As communities around the world celebrate Pride Month and International LGBTIQ+ Pride Day on June 28, attention is often focused on the progress made in advancing equality and human rights. Yet Pride is also a reminder of the ongoing need to challenge stigma and discrimination. To this end, I would like to refer to the study Mpox 1b: Upstanders for Science in Western and Chinese Social Media published in response to the stigma and discrimination that emerged during the public health crisis. The study highlights the important role that science-based communication can play in combating prejudice and misinformation.
The study analyzed 3,089 social media posts published on X and Weibo during the 2024 Mpox 1b outbreak. The researchers found that while misinformation continued to circulate online, posts grounded in scientific evidence generally attracted greater engagement. The study also identified the presence of “upstanders for science”, that is individuals who actively share reliable information, correct false claims, and promote evidence-based discussions on social media.
One of the study’s most significant findings concerns the persistence of stigmatizing narratives associated with Mpox. Researchers observed that some social media users continued to spread misleading claims linking the disease to specific groups, including members of the LGBTIQ+ community. These narratives echo patterns seen during the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, when misinformation and fear often fueled discrimination against gay and bisexual men.
At the same time, the study found strong evidence of users pushing back against these stereotypes. Many participants challenged discriminatory messages, shared scientific information about disease transmission, and emphasized that viruses do not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other social characteristic. These actions demonstrate how digital communities can help create more informed and inclusive public conversations.
The findings are particularly relevant during Pride Month. The history of the LGBTIQ+ rights movement is closely connected to the struggle against misinformation and health-related stigma. From the HIV/AIDS crisis to more recent public health emergencies, scientific evidence has been essential in countering prejudice and protecting vulnerable communities.
The Mpox 1b study reminds us that combating misinformation is not only a public health challenge but also a matter of social justice. By supporting evidence-based communication and rejecting stigmatizing narratives, individuals can contribute to healthier, more inclusive societies. As Pride celebrations highlight diversity, equality, and human dignity, this research offers a timely message: standing up for science can also mean standing up for human rights.
Predoctoral researcher at the Department of Sociology in University of Barcelona.