Disinformation does not exist in isolation. It intersects with broader forms of harmful content, such as stereotyping, hate speech, and agenda-driven narratives, often making it difficult to clearly define where disinformation begins and ends. During this session, we will explore how these dynamics emerge in relation to the LGBTQI+ community, who is behind them, and what their impact is on those directly affected

We are pleased to welcome Marilia Gehrke (PhD) as our keynote speaker. She is an Assistant Professor of Media and Journalism Studies at the University of Groningen and also the initiator of the crowdsourced project Forced to Quit, which maps women in politics, journalism, and activism who have been forced to leave the public sphere due to violence.

Her research focuses on gendered disinformation, fact-checking, AI and data journalism, and transparency. In her keynote presentation ‘Weaponizing stereotypes: The violent mechanisms of gendered disinformation and how a feminist fact-checking agenda can help’, she will reflect on how fact-checking can evolve in complex and often ambiguous information environments. Moving beyond the simple distinction between “true” and “false”, she will explore approaches such as pre-bunking, and discuss the potential of working towards a more inclusive, feminist perspective on fact-checking, with particular attention to the experiences of LGBTQI+ communities.

Furthermore, during the session, we will:

• Present initial findings from ongoing BENEDMO research
• Explore topics such as misleading narratives around medical transition and the visibility of LGBTQI+ symbols in public space
• Map the actors and motivations behind targeted disinformation campaigns
• Engage in roundtable discussions and a concluding panel

The session brings together researchers, journalists, media literacy professionals, fact-checkers, and members of the LGBTQI+ community to exchange knowledge and perspectives, and to reflect on possible interventions and solutions.

Practical details
Tuesday, 14 April
Het Nutshuis, The Hague
09:30 – 12:30

The session will be primarily in Dutch, but parts of the programme will be in English. Roundtable discussions will be facilitated in both languages, and participants are welcome to contribute in whichever language they prefer.

To participate, you can register via this link. Please note: places are limited and registration is confirmed upon email confirmation.