative lyrics.

Ensminger’s analysis that highlights the significant influence of the LGBTQ+ community within punk, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the genre's aesthetic and cultural evolution. Punk provided a refuge for those seeking to express themselves authentically, including queer and unconventional identities. This acknowledgment underscores punk's broader significance as not just a musical genre but a cultural space where individuals could challenge societal norms and celebrate their identities openly.

Punk rock had a profound impact on music, fashion, and culture at large. Its influence can be seen in subsequent genres like hardcore punk, post-punk, and alternative rock. Punk's DIY ethic and spirit of rebellion continue to inspire artists and activists around the world, reminding us of the power of music to challenge the status quo and amplify marginalized voices.

What about Riot Grrl?

Isaacson's analysis reveals Riot Grrrl's enduring legacy of empowerment and activism, demonstrating how its in-fluence resonated across subsequent generations of punk and Queercore artists. Riot Grrrl's ethos of self-expression and collective action inspired a new wave of feminist and queer activism within punk and beyond, shaping the cultural landscape and providing a voice for marginalized communities.

The problematic past of punk history

The problematic past of punk, as explored in "Cultural Criminology" by Jeff Ferrell and Clinton R. Sanders, sheds light on the complex relationship between subcultures, societal norms, and the criminal justice system. While punk emerged as a form of resistance against societal constraints, it also harbored elements of extremism and prejudice, particularly evident in its association with neo-Nazi skinheads.[“Subculture, Style, and Crime.” Cultural Criminology, 1995]

The evolution of punk, like many other musical genres, began as a grassroots expression of resistance by marginalized groups within the political-economic system. Ferrell and Sanders emphasize that punk's origins lie in the struggles of young people with limited resources, echoing a sentiment of rebellion against societal oppression. However, as punk gained mainstream attention, certain factions within the subculture, such as neo-Nazi skinheads, emerged, espousing inflammatory and prejudiced ideologies.

Moreover, Ferrell and Sanders note the paradoxical nature of punk's evolution, where expressions of resistance can become sanitized and marketable to mainstream audiences over time. While punk initially served as a platform for marginalized voices to challenge societal norms, its commodification and mainstream success have sometimes diluted its original rebellious spirit.

What is “Queercore?”

Viva la resistance!

"Queercore: How to Punk a Revolution," directed by Yony Leyser and featuring performances by notable figures such as John Waters, Kim Gordon, and Bruce La Bruce, is a documentary that delves into the history and ethos of the Queercore movement. Released in 2017, the film provides a comprehensive look at this subculture that emerged within the punk rock scene as a form of queer ex-pression and resistance. [Leyser, Yony, director. Queercore: How to Punk a Revolution. Totho Productions, 2017]

The documentary explores how Queercore arose in the 1980s as a response to the lack of representation and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals within both mainstream society and the punk scene itself. It showcases interviews with key figures who were instrumental in shaping Queercore, shedding light on their motivations, struggles, and achievements. Through their stories, the film captures the spirit of defiance and creativity that defined Queercore, challenging societal norms and advocating for queer liberation. [x]

D. R. DeChaine's article "Mapping subversion: Queercore music’s playful discourse of resistance" provides an insightful exploration into the world of Queercore, shedding light on its history, identity politics, and subversive nature within the punk rock scene. The article delves into how Queercore emerges as a fusion of punk rock music and queer politics, embodying punk's rejection of mainstream commercialism with its fast, raw sound and DIY ethos. It emphasizes the politically charged nature of Queercore, where artists use sexually explicit and often vulgar lyrics to challenge societal norms and express a culture that defies mainstream conventions.[x]

A key theme is the role of “play” within Queercore, offering participants a space to resist and subvert dominant cultural narratives. This play is not just recreational but empowering, providing temporary liberation from the oppressive ideologies of mainstream culture. DeChaine highlights the historical silence around homosexuality in music, pointing to the challenge of connecting queer and punk discourses due to this silence.

