Drag queen fights back against Facebook’s “real name” policy
Originally published on 15 September 2014
“This is really about a lot more than just a bunch of drag queens bitching because we can’t use our stage names,” Roma said to Ars. “I’ve heard from women who are trying to escape an abusive relationship, sex workers, burlesque performers, and activists who don’t want their real names exposed for fear of discrimination in the workplace and trans people who have finally found peace with themselves and their sexual identity who are being forced to revert to names that they associate with a dark and dismal past. These are the messages that affect me the most.”
Such can be the complications of an online existence.
But does Facebook care?
While Facebook didn’t answer our questions about modifying its rules in light of complaints — nor did it confirm allegations that legitimate messages had been marked as spam — the company did confirm that its action against Sister Roma and other drag performers came as the result of community reports about their names.
A matter of perspective? Or a case of ethical ignorance?
Kinny tweets aviation, social media and technology on Twitter.
