Dale K

NAME: Dale K
PLATFORM & USERNAME: Insta – @dalekcreative
CENSORSHIP: Shadow + Content Ban

What reason was given for your ban?

Instagram said I am soliciting sex work. I am in fact a male bodied burlesque performer who uses Instagram as a way of gaining work.

Why do you think your post(s) was censored?

I believe my work was censored by Instagram because they see queer visibility/expression as a threat to young people. Instagram is on a “cleanup operation“ that is not only removing genuinely harmful content from the platform but also any content but does not fall within the binary or norm.

Were you able to appeal and what was the response?

Yes and I have never been given a response.

What effect has your experience of censorship had on you?

I believe the censorship of queer people’s content is causing divisions within our community. Instagram has made it harder for us to connect with like-minded people and this allows us the opportunity to celebrate one another’s art. Furthermore, it is reinforcing the narrative that people who identify outside of the “norm” or binary should not be seen or heard.”

What’s one thing you want people to know about this topic?

Your point of view matters, your voice is important and you are beautiful.