Facebook - which promises to be LGBT friendly even as it continues to take down images of gay men kissing (while refusing to remove homophobic posts) - recently decided that people needed to use their real names if they wanted a Facebook profile. This was especially troubling for drag queens, porn stars and transgendered individuals.

 

The backlash against the decision was intense, resulting in a meeting between members of the LGBT community and Facebook executives. Performers argued that using their stage name protected them from issues with employers, family members or unwanted attention. 

 

Facebook only agreed to reinstate any deleted profiles to allow users to correct the name on the account. However, it would maintain its "legal name" policy and insisted everyone comply with the new rules within the next few weeks.

 

Four days ago, a twitter account was created called "Real Name Police." The user asked followers to report any Facebook account that was not using a legal name, claiming that only “perverts, sickos and bullies” would use “fake names."

 

Most of the profiles attacked were for drag performers. Each "fake" Facebook account was tweeted with “MyNameIs NOT:” followed by the Facebook account name, and “FAKE NAME! REPORT THIS ACCOUNT!”

 

Twitter has since suspended "Real Name Police," though no reason was given. (We assume it was because the account was created solely for the purposes of harassment.) It's interesting that someone would go after fake names on Facebook while using a fake name on Twitter.

 

As for Facebook: we sometimes pray for the day when the whole thing implodes.

 

Update: ‘Real Name Police’ Twitter account targeting drag artists gets suspended [PinkNews]