Jump to: What is MDM? | How to Spot | How to Stop
The rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate is directly linked to the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and malformation (MDM). Planned anti-2SLGBTQI movements use the fact that many people are unfamiliar with trans and gender diverse people in order to deliberately spread harmful and false information. Use this resource to understand what MDM is, how to spot it, and how to stop it.
What is MDM?
Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is not intentionally harmful. The person sharing the misinformation believes it to be true.
Disinformation is inaccurate information that is intentionally designed to deceive, mislead, and harm.
Malinformation stems from truth, but is taken out of context or exaggerated in order to mislead or manipulate.ve, mislead, and harm.
For example, a family member accidentally spreads misinformation by sharing a social media post that doesn’t come from a credible source.
For example, a coordinated campaign falsely claiming that Drag Storytimes are unsafe for children.
For example, claiming that most trans people regret transition is malinformation—it exaggerates a small, often misunderstood statistic to falsely suggest that transition is widely regretted.
How to Spot MDM
Here are three key tips for spotting misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
Tip 1: Always check the source of the information.
Is it coming from an established and trusted organization? Beware of social media influencers who present themselves as credible news sources while spreading false information about 2SLGBTQI issues.
Tip 2: Watch out for emotional language.
Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation about 2SLGBTQI issues relies on bold and emotional language intended to cause fear. Credible news sources do not use extreme language intended to create emotional responses.
Tip 3: Get further verification.
If you’re unsure of the credibility of the source, check to see what other trusted news outlets are saying. Make sure the details match up with what’s being reported by trusted sources.
How to Stop MDM
Here are three key tips for stopping misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
Tip 1: Verify before you share.
Before sharing information online or in-person, make sure you first verify that it’s accurate.
Tip 2: Understand 2SLGBTQI issues.
Get familiar with the 2SLGBTQI issues that are often targeted by false information. Some of these include trans women in sport, school pronoun policies, drag storytimes, and more. See more on our Rainbow Action Hub.
Tip 3: Have difficult conversations when needed.
Sometimes false information is repeated through in-person conversations. Whether over the dinner table or at a family gathering, equip yourself with the tools to be prepared to have difficult conversations. See our How Do We Talk About It? guide to better prepare yourself.
This resource has been supported by
Women and Gender Equality Canada
This resource is part of Egale Canada’s work to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate. Use Egale’s Rainbow Action Hub to find more resources and tools to combat the rise of anti-2SLGBTQI hate.