Keeping Ourselves (and Our Data) Safe 

July 24, 2024

We at the Woodhull Freedom Foundation are proud to have worked closely with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) – the leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world – on a number of briefs of amici curiae. Together, we’ve urged the Supreme Court to strike down laws in Florida and Texas that let the states dictate certain speech social media sites must carry, and we’ve called on the 9th Circuit to support the so-called “1st Amendment of the internet” Section 230. In short, we’ve repeatedly recognized that sexual freedom and freedom go hand-in-hand.

In an age of increasing surveillance and repression, our 1st Amendment rights – and by nature, our other human rights such as the right to sexual freedom – take on new meaning. Reflecting on a salient example – Pride 2024 – Paige Collings and Daly Barnett note that for many communities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, being protected while gathering or protesting isn’t a given. For example, according to a report accurate as of June 14, 2024, in at least 10 states since June 1, LGBTQIA+ magazine Them identified anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism and threats of violence.

Keeping ourselves and our data safe takes work: whether you’re at a Pride parade or an activist action, you’ll likely face risks. Thankfully, EFF recently highlighted some tips for in-person events and protests, with information tailored toward LGBTQIA+ folks. And as to protest rights more generally, there are plenty of other trustworthy resources to comb through.

We know that coming together as a community – whether online or in-person, to celebrate or to advocate for change – is critical to the fight for sexual freedom. We also are well-aware to do so safely, taking precautions is often advised. We encourage everyone to educate themselves on ways to minimize their risk so they can continue to gather, express themselves, and take action.