In Ambrosch's exploration of gender, feminism, and queer identity within punk culture, "'Refusing to Be a Man': Gender, Feminism and Queer Identity in the Punk Culture" delves into the subversive nature of punk as a reaction to the 'rock machismo' prevalent in the 1970s. From its inception, punk has challenged heteronormative notions of gender and sexuality, with first-wave artists intentionally blurring boundaries. Ambrosch highlights bands like Bikini Kill and Crass as exemplifying an intersectionality and blurring of gender boundaries by first-wave punk artists and their exploration of nonmainstream gender identities.[x]

The author explores the evolution of the term 'punk,' tracing its origins from Shakespearean times to its later connotations of 'young male delinquent.' This linguistic history mirrors punk's rebellious spirit and its embrace of non-mainstream identities. Punk, according to Ambrosch, fosters an environment for challenging established norms, including gender and sexuality, with bands since the late 1970s addressing these issues.

However, Ambrosch also critiques punk's gender dynamics. Drawing on Sharon Cheslow's insights from Chalk Circle, the author discusses how male anger is often romanticized in punk, while female anger is viewed as threatening. Men tend to dominate cultural spaces within punk, making it challenging for women and LGBTQ individuals to fully participate.

Queercore Bands

"QUEER AS PUNK: Queercore and the Production of an Anti-Normative Media Subculture" by C. Nault, published by Routledge in 2013, offers a comprehensive examination of the Queercore movement and its role in creating an anti-normative media subculture. This book delves into the origins, development, and significance of Queercore as a subversive force within both the punk rock scene and broader LGBTQ+ culture.[x]

Nault's work highlights how Queercore emerged in the 1980s as a response to the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals within punk and mainstream media. The book explores the ways in which Queercore artists used music, zines, and other forms of media to challenge heteronormativity and traditional gender roles. By rejecting assimilation and embracing radical self-expression, Queercore became a platform for marginalized voices to be heard.

The author discusses key figures and bands within the Queercore movement, such as Tribe 8 and Pansy Division, who used their music and performances to confront societal norms and address issues of sexuality, gender identity, and politics. Nault also examines the impact of Queercore beyond its music, delving into its influence on art, literature, and activism.

Problematic Queercore Bands

Without naming any specific bands or groups, I think it is important to acknowledge the problematic side of Queercore. Just like punk rock, Queercore has its controversial and horrific sides. I believe it is crucial to acknowledge problematic Queercore bands as their actions and behavior can have significant consequences for the LGBTQ+ community and the broader punk scene. By shining a light on these issues, we can address harmful behaviors, challenge oppressive attitudes, and work towards creating safer and more inclusive spaces within the scene.

Acknowledging problematic behavior within Queercore bands helps hold them accountable for their actions. These bands may espouse values of inclusivity and acceptance, but if their actions contradict these principles or perpetuate harm, it's essential to call attention to it. Holding individuals and groups accountable for harmful behavior sends a message that such actions will not be tolerated and helps protect vulnerable members of the community. This allows for conversations about power dynamics, privilege, and accountability within the LGBTQ+ community itself. Just because someone identifies as queer does not absolve them of responsibility for harmful actions.

Being queer does not inherently make you anti-racist. Being queer does not inherently make you anti-fascist. Being queer does not inherently make you a feminist. Being queer does not inherently make you a person with good values.

Into the Mainstream

Despite the flaws of individual figures within the movement, Queercore's presence in the mainstream contributes to greater visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities. Just as Oscar Wilde's contributions to queer literature remain significant despite his personal flaws, Queercore bands play a vital role in amplifying queer voices and experiences. Their presence challenges mainstream narratives and provides a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves authentically.

Queercore as Resistance

Queercore embodies a defiant rejection of mainstream expectations and norms regarding gender and sexuality. Its very existence challenges the notion that queer identities should be hidden or marginalized, instead asserting the right to visibility and self-expression.

At its core, Queercore disrupts dominant narratives by amplifying queer voices and experiences. Through music, zines, art, and DIY activism, it provides a platform for individuals to express their identities authentically, free from societal constraints. This radical self-expression is inherently political, challenging the status quo and demanding recognition and acceptance for all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Queercore's resistance is multifaceted, extending beyond the realm of culture and art to encompass social and political activism. It confronts discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, advocating for equal rights and protections under the law. Through grassroots organizing and community building, Queercore fosters solidarity among marginalized communities, amplifying their collective voices in the fight for justice and liberation.

