Members of the Radical Faeries and the people behind #MyNameIs argued that Pride should drop Facebook because of the social media giant’s ban on adopted names, which some users say allows them to avoid homophobia and discrimination while expressing themselves.
“This policy directly harms LGBTQ people, especially transgender and queer people around the world who face daily discrimination, and use social media like Facebook to find support, build community, and express their authentic selves,” said organizer and drag queen Lil Miss Hot Mess in a statement. “Facebook may seem like a trivial waste of time, but for trans people and LGBTQ youth who face disproportionate rates of violence and suicide, it can literally be a lifeline.”
This was the case with Lovely Day, a 48-year-old woman who adopted that name six years ago.
Stellara Solanum, 31, said he was dismayed at having to use his real name, Kevin Faulkner, on Facebook.
“My housemate spent a lot more getting to know me before naming me than my parents did,” he said.
