Exodus to Bluesky: Why LGBTQ+ Users Are Leaving X in Droves
Written by Matthew Blackwood
Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, the platform has undergone extensive changes that have alienated many users, particularly those from minority communities. As a result, Bluesky—a decentralised social network founded in 2021—has seen a recent surge, reaching approximately 15.5 million users, with half a million joining in just the past week. This significant migration highlights a growing dissatisfaction with Musk’s policies at X, which have made the platform feel unsafe for many, especially LGBTQ+ users.
Musk’s approach has been characterised by drastic restructuring, with nearly 80% of X’s workforce laid off, including the moderation and trust and safety teams responsible for user protections. He also dissolved X’s Trust and Safety Council in December 2022, an advisory board meant to guide platform policies on sensitive issues. Without these supports, harassment and abuse have surged, and concerns for user safety have intensified across the platform.
Recent studies illustrate the negative impact on minority communities. Research by Amnesty International and GLAAD found that 60% of organisations surveyed saw an increase in hate speech targeting LGBTQ+ users post-acquisition, and 88% of individuals who reported abuse said that X took no action to address their complaints.
The removal of the block feature in late 2023 proved particularly controversial, as it left users vulnerable to harassment without a reliable means to protect themselves. Musk’s comments about supporting a more open “digital town square” have further fuelled concerns, with many seeing it as an invitation for extremist and far-right rhetoric to flourish. As harassment, misinformation, and anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech grew on the platform, large numbers of users—LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and minorities—found themselves seeking alternatives like Bluesky.
The exodus to Bluesky has also been motivated by frustration over X’s inconsistent enforcement of its own Terms of Service. Users have documented instances where breaches are ignored, and Musk’s limited moderation team is seen as turning a blind eye to threats and harassment. This perceived tolerance for harmful content has driven not only individual users but also prominent figures away from the platform, fueling Bluesky’s rapid growth.
Interestingly, Bluesky was initially backed by Jack Dorsey, X’s co-founder, who ultimately stepped down from its board and divested his interests, reportedly over disagreements about the platform’s strong stance on moderation. Bluesky, however, has stayed committed to its mission, gaining praise as a refuge for users seeking a safer and more inclusive social experience. Now at over 15 million users, Bluesky offers bulk blocking features and proactive moderation tools, proving especially appealing for those leaving X.
The migration to Bluesky underscores a wider demand for social media spaces where communities feel safe and harassment-free. For LGBTQ+ users and other minorities facing intensified challenges since Musk’s takeover, Bluesky has provided a welcoming alternative. As X becomes increasingly inhospitable to these groups, Bluesky’s growth demonstrates the importance of community-oriented platforms that prioritise user safety and inclusivity.
Will Bluesky become the new X? Only time will tell.
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