Substack was supposed to be my sanctuary after a tragedy. Following my brother's death, I was lost, searching for a supportive community in the vastness of the internet, a place to express, reflect, and heal. Substack provided that haven—a place where voices mattered, where discussions thrived, and where I could finally breathe again.

Yet, today, this haven is under threat. A growing epidemic of online abuse is targeting women, BIPOC communities, and the LGBTQIA+ individuals on Substack. This isn't just about offensive comments; it's a barrage of death threats, insidious harassment, and even the malicious creation of deepfake pornography. These abuses aren’t just breaking spirits—they’re driving away people who once considered this platform a home.

Days ago, a group of us penned an open letter to the Substack team. We highlighted these critical issues, pleading for immediate action. Despite the collective urgency and the significant attention the letter garnered, our appeals remain unanswered. It's disheartening and feels like a betrayal of a community that relies on this platform for safety and expression.

This void of response from Substack is not just negligence; it’s tacit acceptance of bullying, harassment, and potentially life-threatening situations. With the digital space being more pivotal than ever in our lives, systemic inaction can no longer be tolerated.

We are petitioning Substack to stand up and take responsibility for their community by implementing comprehensive and effective moderation policies. This includes:

- Enforcing stronger and clearer community guidelines against harassment and abuse.
- Implementing robust systems to report and quickly act on incidents of abuse.
- Collaborating with cybersecurity experts to tackle the sinister issue of deepfake creation and distribution.
- Providing support and resources for affected individuals, ensuring they have a safe space to express concerns.

These steps are not just recommendations but necessities. By creating a safer environment, Substack can uphold the very values it was built upon: progressive dialogue, diverse discourse, and inclusivity.

We cannot allow silence to perpetuate harm. It's time for Substack to take responsible action, ensuring that everyone—regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation—feels safe and valued.

Please sign this petition and help us reclaim our right to a supportive and secure online community. Your voice can make a difference and safeguard our digital neutrality and freedom to thrive.