Moreover, Queercore serves as a form of cultural resistance, reclaiming spaces traditionally dominated by heteronormative and cisnormative narratives. By creating inclusive and welcoming environments within the punk and DIY scenes, it challenges exclusionary practices and fosters a sense of belonging for queer individuals. In doing so, Queercore disrupts hegemonic power structures and asserts the right to exist unapologetically in all spaces.

Queercore's resistance is both personal and collective, challenging oppression at individual, societal, and systemic levels. By embracing radical self-expression, advocating for social change, and reclaiming cultural spaces, Queercore stands as a defiant assertion of queer identity and autonomy in the face of adversity.

What’s in it for me?

Haha, get it? Ah, it’s a Queercore joke. Pansy Division? Anyways… Queercore extends further than just the queer community, it embraces feminist and BIPOC intersectionality while providing a platform for marginalized voices. In the face of ongoing discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in America, Queercore serves as a beacon of resistance, advocating for social change and celebrating diversity.

At its core, Queercore challenges the heteronormative and cisnormative structures pervasive in society. It disrupts traditional narratives of gender and sexuality, offering a space for individuals to explore and express their identities freely. This liberation extends to feminist and BIPOC perspectives, acknowledging the intersecting struggles faced by marginalized communities. By amplifying diverse voices, Queercore dismantles oppressive systems and paves the way for intersectional solidarity.

In America, anti-LGBT sentiment remains a pervasive force, manifesting in various forms of discrimination, violence, and legislative attacks on queer rights. Queercore confronts this hostility head-on, advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility and empowerment. Through music, zines, and DIY activism, it challenges societal norms and demands recognition and acceptance for all sexual orientations and gender identities. By rejecting assimilationist tendencies and embracing radical self-expression, Queercore asserts the right to exist unapologetically in a hostile environment.

Furthermore, Queercore serves as a bridge between queer and straight/cis communities, fostering understanding and empathy across divides. It invites allies to participate in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, recognizing that liberation requires collective action. By creating spaces that welcome individuals of all identities, Queercore promotes dialogue and mutual support, challenging stereotypes and fostering solidarity. Queercore isn't just for queer people; it's for everyone committed to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

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iwoll · 8 months ago

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The Rhetoric of @LibsOfTikTok: Unveiling the Tactics of Online Influence

Just like any other modern 19-year-old, I often find myself doom-scrolling Twitter. It's a bizarre mix of tweets that goes something like this: a cute cat with a funny caption, then a complaint about the current political climate, a tragic story of the murder of yet another transgender individual, then a meme about something I'm sure is very relatable, anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda, then another cute cat, a horribly transphobic headline, and then—of course—another cute cat. However, in this vast sea of tweets and retweets, there's one account that stands out to me: @LibsOfTikTok.

Chaya Raichik, the mastermind behind this account, wields a potent arsenal of tactics to captivate her 2.9 million followers. She employs specific names of people and institutions, a sarcastic—almost hate-mongering—tone, and fear as tools to persuade her audience to attack LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.

In the social media sphere, where a tweet can reach millions of people in seconds, the power of influence is undeniable. However, in the wise words of Spider-Man, with this great power comes great responsibility, a responsibility that @LibsOfTikTok often seems to disregard. Raichik's tweets are not merely expressions of personal opinions but calculated attempts to stoke fear, anger, and prejudice among her followers.

