Queer Communication – How to Deal With Dis- and Misinformation

The Truth is Under Attack – Learn How to Counter False Narratives

When I came out as queer, many doors closed — jobs, family, and friendships I once relied on suddenly disappeared. Yet others opened: doors to authenticity, creativity, and community. I learned that communication — honest, clear, Inclusive Communication — was the bridge between isolation and empowerment.

Today, I see that bridge under threat. We’re living in a time of overlapping crises: genocides, wars, colonial legacies, social media manipulation, and rising fascism. Truth itself has become a battlefield. And that’s why I believe we, as queer people and allies, must raise our voices and use communication more strategically. We might not have the money or media power of those who oppress us — but we do have the creative and moral edge. Let’s see how we can use those to our advantage!

From Inclusive to Queer Communication

Inclusive Communication, as I use it (read more about it here), is about empathy, openness, and accessibility. It ensures every voice is heard. Every voice is valued. It challenges power dynamics and promotes understanding across differences.

Queer Communication takes that foundation further. It questions norms, embraces fluidity, and refuses the binaries that divide. It’s not just about “including” people in a broken system — it’s about transforming the system itself through creativity, honesty, and radical visibility.

Both approaches demand responsibility: to speak truthfully, to listen deeply, and to resist manipulation. But Queer Communication adds a spark — a refusal to conform, a willingness to act, and the courage to imagine new worlds through our words, images, and actions.

What Information Means in Communication

To start with, you need to fully grasp this: Information is never neutral. It’s shaped by who creates it, who shares it, and who benefits from it. It’s getting worse: media platforms — traditional and digital — filter and frame what we see. And most of these platforms are owned by those invested in maintaining control.

When we post, like, or share, we use phones and apps designed to serve corporate and political interests. Their owners’ aim is not connection — it’s control. So we must ask: Whose narrative am I amplifying? and What stories are being silenced?

Disinformation in Today’s World

Disinformation is intentional deception — lies crafted to confuse, divide, or justify oppression. We see it daily in state propaganda, manipulated news reports, and the weaponisation of “free speech.”

Think of how genocides are denied while the victims are blamed. Think of politicians spreading anti-LGBTQ+ hate wrapped in “family values.” Or of influencers twisting colonial histories to defend nationalism and war.

Disinformation thrives on insecurity and fear. It frames the oppressor as victim, and the oppressed as threat. Currently, there seem to be no limits in the way we are lied to, with manipulation seeping into every corner of our society, fostering a culture of mistrust and division. This pervasive deceit not only undermines our collective understanding but also exploits our vulnerabilities for the gain of those in power.

Our task as queer communicators is to expose that and tell stories grounded in truth, solidarity, and justice, illuminating the lived experiences of marginalized communities and advocating for a future where authenticity prevails over falsehoods. We must strive to create platforms that empower voices often silenced and forge connections that inspire change, ensuring that our narratives encourage resilience and foster a sense of belonging.

Misinformation and the Power of Confusion

Misinformation is different: it’s false information shared without intent to harm — yet its effect can be just as damaging.

A photo shared without context, a rumour repeated out of carelessness — all feed the fog of confusion that keeps people passive. During conflicts, this confusion protects those in power.

We can’t control the whole information flow, but we can be careful. It’s crucial to be very cautious in our digital interactions, as my own experience has taught me. Before sharing any piece of information, we should take the time to meticulously check sources, analyze context, and consider motivations behind the message. This practice not only fosters a more informed community but also helps in distinguishing between helpful narratives and potentially harmful misinformation.

Queer Communication emphasizes the importance of mindful resistance, encouraging us to spread positivity rather than contribute to the noise. Since the truth supports our cause, there is no need to resort to disinformation; instead, we should focus on preventing the spread of misinformation. By engaging in clear and thoughtful communication, we empower ourselves and others to foster a dialogue that is compassionate and discerning, promoting unity rather than division.

More on disinformation and misinformation related to Inclusive Communication right here.

