Outright Calls on Vermonters to Stop Using X

Why Outright Stopped Using the Platform X, and Why You Should Too

We stopped using X about a year ago, and now we're calling on you to do the same. And if you own a Tesla, consider car shopping!

Elon Musk continuously proves himself to be an adult bully who prides himself on wielding his wealth, political power, and access to his social platform, X, to influence the political and social spheres. Please make no mistake about it: this is an ongoing strategic effort to erase the existence of LGBTQ+ youth and our community.

His most recent and arguably egregious actions include two moves:

  1. He plans to move one of his companies from California to Texas because of a new CA law protecting queer and trans youth.
  2. He will donate $45M monthly to former President Trump's super PAC for re-election.

These latest efforts combined are an attempt to strongarm policymakers, buy the election to ensure that his anti-queer and trans puppet is in the White House, and steer our country toward a future where the erasure of LGBTQ+ people is a reality.

If you think I'm exaggerating, there is a literal playbook. It's called Project 2025. It's a product of a think tank and an advisory board with known ties to Musk, Trump, Vance, and other conservatives who aim to erase LGBTQ+ people. In it, there are clear instructions on how to attack our community.

Additionally, here are some key facts about Trump that appeal to Musk:

  • Trump plans to reverse Biden's Title IX expansion, which prevents schools from barring transgender students from using bathrooms, locker rooms, and pronouns that match their gender identities.
  • He would sign an executive order to cut federal funding for schools promoting "critical race theory, transgender issues, and other inappropriate content."
  • He released a video proposing policies to ban gender-affirming care for minors and restrict federal funding related to trans issues.
  • He aims to block doctors providing gender-affirming care from Medicare and Medicaid, prevent federal agencies from promoting gender transitions, and have the Justice Department investigate the medical industry.

We didn't call on others to join us when Outright stopped using X. We unceremoniously just stopped using it.

But here we are, months later, with more information about Musk's role in the erasure of LGBTQ+ people and the very real threat that looms.

The reality is that Musk's influence is outsized, and he seems to revel in politics that foster an environment of hostility, discrimination, and violence for the thrill - and expense - of seeing queer and trans youth harmed.

The question EVERYONE should be asking is, "Why continue to use X when the CEO aims to do so much harm?

Outright calls on all individuals, partners, and organizations to cease using X.

By collectively choosing to step away from this platform, we send a powerful message that we will not support or condone actions that harm our community members.

If you or the organization, company, leader, or media you work for and with is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all individuals, it must be recognized that the use of Musk's social platform is antithetical to these values. We are talking to you:

  • All non-profit organizations, especially youth-facing organizations
  • Elected and appointed officials in state and local governments
  • Businesses large and small
  • Media outlets

Let us stand together in solidarity and take a definitive stance against harm and injustice. Let's send a message loud and clear about the values we uphold. We believe in the power of the community and our responsibility to protect and uplift every member within it.

Right now, the well-being of our queer and trans youth depends on our collective action and unwavering support. Getting rid of X is the next move we can make together.