Tougher community guidelines on social media have resulted in deleted accounts for many and the ever increasing censorship is now impacting dating apps. Our digital safe-space is being eroded and censorship seems to be the go-to option for governments and companies around the world it feels like anything that’s a bit queer or a bit sexual is at the top of the hit-list.
Here at Squirt.org, we love sex. We think that sex is a good thing, and that our bodies – whatever the shape, size, colour, or age – are beautiful and should be celebrated. We believe that there’s nothing wrong with getting your clothes off – that there’s no shame attached to nakedness.
Obviously, not everyone feels the same way. Differences of opinion about sexual expression aren’t a new thing, but there appears to be a growing shift to a more socially conservative outlook on the world.
Obviously, if you own the platform – if you’re someone like Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, or YouTube – then you get to decide what content you’re going to allow your users to publish. We might not like the decisions they make, or the way they go about it, but they get to make the rules.
However, censorship impacts us all, and it can often be in quite unexpected ways.
Hook-up apps are being forced to introduce new guidelines for user profile photos. The new guidelines specified that "photos in underwear, jockstraps or bikini style bathing suits are no longer permitted in profile photos." Given that these are gay hook-up apps, on the face of it that seems like an odd move. But, they have been backed into a corner. They rely on app stores to distribute their service to users, and app stores are becoming increasingly cautious and conservative when it comes to anything that might be considered adult-oriented.
From a Squirt.org perspective, we don’t rely on app stores to connect with our members, so we’ve been fortunate to dodge that particular bullet. However, we’re acutely aware that censorship of adult and sex-positive content is only increasing. We can’t be complacent. The rising tide of censorship and online regulation could soon put us all out of business, making it no longer feasible for us to provide the types of services and content that our members value – services and content that also play an important role in our community.
So, we want to take a stand. We want to send a message. We can’t stay silent in the face of increasing censorship.
We’ve launched out #CensorshipSucks campaign to allow people to have their voices heard.
Support for the #CensorshipSucks campaign
"A society that is comfortable with every detail of violence being broadcast on every channel but not comfortable with the broadcasting of examples of the love, lust, compassion, caring, and sexual freedom the porn industry portrays, is a society that seriously needs to reconsider their viewing priorities". - Jack Andy (@jackandyxxx)
"I think censorship limits creativity and self-expression. This concept of safety by hiding sexuality of nudity never really did anything to help human trafficking nor folks being raped or abused. Some of my friends think nudity is dangerous. We have to stop the bad connotation associated with the human body and what we do with it." - River Wilson (@riverwilsonxxx)
"The whole point about the internet is the freedom to post or create media without censorship. A world with online censorship brings us back to the 1980s. Being a Model and Director in Gay Porn, I think it’s crazy since many men like to and do express themselves in a sexual and more natural manner. People shouldn’t be censored on what they want to express sexually. Even censoring nude photography is a big shame as that’s art, art of the male form. We are now in 2019, censoring things online is quite ridiculous and a step backwards as it’s nothing new and nothing to be ashamed of – people and companies have been doing this a long time." - DICE (@DiceInPDXXX)
"When it comes to the increasing of online censorship, I feel as though that it is Prehistoric. We are living in a time and age where everything is more advanced. For me personally, I think it is a double-edged sword because there are many things in this world that aren’t censored. Take for instance, various paintings and statues. Those are considered national treasures; however, still showing full on nudity for all to see. The body is an art form, it shows the beauty and uniqueness in all of us. It is a sign of self-confidence. Others can say it’s too much or vulgar, but that just a closed-minded perception of how to think." - Tigger Redd (@Tigger_ReddXXX)
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About Squirt.Org:
Where men meet other men for sex, fun, and friendship – this is the foundation for Squirt.org, a website established in 1999 and operated by Pink Triangle Press. True to its tagline, "Hot ‘n horny hookups," Squirt.org is a completely uncensored hookup/cruising site for gay, bi, and curious men who want to skip the pretense of dating and get right to the sex. Consisting entirely of user-generated content, the site is continually growing to provide men around the world a way to meet. Squirt.org is available on mobile, desktop, and tablet platforms through any web browser without the need of downloading any apps. All are welcome in the Squirt.org sex-positive community independent of weight, age, or race, which equates to a great chance at getting laid. For more information, visit www.Squirt.org.
