Southern Poverty Law Center lists anti-LGBTQ+ influencer Chaya Raichik on extremist database

In today's society, the influence of social media cannot be underestimated; not only is it an important channel for information and entertainment, but it has also become a battleground for the exchange of ideologies and viewpoints. Recently, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) added an anti-LGBTQ+ hate influencer named Chaya Raichik to its public database of extremist individuals, organizations, and ideologies, sparking widespread concern.

Chaya Raichik, who is active on social media under the "Libs Of TikTok" nickname, has been accused by the SPLC of helping to revive anti-LGBTQ+ "groomer" slurs in right-wing propaganda, meaning that all LGBTQ+ people are pedophiles. She has spread the anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy theory that "abductors" have infiltrated every social institution in order to "sexualize" children.

The SPLC report states that Raichik used her social media platforms to further her "anti-LGBTQ+ disinformation campaign," mobilizing right-wing extremist groups to attack LGBTQ+ people, spaces and events, as well as doctors, hospitals, librarians, libraries, teachers and schools. Such behavior not only causes direct harm to the victims, but also has a negative impact on social harmony and inclusiveness.

According to the SPLC's investigation, Raichik's anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda dates back to 2021, when she shifted from using the @LibsofTikTok account on X (then known as Twitter) to spread conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and the 2020 election, to utilizing false "modifier" narratives and then gaining new traction on the right. "Libs of TikTok now has over 3 million followers on X, and Raichik's anti-LGBTQ+ posts were related to real threats against schools, libraries, hospitals, and the individuals she targeted.

The SPLC's coverage of Raichik focused on six incidents in which children's hospitals and specific physicians faced harassment and threats of violence after she published false or misleading posts about gender-affirming care provided by children's hospitals and specific physicians. This type of behavior not only has a serious impact on healthcare organizations and professionals, but also causes immeasurable harm to the children and families who need these services.

In this era of increasing diversity and inclusiveness, we should work together to oppose all forms of hatred and prejudice and create a safe, equal and respectful social environment for all. Social media platforms and all sectors of society should remain vigilant against such behavior and take necessary measures to prevent the spread of hate speech and hate crimes.