A prime example is the situation that occurred between Raichik and ItGetsBetter. ItGetsBetter is a non-profit organization that helps uplift LGBTQ+ youth around the world. The “50 States, 50 Grants, 5,000 Voices” initiative gives $10,000 to elected schools, the grantees, to improve the lives local queer students (itgetsbetter.org). This initiative gained wide media coverage after Columbia’s Rock Bridge High School’s GSA (gender and sexuality alliance) received this money for a project titled “Coming Out of the Closet in Style Clothing Closet” which would allow students to change into gender-affirming clothing in school to better express themselves (Muñoz, 2022). When Chaya Raichik found out about this initiative, she took to her Twitter account and posted the following:

“This org [ItGetsBetter] is giving grants to teachers so they can get more LGBTQ+ books and make “gender affirming closets” in schools. The closets usually offer “trans” and “nonbinary” kids clothing, tucking tape, and chest binders to use in school and typically is kept secret from parents. These are the people teaching your kids” [@LibsOfTikTok]

This tweet employs loaded language to create a negative image of the situation. Phrases like "typically kept secret from parents" suggest a nefarious intent, insinuating that schools, teachers, and organizations are hiding something from parents. The use of scare quotes around "trans" and "nonbinary" implies skepticism or disdain for these identities, furthering the negative tone.

Raichik does not only target children and schools, she also targets fully grown adults. Mark Bryan is a 61-year-old grandfather of four and has been happily married to his wife for over 10 years. Bryan works in robotics engineering and coaches a local soccer team along with having an Instagram with over half a million followers. According to Interview Magazine, he “loves cycling, fast cars, and beautiful women” (Katz, 2021). The only main difference between him, and let’s say, your grandfather, is that Mark Bryan wears skirts and heels to work nearly every day. Bryan makes it very clear in all his Instagram posts that he is a cisgender, heterosexual man, and his audience has no reason to doubt him. His posts are in no way lewd, sexual, or suggestive; however, Chaya Raichik seems to disagree.

“This man [Mark Bryan] is being celebrated for flaunting his f*tish [sic] for wearing women’s clothing to work. Would you hire someone like this?” [@LibsOfTikTok]

The tweet uses a rhetorical question to prompt a response from the audience, implying that Bryan's choice of clothing is a fetish. This choice of words aims to cast Bryan's actions in a negative light, appealing to societal prejudices and stereotypes. By suggesting that simply wearing clothes that do not align with traditional gender norms is a fetish, Raichik perpetuates the harmful idea that clothing determines gender and gender determines sex. This stereotype not only affects transgender individuals but also impacts gender non-conforming cisgender people. The tweet is designed to provoke a negative emotional response, painting Bryan's behavior as derogatory and judgmental. It seeks to discredit him without offering any substantial evidence, relying instead on societal biases against those who challenge gender norms.

It is understandable why one might be confused when it comes to gender expansive people, fear comes from a place of ignorance. But that is why the Trans Youth Equality Foundation exists! The Trans Youth Equality Foundation (TYEF) is a non-profit organization that provides essential education, advocacy, and support for transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming youth and their families. Their website hosts a wealth of information on crucial topics such as chest binding, tucking, gender-affirming surgery, queer sexual education, protesting, transitioning to college, and coming out (transyouthequality.org). These resources are invaluable for individuals navigating their gender identities, offering answers to often uncomfortable and uncommon questions. It is vital to recognize that queer children deserve the same level of knowledge, comfort, and support as cisgender/heterosexual children, especially when they feel unable to confide in their parents. However, this message of support seems to have fallen on deaf ears, as Chaya Raichik tweeted a troubling accusation against TYEF.

“BREAKING: LGBTQ youth advocacy organization @TYEFofficial offers to secretly send 13-year-old a chest binder behind her parents’ backs. We posed as a teen girl and they encouraged her to choose another family, get a job to pay for s*x [sic] change surgery, and bashed her Trump supporter parents as “brainwashed.” This is grooming 101. Cut out the parents, isolate the child, and coax the kid into turning against their parents. How many kids has this organization already harmed?!” [@LibsOfTikTok]

Here, Raichik falsely accuses TYEF of encouraging a 13-year-old to get a job to pay for "s*x change surgery." This claim is entirely baseless, as no such discussion of surgery occurred in this so-called interview. Raichik's narrative of "grooming" and "cutting out the parents" is not only unfounded but also dangerous. It demonizes organizations like TYEF that work tirelessly to support LGBTQ+ youth and creates a harmful narrative of victimhood and conspiracy. This misleading rhetoric from Raichik encourages her followers to distrust reputable organizations like TYEF, despite their critical work in providing safe and affirming spaces for young individuals. Following the publication of her tweet, Susan Maasch, the director of TYEF, became the target of doxxes, bomb threats, and death threats. These threats not only put Maasch's safety at risk but also undermined the vital work that TYEF does in supporting vulnerable youth.

