PinkNews Chooses Profits Over Principles, Trans Community Left in the Cold
PinkNews, long viewed as a prominent voice in the LGBTQ+ community, has found itself embroiled in controversy following a bombshell leak from @PinkNewsStaff on X/Twitter. The leak features a recording of PinkNews CEO Benjamin Cohen, where he expresses concerns over covering trans issues, citing the potential loss of advertising revenue. This revelation, coupled with recent actions like the removal of PinkNews’ trans category from its website, has sparked outrage within the community and raised serious questions about the outlet’s commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy.
The Leaked Recording: Profit Over Principles
The recording, which has been widely shared online, captures Cohen stating, “We have to be careful,” as he explains that trans issues are too “contentious” and could alienate advertisers. He further suggests that it should be “the role of others to change narratives.” This represents a stark departure from the activism that once defined PinkNews and points to a shift in focus from advocacy to profitability. The revelation that PinkNews intends to pivot toward becoming an “entertainment powerhouse” only adds fuel to the fire.
This decision couldn’t have come at a worse time. Trans people in both the UK and the US are facing unprecedented challenges, from hostile legislation to a surge in hate crimes. The importance of dedicated media coverage that uplifts and defends the trans community cannot be overstated. By stepping back from this responsibility, PinkNews risks abandoning the very people it once claimed to stand for.
A Toxic Culture Behind the Scenes?
The @PinkNewsStaff account, which joined X in May 2024, has not only exposed this recording but has also been steadily leaking other allegations about the internal workings of PinkNews. These claims include reports of a toxic work environment rife with bullying, harassment, and discrimination. For an outlet that brands itself as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights, these allegations are deeply troubling. They suggest that PinkNews may not be living up to its own ideals, both in its editorial direction and its treatment of employees.
This combination of external and internal failures paints a grim picture of an organization that has lost its way. The backlash from the community has been swift, with many expressing their disappointment and calling for a reassessment of the outlet’s priorities.
The Larger Implications
The decision by PinkNews to de-prioritize trans coverage raises critical questions about the state of LGBTQ+ media in 2024. As corporate interests increasingly dictate the content of mainstream media, marginalized voices often find themselves pushed to the sidelines. If even a publication like PinkNews, which built its reputation on advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, is willing to silence trans issues in the name of profit, what does this mean for the future of queer media?
For many, this feels like a betrayal. It underscores the precarious position of trans people within the broader LGBTQ+ movement, where solidarity often falters when it becomes inconvenient or unprofitable to maintain. This shift by PinkNews is a stark reminder that even within supposedly supportive spaces, trans people must continue to fight for visibility and representation.
What This Means for the Trans Community
The silence of PinkNews on trans issues will undoubtedly be felt by those who relied on the outlet for representation and advocacy. As transphobia continues to rise and trans lives in the United States and the United Kingdom at risk, the absence of strong, consistent media coverage leaves trans people more vulnerable than ever. It also signals to other media outlets that it may be acceptable to sacrifice integrity in favour of less “contentious” topics.
But the trans community is resilient, and this moment serves as a call to action. If PinkNews won’t stand up for trans rights, then it falls to other outlets, organizations, and individuals to fill the void. Trans voices must be amplified, and trans stories must continue to be told.
A Recommitment to TML’s Mission
At Transonic Media Labs (TML), we want to make our stance unequivocal: we will never shy away from covering trans issues, no matter how contentious or unprofitable they may be. Our commitment to the trans community is unwavering. We believe that online media has a critical role to play in shaping public discourse, and we stand firmly in our mission to provide thoughtful, compassionate, and relentless coverage of issues that matter.
We recognize that advocacy is not always easy, nor is it always profitable. But at TML, we prioritize our principles over profit. We are committed to being a platform that lifts up the voices of the marginalized, even when it’s difficult, and especially when it’s unpopular. The fight for trans rights is far from over, and we will be there every step of the way, ensuring that trans stories are told, trans lives are valued, and trans rights are defended.
For those who want to hear the recording that has sparked this controversy and the allegations of the PinkNews whistleblowers, it is available on X via the @PinkNewsStaff account. You can listen to it and explore other allegations by visiting @PinkNewsStaff on X.
At TML, we reaffirm our promise to stand with the trans community, now and always.