A PROMINENT LGBT+ charity has deleted its Twitter account over concerns with the platform’s ability to enable a safe environment to share information.
LGBT Youth Scotland has taken the decision to leave the platform, citing ethical reasons for shutting down its account.
It was the charity’s biggest social media platform with more than 33,000 followers.
Chief executive Dr Mhairi Crawford said: “After careful consideration of our mission to support LGBTQ+ young people, we felt our only option was to leave Twitter.
“Since Twitter’s takeover in 2022 we have become increasingly concerned by a number of statements and decisions that have had a real impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
“Our following on Twitter was the largest across all of our platforms but we have noticed a troubling increase in extreme views and targeted attacks towards members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as our own charity directly.”
The organisation plays a leading role in supporting LGBT+ young people, working with 13-25 year olds across the country.
It also delivers the LGBT+ Charter programme to schools, organisations and businesses. Last month it announced it had reached nearly 60% of high schools.
Crawford continued: “We want to create safe spaces for young people to feel hopeful about the world around them and their own futures and, ultimately, Twitter does not make this possible.
“We hope our move will give other organisations confidence to leave platforms where negativity is so prevalent.”
Those who still want to get in touch with the charity are still able to do so through Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn or through visiting its website.
The charity also offers daily live chat session to support those who want help anonymously.
The charity joins a number of high profile figures who have departed the social media platform in recent months citing concern over moderation and disinformation.
This has included Elton John, Stephen Fry and Whoopi Goldberg while a number of others flocked to Mastodon in the wake of Elon Musk's takeover.
