Concerns over LGBTQ2S+ mental health, as online hate spills into real world
CTV
Fae Johnstone says “nothing ever could have prepared” her for the barrage of online harassment she endured after being featured in an International Women's Day campaign for Hershey Canada.
Fae Johnstone says “nothing ever could have prepared” her for the barrage of online harassment she endured after being featured in an International Women's Day campaign for Hershey Canada.
The 27-year-old transgender activist was one of five women featured on limited-edition chocolate bars in March.
She said that within 72 hours of the campaign's launch she became the subject of mass online hate that included death threats, encouragement of suicide and self-harm.Her personal information was released online.
Hershey hired private security guards to stand watch outside her home for seven days, she said.
“It's had a horrifying impact on my mental health,” Johnstone said in an interview.
“It's staggering to realize that my simple existence as a trans woman in public spaces, and with somewhat of a platform in the eyes of Canadian public and in the media, triggers an ongoing onslaught of hateful comments and rhetoric that (creates) ongoing concerns about my everyday safety.”
She's not alone in her concern.
