Instagram slammed for deletion of queer accounts: ‘Erasure, not moderation’

Instagram has deleted multiple UK queer-inclusive arts organisations from its platform, leaving creatives without needed work. 

In January, Meta – the social media giant that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads – admitted to removing inoffensive LGBTQ+ posts, claiming this was due to a “technical error.”

Several queer-inclusive UK organisations are now reporting that their Instagram accounts are being deleted without any warning, leaving them with no way to network.

A total of 52,000 followers have been lost across Cybertease, a sex worker collective and workers’ co-op, UK Sex Worker Pride and the Sexquisite Podcast – all of which have been deleted – with owners of the accounts reporting that appeals were rejected within eight minutes with no human review. 

Maedb Joy, who founded the award-winning Sexquisite in 2019, said that the account’s deletion “destroys six years of work building a community that exists both online and in real life”. 

“Sexquisite isn’t just a brand – it’s a network, a support system, a space where sex workers finally get to exist without shame. Sex work is still extremely stigmatised, and those follower numbers were proof of legitimacy, reach, cultural relevance and impact. Removing that overnight doesn’t just erase social media, it erases opportunity, visibility and safety.”

‘Direct attack on our visibility safety, and livelihood’

Repro Uncensored, a global non-profit documenting digital suppression, recorded a wave of account deletions in November, with more than 30 account erasures reported in one week. The nonprofit also reports that organisations led by marginalised communities experience higher rates of unclear enforcement, longer review times and fewer pathways to reinstatement.

Sexquisite founder Maedb Joy said the deletion of queer accounts  “isn’t moderation, it’s erasure”. 

“Our Instagram is how we sell tickets,” Joy explained. “It’s how we find new audiences, collaborate with performers, and sustain the work we do. The nightlife industry is already struggling. Without online reach, shows become financially unstable, performers lose income, and community spaces disappear”.

April Fiasco, founder of Cybertease, said: “We are one of the first models of this kind in the UK. Losing our platform removes access to a safer working environment for dancers who rely on us. Meta deleting our account is a direct attack on our visibility, safety, and livelihood.”

Sexquisite and the broader coalition are demanding immediate restatement of all accounts, transparency regarding the rationale behind enforcement actions, a human-led appeal process, and a consultation with sex worker-led organisations to ensure proper understanding. 

The move follows instagram removing Amsterdam-based queer cultural platform The Queer Agenda without any warning in November. 

PinkNews has contacted Meta for comment. 

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