The LGBTQIA mental health app launched new courses in response to Meta’s policy changes
BY YASMIN VINCE, IMAGE VIA CANVA
Voda, the LGBTQIA mental health app designed by LGBTQIA therapists, has launched a new series of courses and resources entitled Coping With Hate Speech. These come as a direct response to Meta’s new content policy changes, which severely weaken protections for the community against harmful rhetoric posted on Facebook and Instagram.
The modules cover five key areas. One looks at building distress tolerance and provides the tools to help manage emotional overwhelm when encountering hateful content. Another provides strategies for safely intervening and supporting others online. A third looks at setting boundaries on social media, while the final two focus on practical steps to handling online trolls and therapeutic techniques to stay grounded after exposure to hate.
The aim of the modules is to provide users with practical tools for managing online harassment, dehumanisation and trolling. A recent survey, conducted by Voda, highlighted the need for such programmes. Surveying over 2,300 trans+ individuals across 75 countries, the findings revealed that 80% of this community experience anxiety about social acceptance. Fear of discrimination and online abuse contribute significantly to this.
The report also showed four in 10 respondents had difficulties accessing inclusive mental health support. As such, in the wake of Meta’s recent policy changes, the community-led help Voda offers is vital.
“This isn’t just about online speech. It’s about mental health, safety and dignity,” said Jaron Soh, Co-Founder and CEO of Voda. “Meta’s decision to allow harmful rhetoric on its platforms legitimises long-debunked narratives that pathologise LGBTQIA+ identities. This policy change will have real-world consequences, increasing anxiety, depression and feelings of isolation for many in our community.”
The modules are available now for free on the Voda app.
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