Yellow Journalism, born in the 19th-century newspaper circulation wars, was a drama-packed circus of headlines that often blurred the line between fact and fiction. Take the Spanish-American War for instance. Irresponsible exaggerations by publishers like Hearst and Pulitzer inflamed public opinion, propelling us into a conflict based on distorted truths. This made it clear: Misinformation had severe consequences.

But then came a shift. Journalists started to prioritize facts and ethics over sensationalism, evolving towards objectivity. Walter Cronkite’s trusted broadcasts during the tumultuous ’60s exemplify this change. Yet, the craving for sensational narratives didn’t vanish.

Fast-forward to the 21st century. The rise of social media-fueled a new beast: Fake News. The 2016 U.S. elections saw this phenomenon in full swing. Pizzagate, a false narrative about a child sex-trafficking ring, illustrated the power of fake news to instigate real-world violence.

For the queer community, fake news has been weaponized to incite fear and bigotry. Deceptive narratives, like the dangerous myth that trans women are inherent threats to cis women in bathrooms, can lead to harmful legislation and violence. The damage caused? Incalculable.

So, how do we combat this? Education and media literacy are key. Websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, and MediaBiasFactCheck can help verify stories before they’re shared. Remember, even a sassy GIF requires scrutiny!

We also need to foster dialogues about misinformation in our communities. Remember the lavender scare of the 1950s? The dissemination of false information about LGBTQ+ individuals being a national security threat led to widespread discrimination. Counteracting these narratives with facts, empathy, and stories of our resilience is vital.

For the young queer folks reading, here’s what you can do: Be the guardians of truth. Use your unique perspectives to challenge false narratives and create inclusive spaces, both online and offline. Teach your peers how to fact-check. Educate them on the history of misinformation, its consequences, and the importance of maintaining a factual discourse. Remember, every retweet, every share, every conversation matters. We can protect our democracy from misinformation, both domestic and foreign, by promoting truth and inclusivity.

Through our collective power, we can ensure that the truth isn’t just spoken but heard loud and clear. Don’t forget – honesty isn’t just a virtue; it’s a revolution. The truth is fierce, so let’s get fact-checking!

By: Harold Marrero
Chief Operating Officer

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