How Dis- and Misinformation Affect the Queer Community

Queer communities are often among the fascists’ first targets. Our visibility makes us vulnerable to smear campaigns, moral panics, and online hate. Misleading narratives portray queerness as dangerous or “unreal,” shaping public opinion and laws. We know better, don’t we?

In global crises — from Gaza, Congo to Ukraine, from colonial reparations to migration debates — queer voices are often erased. Queer communities are among those most affected by fascist groups and governments — and their accomplices. Already, trans communities are under direct threat.

This is why communication matters so much: we can’t afford to stay silent, nor can we afford to echo lies. We need to speak — clearly, collectively, and queerly.

Practical Tips for Queer Communicators

Pause before sharing. → Example: Wait a second or two before reposting news — misinformation often circulates fastest in crises.
Verify visuals. → Example: Reverse-search images before sharing to check they’re not repurposed from another event or AI-generated.
Diversify sources. → Example: Read and follow independent and queer media (local and abroad) alongside trusted mainstream outlets.
Engage, don’t just broadcast. → Example: Use your platforms to ask questions and amplify marginalised voices.
Acknowledge uncertainty. → Example: Saying “I’m not sure, but this concerns me” builds trust. It’s all about us being true, unlike those who threaten us queers.
Recognise emotional triggers. → Example: Notice when outrage is being used to manipulate you. Happens a lot!
Build queer solidarity networks. → Example: Share fact-checked resources in trusted queer spaces.
Educate allies. → Example: Gently explain how misinformation affects queer rights and representation.
Reclaim narratives. → Example: Use storytelling, art, and photography to show lived realities beyond stereotypes.
Stay hopeful. → Example: Positivity is not naïve — it’s an act of defiance.

And a Couple of Do’s and Don’ts

Be sure to…

…fact-check before posting. → Example: Use fact-checking sites/apps before sharing news. Check them out first!
…contextualize your posts. → Example: Add a caption explaining why something matters to you.
…support independent queer media. → Example: Subscribe or donate instead of only sharing content.
…challenge hate crimes calmly. → Example: Respond with facts, not fury.
…credit queer creators. → Example: Always tag or name original photographers and writers. Or yourself, if you are the source.
…use inclusive language. → Example: Avoid gendered assumptions; reflect the diversity of the community.
…keep learning. → Example: Attend workshops or follow educators who discuss media literacy.
…reflect before reacting. → Example: Ask yourself if responding helps or harms.
…highlight resistance stories. → Example: Share queer resilience from other countries, and share how your own resilience may help queers in other countries.
…use creativity as activism. → Example: Use photos, poems, or drag to tell political truths. Yes, I do those myself. It’s not just defiance—it’s fun!

Try not to…

…spread unverified claims. → Example: Avoid “share if you care” posts without checking authenticity.
…assume algorithms are neutral. → Example: Remember, the major platforms all suppress queer and activist content.
…engage with trolls. → Example: Block and report instead of arguing.
…centre yourself in others’ struggles. → Example: Support without speaking over.
…use trauma as content. → Example: If in doubt, don’t post images of victims without consent.
…fall for clickbait headlines. → Example: Read beyond the title before sharing.
…ignore fatigue. → Example: Take breaks from doomscrolling. It may sound silly, but I see this happening a lot!
…reduce queerness to aesthetics. → Example: Celebrate our unique and valuable identity and support activism.
…give up on nuance. → Example: Complex issues need more than “good/bad” takes.
…stop questioning. → Example: Even trusted sources can get things wrong. They do; that’s the actual topic of this post!

In Summary

Queer Communication is not only about defending truth — it’s about reimagining it. By using communication strategically and being aware of dis- or misinformation being spread all the time, we can resist propaganda, amplify our true stories, and connect across borders.

In a world of manipulation and moral decay, our creativity, empathy, and courage are revolutionary tools.

Check out my upcoming posts right here on alfred-jansen.com, where I’ll continue exploring Queer Communication — how it can help us resist, reconnect, and rebuild.