"Dear" YouTube
It's Not Me....It's You
Dear YouTube Creator Support Team,
I am writing to express my deep frustration regarding the recent strike against my channel for streaming content that your automated systems and manual reviewers have previously determined to meet Community Guidelines. This incident not only affects my ability to share artistic, creative work but also highlights ongoing concerns about how policies are applied to LGBTQ-focused content.
The flagged stream features artistic montages of contemporary and vintage photography documenting the art, history, and lived experiences of gay men. All videos on the stream are of videos the automated system has not previously flagged and I do not believe violate any of the “Community Guidelines.”
My channel and content are educational, historical, and celebratory, with no intention to violate any of YouTube’s guidelines, policies, or standards.
Yet, the subjective and vague term “sexually gratifying” continues to be applied in ways that feel disproportionately targeted against LGBTQ audiences and creators.
As I’m sure you’re well aware, there are individuals who can find virtually anything “sexually gratifying.” Policing LGBTQ content under such broad and non-objective criteria not only stifles creative expression but also perpetuates double standards.
If my videos featured women instead of men, I doubt they would face the same censorship or scrutiny.
This bias is not hypothetical. LGBTQ creators have long voiced concerns about inequitable treatment on YouTube, and my own experience aligns with these grievances.
YouTube’s current automated system makes it increasingly difficult for creators like me to share meaningful content, grow our channels, and sustain a livelihood on the platform.
To date—on three separate strikes—Creator Support has been unable or unwilling to address the disparity in enforcement of Community Guidelines. I urge you to review this case, the broader issue of inconsistent policy application, and the real impact on LGBTQ creators.
I am well aware of the Community Guidelines and take care to operate within them.
I ask that you:
Reconsider and reverse the strike on my channel.
Provide clarity on how “sexually gratifying” is defined and applied.
Address the double standards affecting LGBTQ creators and ensure consistent enforcement of policies across all demographics.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope for a fair resolution and a more inclusive platform for all creators.
Sincerely,
Clint
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