Trans charity Mermaids leaves X: ‘Doesn’t encourage a safe, healthy, or inclusive environment’

Transgender charity Mermaids has shared it will be coming off social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) due to a change in the site’s values. 

Mermaids has offered its support transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families since 1995.

But since Elon Musk took over X last year, abuse and hate speech has taken a step up towards trans people and other parts of the LGBTQ+ community.

Earlier this year, Musk claimed “cis” or “cisgender” are considered slurs on the social media platform.

“We believe that as a platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, no longer supports these aims”

Now, Mermaids has outlined why it will be leaving the site, and will be focusing its energy on spreading their message to other platforms instead. 

In a statement, they explained: “At Mermaids, we are committed to using our social media platforms to support our charitable aims to embrace and empower trans young people and their families and educate the wider public on the issues they face. 

“We believe that as a platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, no longer supports these aims.”

They went on to add that this has been clear for “some time now” and added: “Our values as an organisation are at odds with X, as the platform’s guidelines and company ethics do not encourage a safe, healthy, or inclusive environment for our community to engage with us in.

“For these reasons, we have made the decision to step back from the platform, and from today will no longer be posting content on X.”

“Our values as an organisation are at odds with X”

The account will remain active as an archive “for those seeking information and support,” but they will no longer respond to messages or comments.  

However, this does come with some good news, as they will be planning on ramping up content on other platforms. 

@mermaidsgender Welcome to Mermaids' TikTok channel! We are the first and only UK charity dedicated to supporting trans young people and their families. Hit follow and help us shape a better world where all young people can thrive. #trans #transgender #nonbinary #pride #charity #charitytok ♬ Lofi – Domknowz

This largely includes TikTok, where they will be launching a brand-new channel to help reach new people, as well as engaging with existing followers. 

Supporters can look forward to videos on topics such as young people describing measures school needs to take to be truly supportive of trans kids. 

Other clips will include a pop quiz on things we need to know on trans healthcare, and an introduction and get-to-know of some of our patrons who are doing trailblazing work in and outside of the community. Up first will be trans couple Jake and Hannah Graf.

The statement continued: “We’ll also continue to engage with our community as usual on platforms including Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, so make sure you’re following us there, if you’re not already. 

“To our Twitter community: thank you for your fantastic support over the years. We can’t wait to see you on TikTok.”