My Past Now
Video + Vintage Photos
VINTAGE PHOTOS
After two separate removals (from two separate YouTube channels), this is my third time posting the photomontage above online.
I’m reposting it here to document the corporate hypocrisy and possible anti-LGBTQ discrimination by YouTube.
The Google-owned platform is a bigger threat to Hollywood than Netflix and currently seems to be using its powers for more evil than good in my book.
Based on recent personal experience, YouTube is also a major threat to LGBTQ audiences and creators, censoring content made by/for folks who dare color outside the lines with all the colors of the LGTBQ+ rainbow.
YOUTUBE = NOT SO QUEER, DEAR
The photomontage above was removed not once but twice from the platform. Once for linking to the source of the photos (on Tumblr) that includes artistic nudes…and now for, in my opinion, utter bullshit.
Some have called the platform’s inconsistent enforcement of its often (intentionally?) vague Community Guidelines homophobic.
I’m not sure I agree 100%. But I do find it “interesting” how the rules are applied to content by/for queer folks far more strictly than content by/for straight folks.
SWIMSUITS + UNDERWEAR ≠ NUDITY/SEX
YouTube’s Nudity & Sexual Content Policy (and its use of the subjective “sexually-gratifying” language) is used like a dagger and magic wand by the platform’s various automated and human tools to remove anything deemed not “advertiser-friendly.”
With vintage (though PG-rated) photos of scantily-clad men, some folks likely do find our photomontages “sexually gratifying.” But some folks get off to virtually any and every type of content under the sun, including no-face ASMR videos to shorts of costumed mascot dance-offs.
And yet those don’t seem to get removed from the platform. Just shirtless men or men being affectionate with each other. With zero nudity and zero sex.
We’ll get to the “tits and ass” content found all over YouTube in a moment, but first:
I find it “interesting” that YouTube removed the first post—on our monetized Main Channel—within a few minutes of its posting but took almost a week to remove the same video on our not-yet monetized Second/Too Channel.
Why? Well, I have a simple theory: It appears that the platform waited until the video plateaued (at 22K+ views) to remove it. Making YouTube, not us, some money in the process. Money we aren’t even eligible to share yet on that channel.
It’s only a theory, but it makes sense (Google AdSense actually), right?
Their “guilty until proven innocent” approach seems strange for a platform dependent on content creators. But with so much competition vying for their attention, it’s nearly impossible to get anything but automated responses even when you are monetized.
So while Google and its bots made a few ad dollars, this video cost me half a day of editing, at least two sleepless nights, and countless headaches.
It’s not hard to find MANY examples of channels that represent the vast difference between what “straight” channels get away with regularly.
THE UNIVERSE OF TITS + ASS
Here’s one: The Universe is an entire channel (with 17.3K to our 4.8K subscribers) dedicated to what I consider historical “tits and ass” photomontages.
I found The Universe because it was recommended repeatedly BY YOUTUBE (on the “Inspiration” tab of YouTube Studio).
If we did what they do with vintage men, our channels would be removed immediately.
Their thumbnails alone are more “sexually-gratifying” to a wider group of people than anything our channel has ever posted.
The only conclusion I can come to is:
BOOBS IN BRAS AND CORSETS ARE COOL.
BULGES IN SWIMSUITS AND UNDERWEAR ARE NOT.
If this is the gonna be the corporate double standard, maybe Google should consider renaming YouTube: YouBoobs seems both appropriate and ironic. Doncha think?
LGBTQ+ CONTENT = UNWELCOME?
Both of our channels feature original photomontages created by/for LGBTQ+ folks.
Based on YouTube’s Analytics, our audience is predominately male and over the age of 45. In other words, grown-ass adults. So what besides a distaste for men enjoying seeing photos of other men explains the difference?
That the platform applies its policies and rules so unevenly and unfairly frustrates me beyond frustration. It truly pisses me off.
YouTube has many problems, including rampant Content ID/copyright claim abuses and toxic comments from bots and trolls.
But it’s its current handling of LGBTQ+ content that is the most troubling to me…as both a (small) YouTube creator as well as a YouTube Premium subscriber.
Content creators, big and small, are part of YouTube Partner Program.
Few, if any, of us (who aren’t MrBeast) are considered YouTube’s partners.
Big difference.
Good thing I like you, YouTube.
But you’re truly testing my goddamn patience.
Not that you seem to give a single fuck, but I do hope a few creators share what they really think about how you wield your power at VidCon Anaheim this week.
WHAT WE’RE GONNA DO
Until YouTube gets its collective shit together, me and the Collide Press Crew are collectively working on some creative solutions to:
Give more context for what our content is about.
Clarify who the intended audience for our content is.
Explain why the audience and content matters.
Pride Month may be coming to an end, but this virtual riot may be just getting started. I’m mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore.
Like most corporations, Google/YouTube only seems to respond to squeaky wheels. Well, this queer wheel is feeling extra squeaky. And is not ready to make nice.
Thanks for reading!
Clint
Don't worry, my friend. It happens to us all. I had this happen only the other day with my second tribute to Thomas Finland and his black models for LGBTQ Pride month. They repeatedly removed my thumbnail, which, quite frankly, I did not think violated any of the gratuitous sexual **** that they were inferring it did. It was a guy in a pair of leather trunks. and two guys hugging each other. Anyway, I remade the thumbnail, which you can see. And this one has been accepted. I totally agree with you, though. I have been shocked and appalled by some of the ASMR channels that I've come across where literally you have a guy groaning and talking about what he's going to do to his girl. And that is plainly within sight!🙂
I also came across a wonderful vlogger who carries out different yoga poses in front of fantastic scenery. But all of them are carried out in a very tight thong and bikini top with her arse showing to the camera most of the time, I have not exactly watched the channel, but I did see her thumbnail. And that's what caught my eye.. And clearly that's the reason why she used it for her thumbnail, because she knew that it would get people's attention. And yet, Youtube has allowed that to stand where, in fact, if that bikini bottom moved just a few more centimeters, we would be seeing far more than perhaps even this young lady would like us to.
It beggars belief how these can be allowed to stand on the platform, and yet very simple images like you and I are posting are vetoed. Anyway, I just keep doing what I'm going to do. You should continue to do the same, my friend. We just pay them no mind and keep focused on what we're trying to create. The only reason I'm posting here is to let you know you're not alone. And I tend to just smile, tip them a nod and carry on.
Even though, due to my disabilities, I have to create everything using one hand, because my other hand is a problem. I still soldier on. I'm sat here in the Philippines in high humidiity, creating content on Internet speed that is slower than dial up. And yet I still persist. ..SO....If I can do it in these conditions, you definitely can. Do not give up my friend. Keep creating your beautiful work.⭐😎🎉🙏
Hi there, I really enjoy your content here and on YT. Please hang in there. 😊 I have been online since the 'internet' became available and have noted the increasing new puritanism that has crept in on all platforms since about 2016. Does that tell you anything? Anyway it may pass in time I hope.