Arts & Entertainment

Twitter slammed for error that blocked searches for ‘bisexual’

the glitch comes in the wake of the social media site’s policy change

Published

6 years ago

November 6, 2017

Mariah Cooper

Bisexual Health Awareness Month, gay news, Washington Blade

(Photo by Peter Salanki; courtesy Flickr)

Twitter is under fire for a technical error that blocked searches for the hashtag “bisexual.”

.@TwitterSupport why can’t people photo search for #bisexual? Our community is important and should not be censored @Twitter pic.twitter.com/AnOba7G6nT

— The Task Force (@TheTaskForce) November 5, 2017

Users questioned why Twitter was blocking the term “bisexual” but not addressing hate speech that can be found on accounts on the site.

Filters erasing #bisexual content? Hey @Twitter, that sounds like discrimination based on sexual orientation. Also dangerous and cruel.

— Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio) November 5, 2017

twitter: doesnt suspend racists, sexists, ban slurs, deactivate spam accounts

also twitter: blocks #bisexual from showing photos/results

— alice (@afterglowsdmn) November 5, 2017

Hi @TwitterSupport just a question… why is the #Bisexual tag blocked ??? Twitter allows nazis and terrorists but doesn’t allow love??? Kinda strange isn’t it. ?

— Esther (@rocknprincess_) November 5, 2017

Twitter acknowledged the error tweeting, “We’ve identified an error with search results for certain terms. We apologize for this. We’re working quickly to resolve & will update soon.”

We’ve identified an error with search results for certain terms. We apologize for this. We’re working quickly to resolve & will update soon.

— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) November 5, 2017

In a blog post, Twitter explained that it will be updating its policies to protect users against adult content. Twitter also addressed abusive accounts saying that the context of the behavior is how the site will determine action.

“We are making it clear that context — including if the behavior is targeted, if a report has been filed and by whom, and if the Tweet itself is newsworthy and in the legitimate public interest — is crucial when evaluating abusive behavior and determining appropriate enforcement actions,” the post reads.

Out & About

Drag Underground returns

Indiana Bones, Bombalicious Eklaver, Shi-Queeta Lee, Cake Pop! to perform

Published

2 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

Shi-Queeta Lee performs at Drag Underground. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade have teamed up to host “Drag Underground” on Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Dupont Underground.

Performers include Indiana Bones, Bombalicious Eklaver, Shi-Queeta Lee and Cake Pop.

Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Out & About

White House Correspondents’ Dinner set for Saturday

Colin Jost serving as emcee

Published

8 mins ago

April 26, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner is set for Saturday, April 27 at the Washington Hilton with Colin Jost serving as emcee.

President Biden is scheduled to speak and numerous celebrities are expected around D.C. all weekend for related parties and events.

The Washington Blade is the only LGBTQ outlet that is a member of the Association and is hosting a table of VIPs, including actor Billy Porter and Congressman Robert Garcia (D-Calif.).

“We look forward to the Dinner each year to celebrate our press freedoms and to thank a range of allies and supporters for their work on behalf of the LGBTQ movement,” said Blade Editor Kevin Naff.

Calendar

Calendar: April 26-May 2

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, April 26

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon with Yoga & Intergenerational Hangout will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Chair yoga will be at noon. Lunch will be provided by the Gay Professional Men of Color at 1 p.m. Guests can bring a beverage of choice. For more information, email [email protected].

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Courtyard by Marriott Dupont Circle. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Trans Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].

Saturday, April 27

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, April 28

AfroCode DC will be at 4 p.m. at Decades DC. This event will be an experience of non-stop music, dancing, and good vibes and a crossover of genres and a fusion of cultures. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Dinner” at 6:30 p.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, April 29

Center Aging: Monday Coffee & Conversation will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of their choice. For more details, email [email protected].

Tuesday, April 30

Pride on the Patio Events will host “LGBTQ Social Mixer” at 5:30 p.m. at Showroom. Dress is casual, fancy, or comfortable. Guests are encouraged to bring their most authentic self to chat, laugh, and get a little crazy. Admission is free and more details are on Eventbrite.

“5th Tuesdays Open Mic” will be at 8 p.m. at Busboys and Poets at 14th Street, N.W. For two hours, audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, and musicians. The event will be hosted by Charity Blackwell. Tickets cost $8 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Wednesday, May 1

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, May 2

Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.