Google subsidizing hate group's anti-trans and anti-diversity ads

"Google's Ad Grants program subsidizes advertisements by the anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Do No Harm, including sponsored search results for the group's so-called “Detransitioner Bill of Rights,” according to a search of Google's ad transparency data."

"Do No Harm's model policy, the “Detransitioner Bill of Rights,” wrongly suggests that gender-affirming healthcare can “contribute” to distress among trans young people and perpetuates the myth that trans identity is a phase by falsely claiming, “Taking a wait-and-see approach [to gender-affirming healthcare] ... results in a majority of those minors coming to terms with their bodies and accepting the reality of their sex by late adolescence or early adulthood.”"

"Hate groups like Do No Harm use anti-trans “detransitioner” rhetoric to erode public support for gender-affirming healthcare and increase support for policies censoring LGBTQ+ content in schools, online and in public spaces. They have also revitalized the discredited and dangerous practices of LGBTQ+ “conversion therapy.”"

"A review of Google Ads data shows that at least eight digital advertisements on Google for Do No Harm were supported by the Google Ad Grants program. Among the ads, one links to the group's “Detransitioner Bill of Rights” while one advertises the “dangers of gender affirmation.” Another sponsored ad titled “Save America's Children” claims, “Do No Harm will fight to protect children from dangerous 'gender-affirming care.'" A tag on the ads notes, “Google does not endorse this ad.”"

Google Ad Grants subsidized advertisements for the anti-LGBTQ+ group Do No Harm, including sponsored search results tied to a “Detransitioner Bill of Rights” and claims about the dangers of gender-affirming care. The “Detransitioner Bill of Rights” frames gender-affirming healthcare as something that can contribute to distress and promotes the idea that trans identity is a phase. The rhetoric is used to reduce public support for gender-affirming healthcare and to support policies that censor LGBTQ+ content in schools, online spaces, and public spaces. The group also promotes discredited practices associated with LGBTQ+ conversion therapy. Research cited in the material indicates that affirmation and support for trans young people lead to better mental health outcomes. Google’s Ad Grants program donates search advertising to eligible organizations globally, and Google indicated it did not endorse the specific ads mentioned.

Read at Southern Poverty Law Center