Margaret Cho urges people to take online homophobia seriously
The comic, actress and LGBT activist has opened up about the homophobic abuse she receives through social media.
Margaret Cho has released an online statement regarding the amount of online abuse she gets – and why people should take trolling more seriously.
In a recent Facebook post, the bisexual actress described some of the troubling encounters she has been involved in – both on and offline.
“I’ve experienced numerous breaches of security, a couple of very troubling face to face interactions and so much online trolling I can’t help but believe it’s all somehow connected,” she wrote.
However, rather than shy away from social media, Cho advises those subject to homophobic abuse or threats to use modern technology to their advantage.
“I want everyone in the reach of my voice to keep their phones charged, film everything, screenshot and report ALL offensive people and ALL threats on social media,” she said.
The comic went on to warn her followers of the danger some internet trolls may pose – and how people should any threats or abuse they receive seriously.
“BUT UNDERSTAND ‘Haters’ are potential killers. We’ve seen this countless times now. They say it on social media, then they go DO IT.”
“We’ve got to be vigilant and protect ourselves. Stay alive. I need you all here with me. I love you.”
Cho – who has nearly 400,000 followers on Facebook – said although the abuse sometimes upsets her, she has developed a unique way of getting her own back.
The actress described of she takes a screenshot of offensive messages she receives and forwards them to the troll’s employers, spouses or loved ones.
“Ask their employers if they are aware of this person’s activity online and if they condone this type of behaviour,” she advises.
“That usually shuts EVERYTHING DOWN. And it’s pretty gratifying. Bully the bullies with class and grace. It’s the BEST.”
Cho’s comments come after Clean Bandit’s Neil Amin-Smith recently hit back at some of the unwanted attention his has received on social media.
The violinist took to Twitter to hit out at people who express their adoration in a decidedly sinister fashion – by saying they want to “rape” him.
