December 11th 2024.
The recent Pink News scandal has opened my eyes to the ongoing need for queer-focused media. A shocking report by the BBC exposed allegations of sexual misconduct against the CEO of PinkNews, Benjamin Cohen, and his husband and COO, Anthony James. Former staff members have come forward, accusing the couple of inappropriate behavior towards younger male employees.
It's disheartening to read about these allegations, which Cohen and James deny. I applaud the whistleblowers who brought this issue to light. Every individual deserves to feel safe at work, and it's clear that this was not the case at PinkNews.
In an attempt to understand the situation more deeply, I searched online for different perspectives from both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. It saddened me to see that some are using these allegations to further their own agendas against queer people and queer media. Hurtful comments such as "Anyone surprised?" and "Glorious to see, all turning on each other" only add to the disappointment.
I couldn't help but feel dispirited as I came across hundreds of posts and comments with the same negative tone. Some even went as far as to suggest a link between the alleged perpetrators' sexuality and their misconduct. One person even claimed that the LGBTQ+ movement is a "sexual harassment campaign." It's appalling to see individuals using the actions of a few to paint an entire community in a negative light.
There seems to be a rise in this kind of prejudice, and it's disheartening. I've noticed this trend on social media platforms, where moderation is lacking, and hateful comments are allowed to spread freely. Just the other day, someone on Instagram suggested that I should be shot for appearing in public in drag. Sadly, these types of messages have become almost routine for me.
These voices of hate are becoming louder, and social media companies seem unwilling to do anything about it. The reactions to the PinkNews scandal only reinforce the importance of queer media. We need outlets that will tell our stories, advocate for our rights, and stand up against online bigotry.
We need a media that we can trust with our narrative, one that doesn't hold a bias against us, as many mainstream media outlets still do. The PinkNews scandal is especially damaging because it undermines the progress that has been made in recent years. This news source has been supportive of me during my trial against Laurence Fox and has played a crucial role in highlighting important LGBTQ+ issues during elections.
However, we must hold our queer media to a high standard. These new allegations come after a year of controversy within the news site. Reports of bullying in the PinkNews office have been circulating for some time, with one former employee describing it as the "most damaging place" they've worked. I have had my own concerns about the site, and these new allegations, if true, are the final straw.
As we continue to need queer media more than ever, it's disappointing to see one of our flagship outlets embroiled in such controversy. If there is any truth to the allegations against PinkNews, then it's clear that some changes need to be made in the leadership. I hope that the site can find a way to continue, whether through a sale or under new management. But it's clear that a reckoning is due.
Do you have a story to share about this issue? Please reach out to me by emailing jess.email. I'd also love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let's continue to support and uplift our queer community.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