Raichik seems to have no issue undermining the hard work of a non-profit organization, but it did not stop after TYEF. The #pridebelongsinpreschools initiative emerged in June of 2021 from a small organization—approximately 200 followers in total—called Resilience Together (also known as Rise to Resilience). This organization shared infographics expressing their belief that pronouns and gender identities should be supported by teachers and administration. Somehow, New York native, Chaya Raichik, discovered this initiative and tweeted:

“SCOOP: This resource called “Pride Belongs in Preschool” was part of a teacher training in Providence Schools in RI. It encourages teachers to discuss gender neutral pronouns, gender norms, and explore gender identity with toddlers. They’re after your kids.” [@LibsOfTikTok]

For context, the Resilience Together infographic states the following:

“Children begin to be able to stereotypical gender groups between 18 and 24 months. Children can often categorize their own gender by age 3. Children may begin to “perform” their gender based on adult expectations, despite their authentic gender identity. Educators and school staff are responsible to support children’s health development. Healthy development is supported by children seeing their identities represented.” [@resiliencetogether]

As mentioned previously, this organization has a small following, so the likelihood of an entire school district adopting this "training" is minuscule. Therefore, not only is Raichik's tweet factually incorrect, but it is also misguided in its reasoning. If this information is indeed backed by science and social psychology, then what is the issue with implementing these practices in a classroom setting?

The final line, “They’re after your kids,” is a prime example of exploiting parental fears. Raichik insinuates that the teacher training program encourages discussing gender identity with toddlers, framing it as a threat to children. By preying on the fears of parents who may not fully understand or be comfortable with these discussions, she aims to incite panic and resistance to progressive educational initiatives.

Finally, and most outrageously, Raichik targeted Boston’s Childrens’ Hospital. Why, you may ask? Because, on their website, there was a picture of a young child under the “gender affirming cares” tab. So Raichik took to Twitter, stating:

“If a hospital has the words “gender affirming care” with a picture of a 3-year-old, that’s a sign to run the other way as fast as possible. Why would a doctor need to “affirm” a 3-year-old’s gender? Boston’s Children’s Hospital chemically castrates and mutilates children.” [@LibsOfTikTok]

Raichik uses extreme language, accusing doctors of "chemically castrating and mutilating children," which aims to evoke horror and disgust. Raichik suggests that if a hospital promotes "gender-affirming care" using an image of a 3-year-old, it is a reason to avoid the hospital entirely. She questions why a doctor would need to affirm a 3-year-old's gender and accuses Boston's Children's Hospital of performing hysterectomies on minors. This inflammatory rhetoric not only misrepresents the hospital's practices but also contributes to a climate of fear and misunderstanding around gender-affirming care.

These baseless accusations led to harassment campaigns, including bomb threats. In February 2024, NBC News reported that at least 33 instances of bomb threats were made against organizations that Raichik had previously targeted in her posts. Alarmingly, in at least 3 instances, these bomb threats resulted in criminal charges against at least 9 individuals (Brochstein, 2024). This demonstrates the dangerous real-world consequences of spreading false information and using social media platforms to target organizations and individuals.

In conclusion, the rhetoric of @LibsOfTikTok is not just about expressing opinions; it's a strategic campaign to manipulate and radicalize followers against the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Raichik's use of targeted tweets, misinformation, character assassination, and fearmongering is a dangerous cocktail that can and do have real-world consequences, as stated previously. It fosters a climate of intolerance, division, and hostility, undermining efforts for inclusivity and acceptance. As responsible consumers of social media, it is crucial to approach such content with critical thinking and awareness of the rhetorical tactics at play. By understanding the strategies used by influencers like @LibsOfTikTok, we can better navigate the online landscape and work towards a more well-rounded, informed, and empathetic society. It is not just about exposing the tactics of online influence; it's about actively resisting and countering the harmful narratives that seek to divide us.

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