A false claim that LGBTQIA+ includes an “S” for “Satanist” has circulated online as a way to provoke fear and hostility towards LGBTQ people. Here’s what the acronym means, where the rumour came from, and how to spot the difference between a real definition and a conspiracy theory.

Essential Takeaways

  • The “S” claim is false: LGBTQIA+ does not add an “S” for “Satanist”.
  • The rumour gained attention in 2022: It appeared in an episode of The Liz Wheeler Show and was later checked by the Associated Press.
  • The acronym represents identities: Its letters refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual people; the plus sign recognises other identities.
  • The claim can cause harm: Linking a group of people with evil is a familiar way to encourage fear and dehumanisation.

The “S for Satanist” rumour is false

The claim that LGBTQIA+ has added an “S” for “Satanist” isn’t a new definition of the acronym. It’s a falsehood, presented as fact to stir up alarm about LGBTQ people. The idea resurfaced online in 2022, including during an episode of The Liz Wheeler Show.

An Associated Press fact check reported in September 2022 that the claim was false. YouTube later demonetised Wheeler’s channel, according to GLAAD’s account of the episode. The detail matters: a claim can spread widely online without being supported by evidence.

What LGBTQIA+ actually means

The acronym is a shorthand for a range of sexual orientations and gender identities. LGBTQIA+ commonly refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual people, while the plus sign acknowledges other identities not spelled out in the letters.

Usage can vary between organisations and communities, and language evolves. For a clear explanation, it’s better to consult a recognised glossary than assume a viral post has introduced an official change. GLAAD’s terminology guide offers definitions of commonly used LGBTQ terms.

Why the wording is more than a silly rumour

Calling a group evil or associating its members with demonic figures can do more than provoke a reaction. GLAAD describes the “Satanist” claim as a tactic that encourages moral panic and hostility towards LGBTQ people.

That framing also fits a broader pattern of dehumanisation: portraying people as dangerous or less than human makes it easier to target them. Social media companies have policies addressing hate speech, though the existence of a policy doesn’t mean every harmful post disappears straight away.

A quick way to check a viral acronym claim

Start by looking for a reliable source that explains the term, such as an established LGBTQ organisation or a fact-checking outlet. Then check whether the post links to evidence, or simply repeats a dramatic claim and urges you to share it.

It’s also worth separating a real debate about language from a fabricated definition. Acronyms can change as communities find more inclusive ways to describe themselves, but that doesn’t make every alleged addition genuine. A calm check beats an alarming screenshot.

What happens when misinformation spreads

False claims about LGBTQ people can travel quickly because outrage is easy to share. GLAAD’s work on anti-LGBTQ online hate documents how inflammatory narratives are used to attract attention and intensify hostility.

For readers, the practical response is simple: pause before reposting, verify the wording and consider who benefits from the panic. Online claims can look convincing at a glance, but a quick check often reveals whether they’re rooted in fact or designed to inflame.

A moment of verification can help stop a false claim from travelling further.

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