SPLC and PERIL unveil resource to combat gender-based bigotry in youth

In a timely response to escalating incidents of gender- and sexuality-based discrimination, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), in collaboration with American University’s Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL), has released Not Just a Joke: Understanding & Preventing Gender- & Sexuality-Based Bigotry. This critical guide is designed to arm caregivers, educators, and community leaders with the tools to address and mitigate the influence of extremist ideologies on young people.

As the third installment in a series of educational resources developed by SPLC and PERIL, the guide underscores the importance of early intervention, fostering resilience, and building inclusive environments that embrace all individuals, regardless of gender or sexuality.

The digital age has exacerbated the spread of harmful ideologies, with young people increasingly exposed to content that perpetuates gender-and sexuality-based bigotry. The guide identifies interconnected belief systems, including male supremacy and anti-LGBTQ+ movements, which are often propagated through social media platforms, online forums, and cultural spaces.

“Young people—especially young men and boys—are exposed to online media that fosters anti-feminine and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments that negatively affect the lives of others and themselves,” said Aaron Flanagan, deputy director of prevention & partnerships for the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. “What we do and say online have real-life implications that we can no longer ignore and brush to the side.”

These ideologies are not isolated but intersect with broader systems of hate, such as white supremacy and other forms of systemic discrimination. Pasha Dashtgard, director of research for PERIL, emphasized the urgency of rethinking societal norms: “It’s time to help boys and young men adapt to evolving gender roles. Parents, teachers, and youth mentors must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to guide boys through the ever-shifting terrain of masculinity and sexuality.”

The guide offers a framework for recognizing signs that a young person may be susceptible to extremist manipulation. This includes changes in behavior, engagement with online communities promoting hate, or adopting dehumanizing language. Empathy and constructive dialogue are emphasized as key strategies for caregivers, as is fostering critical thinking and providing alternative narratives that celebrate diversity.

“This guide serves as a counter to the ongoing influence of male supremacy and to the figures peddling disinformation both on and offline,” said Lydia Bates, senior program manager of partnerships at SPLC’s Intelligence Project. “The solutions provided help young boys and men build resilience against male supremacist and anti-LGBTQ+ manipulation to make society a safer place for all.”

In addition to prevention, the guide addresses the aftermath of gender-and sexuality-based bigotry. It provides actionable steps for supporting those harmed, including creating safe spaces for sharing experiences, offering tailored emotional and psychological support, and advocating for systemic changes in schools and communities. This dual approach reflects the SPLC’s broader mission of combating hate while uplifting affected communities.

The release of Not Just a Joke comes at a critical moment as communities nationwide grapple with increasing polarization and intolerance. The SPLC urges caregivers in all capacities—whether parents, teachers, counselors, or mentors—to utilize this resource as a tool for fostering resilience and inclusivity. The guide emphasizes that combating bigotry requires a collective effort. By sharing the resource widely, individuals can help build a network of informed, compassionate adults ready to guide young people toward a future rooted in understanding and acceptance.

“Young people need adults to engage with them meaningfully and to guide them through the challenges they face in an evolving world,” Dashtgard added. “These conversations are hard, but they’re so important.”

Available for free on the SPLC website, Not Just a Joke is part of the organization’s extensive efforts to equip communities with resources to challenge hate and extremism. It is both a call to action and a toolkit for transformation, offering hope for a future free of bigotry and division.