TRIGGER WARNING: This editorial discusses topics of homophobia and hate speech.

Throughout the years, Piper High School has been considered a safe space for many students of all races and sexualities. With inclusive clubs like Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), Diversity Club, and Black Leaders of America (BLA), Piper has been known for its diversity and equity. However, an anonymous Instagram account named “piperfags” was created on Nov. 9, stirring unease and fear in Piper’s LGBTQ+ community. Though the account was quickly taken down by Instagram from reports of hate speech, the effects of this account could potentially be long-term.

This account was used to publicize both queer and straight students in a negative light by using offensive slurs like “dyke” and “f*ggot” to describe them. The account would post a picture of a student and describe them with offensive terms in the caption. The term “f*ggot” is deemed offensive as it was originally used as a word for cigarettes, however, in the 18th century, the term was turned because it was used to describe queer people after they were “rolled up” in carpets with their partners, and burned to death, resembling a cigarette.  

Many anonymous Instagram accounts have been created including “phs.sleepystudents” that have highlighted “Piper Passouts” throughout the school day. Another account includes “piperaffirmations1” which posts daily affirmations, and there is even one named “phs_lunches” that reviews the lunches every day. All of these accounts are lighthearted accounts that students can enjoy for a good laugh throughout the day. Instead, this account chose to out some students with no known intentions.

The definition of outing someone is to share and disclose information concerning someone’s sexuality without their permission. Some students who may not have been out to their peers or family were now publicly displayed for the entire media world to see. This is a form of cyberbullying, which Piper has openly stated is against policy. 

According to the Piper High School handbook, if a student is reported to have cyberbullied, the offenses include parent contact, after-school detention, Friday night school, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or long-term suspension and expulsion. Since the owner of the account is unknown, no actions have been taken by administrators.

Not only did the account out some queer students, but it also sexualized queer women and invalidated their sexualities. On one of the posts, a queer student was sexualized without their consent. This is especially concerning if the anonymous owner of the account was 18 years old or older, considering the individual posted was only 14. Regardless, the sexualization of queer women is especially heinous as queer women are hyper-sexualized within the media by cis-straight men. 

The actions taken by this account user are unacceptable. With the ever-growing diversity of Piper, many students were proud to be in an environment where they can express themselves without fear of being bullied or threatened. Now, this account has taken our school a step back in the wrong direction. 

When someone creates an account highlighting any students in a negative light, they create a hitlist, especially about queer students. Our very own GSA does not have any social media accounts celebrating their members as the meetings are a confidential safe space for queer students to express themselves, even those who are not yet out. 

This account also goes against Piper High School’s Behavior Matrix which states their students should be safe, respectful, and responsible, all of which the account goes against. Students have always known there has been homophobia within our school, but never has it been this vocal.  

To keep Piper a safe space, we need to continue to hold accounts like these accountable for their actions, as well as students who use slurs. As individuals, we need to stop conversations like these when we hear them or see them happening.