Mis/Disinformation
Understanding and Combatting Mis/Dis/Malinformation
This rise in anti-2SLGBTQI and specifically anti-trans hate is directly linked to the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM).
Coordinated anti-2SLGBTQI movements are relying on the general public’s lack of familiarity with trans and gender diverse people to disseminate harmful disinformation and malformation.
What is misinformation?
False or inaccurate information. The individual sharing the misinformation
believes it to be true.
What is disinformation?
Deliberately false information, often used for manipulation.
What is malinformation?
Information that stems from truth, but is taken out of context or exaggerated
in order to mislead or manipulate.
Featured Resources
Decoding the News: A Media Literacy Guide for Understanding Anti-2SLGBTQI Media Manipulation and Disinformation Tactics
This resource is designed to help readers critically engage with the growing volume of harmful narratives targeting 2SLGBTQI communities in media and public discourse.
Ready to Respond: A Guide for Understanding and Responding to Anti-2SLGBTQI Misinformation, Disinformation and Malinformation
This resource equips individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize, understand, and respond effectively to misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation about 2SLGBTQI communities.
‘Egale Explains’ Resources
Egale Canada is creating explainer resources to empower everyone with the knowledge they need to adequately have educated conversations about these complex topics. Is there a topic or issue you’d like to see added below? Contact us at communications@egale.ca.
Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation
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The rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate is directly linked to the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and malformation (MDM). Use this resource to understand what MDM is, how to spot it, and how to stop it.
What Are Puberty Blockers?
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Puberty blockers can offer tremendous mental health benefits to a young person. This resource answers the question, “What exactly are puberty blockers?”
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Trans Youth
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Misinformation and disinformation feed many myths and misconceptions that people have about trans and nonbinary youth. This resource debunks a few of the biggest ones.
School Pronoun Policies
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With the rise of so-called “school pronoun policies” use the resource to understand what’s at stake when young people who are forced to choose between being outed to their families and being misgendered at school.
Trans Women in Sport
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There’s lots of misinformation in the world about trans women participating in sport. Use this resource to understand what trans-inclusive sport actually looks like.
“Transvestigation” in Sport and How it Feeds Misogyny
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Transphobia and misogyny are closely linked together and many who are swept up in this moral panic of transphobia are actually harming those who they claim to protect. One increasingly common process that proponents claim is to “protect women” is so-called “transvestigating”.
What is Drag and What Are Drag Storytimes?
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During this time of rising 2SLGBTQI-hate, much of the hate is aimed at drag artists and family-friendly drag storytimes. Use this resource to accurately explain what each of these art forms are.
Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents
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In common language, we often use the term ‘hate crime’ whenever hate occurs. However, it is important to know that ‘hate crime’ has a specific definition in criminal law. Use this resource to understand how to accurately talk about hate crime.
FAQ About Gender Identity
When discussing gender identity, misinformation and disinformation are widespread. Use this resource to navigate common questions and gain a clearer, fact-based understanding.
The Canadian Government System and how it Intersects with 2SLGBTQI Communities
What are the three levels of government (federal, provincial/territorial, municipal) responsible for? And how do these responsibilities affect aspects of 2SLGBTQI communities?
What is Transition?
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People transition for a variety of reasons, primarily related to gender identity. Use this resource to understand what transition can include.
Pride Flag Bans
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In this Egale Explains resource, we’ll go over how Pride flags are getting banned, why it’s important to continue advocating for Pride flags being flown. You’ll also find tips on how to bring it up with your communities when you’re advocating for your local Pride flag.
Research Says…
An important tactic in combating hate is presenting facts. Egale Canada has a plethora of research to support you in combating anti-2SLGBTQI hate.
2022 Police-Reported Hate Crimes
From Statistics Canada: the number of police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation continues to increase every year.
Still in Every Class, in Every School Report
Still in Every Class in Every School (Peter, Campbell & Taylor, 2021) surveyed students across Canada about their experiences with homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, harassment, mental health and sense of safety, and support at school.
Working for Change Report
Egale Canada’s Working for Change report examines the workplace experiences, barriers to employment, and discrimination faced by Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people.
Pride Unravelled Report
Egale Canada’s Pride Unravelled report tracked the number of anti-2SLGBTQI protests and instances of online hate in Canada from January-March 2023.
Other Resources
Valuable resources from other organizations.
Expelling Transphobia
A handbook of strategies to address transphobic attacks in the B.C. school system.