Why I Will Delete Your Comments (and not feel bad about it) 

Go Thom! I am 100% behind you creating exactly the kind of space you want on your channel. I'm sorry you have to deal with people being so unkind, and thank you for making content that has made my world a better place.

Couldn't agree with you more. It's your youtube channel and it should be a safe space for you and like minded people. Some people don't deserve to have a voice. Even on their own social media when they spread hate and intentionally hurt people to make themselves feel better and important. We don't need their opinions in our lives so delete what you want. I'm very proud of you. You are so kind and I am glad that there are people like you in this world.

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this! I always find it so wild when people get offended by comments being deleted-- we're on your channel! This is like your internet house. You're allowed to curate your community. Being trans isn't some kind of open invitation for debate. Trans people are allowed to just exist on the internet and have hobbies, I don't know why certain people think it such a crazy concept.

People shouldn't be leaving comments like that in the first place. How can they complain about you deleting their comments and demand respect when their own intentions were obviously malicious/reactionary/to troll? This is your channel, your space. Your rules. Free speech doesn't have to apply. You didn't have to justify yourself. Thank you for doing it anyway.❤️‍🩹 You're the best!

Take care of yourself, first and always. Many--I hope most--are here to support the content you choose to produce for us, and our decisions have been based on what you've made so far. Please continue as long as you feel creative.

Well done Thom! 👏 I totally support and agree with your train of thought. Both why you made that decision and how you went about it. I must admit that my initial jerk reaction was that this video is unnecessary, that you should be able to just do it without explaining yourself, but like the lovely and caring human being you are, you extended your goodwill to us and we appreciate you and love you 🤗 You made multiple excellent point: not wanting to give troll a platform, not owing them 'free speech fairness', protecting your viewers, not being an activist and simply being able to do whatever the hell you want on you own channel 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

We support you!

I'm both saddened and angry that you've had to face up to these people who spread their hatred on social networks, hiding behind their screens. You have my full support. You were absolutely right to delete those comments because your platform is yours, it's like your house, and you invite whoever you want, you refuse access to people who aren't welcome because they're spreading things that aren't good for you. And by creating this Safe Place for you and for the other trans people, you've created a wonderful Safe Place for all of us. A community of caring people who share your values. So thank you so much for creating this community and this safe place for us too. ❤❤

I love the safe space you’ve created and foster here. There are plenty of places for ignorant comments on the web, your video comments section doesn’t need to be one of them 💜

Support comment incoming! All the love for you, your work, and your decision, Thom. 🤗

The fact you have to even make this video makes me a little sad. But I guess as your channel becomes more popular it's bound to happen. As a long time supporter, I agree with your policy completely.

I think that under the circumstances moderating the comments on your videos is not only reasonable, but smart. The people who come here wanting to argue against your very existence are not here because they really care about you or anyone else. And as you say, you don’t owe them a platform. So well done!

Fingers crossed you can get some "contenty" stuff done without any interuptions. Will always be baffled why some people don't understand that you're "allowed" to say anything you want, but that doesn't mean you aren't free to not experience the consequences of what you say. It's a shame some people are so unhappy with themselves they have to harass others under the guise of "helping." Honestly the best view is to not feel bad about it like you said. One of the most important things I learned in therapy is not worry about something that is out of your control, so yeah just block the assholes, remove the comments, find/curate better spaces for you, etc etc. Cheers to everyone and stay safe and loved today

I like this. Don't let people spread misinformation by using your platform. You don't owe bigots anything, i approve. More people should do this.

4:12 I’ve had to deal with one of those s**theads. Idk why I engage looking for a miracle.

You're absolutely right to delete those comments! It is so good to know there are some safe spaces online for trans people, LGBTQ+ folks, allies, and Heartstopper fans! Maybe you could find a volunteer moderator so you don't have to wade through all this ugliness yourself if it starts getting you. These people have to stop making Darla sad!

3:52 It’s like listening to people who are at risk of being bullied is a real task for some. Even worse is the idea of ‘middle ground’ or ‘agree to disagree’ like wtf

I support you in the decision to not allow hate on your platform! :)

Months ago I’ve asked you if you were facing such comments on your videos. Back then you said no. Sadly those people seem to have now found your awesome channel. You are doing the right thing, Thom. It’s your channel and your content and you are setting up the rules.

I am not great at sharing comments on channels, even those I adore, like you, Thom! BUT, I just have to say I am so with you on this. I can imagine, you being you, going into this assuming the best of intentions in others, even those that don't have enough empathy to figure out they're being hateful, or, why others who share their misguided views don't understand because they don't truly want to understand. They want you to be wrong. This being my Heartstopper place of joy, I am reminded how the way Harry bullied Charlie at the theater or during the rugby match can say things that on paper don't sound problematic, but it actually IS bullying. Later when he wants to be invited in to Tara's birthday party in Paris, Charlie says "No," and shuts the door in his face. This is YOUR PARTY. We're here to enjoy YOU and what you bring to us with your observations about all-things-Heartstopper, and whenever you want, what it means to you and how you connect with it from events in your own life. There is no benefit to letting the Harrys of the world crash your party. You have enriched my experience, my enjoyment of re-watching Heartstopper and getting into the books. I love that you are opening up even more about your personal journey and I am here to be at that party with you, as we all are, as we should be, on YOUR channel.

I fully support this. There is so much negativity on the internet that I am seriously considering limiting my screen time to favourite youtubers only and as little comments as possible because there are some people in the world who are somehow so unhappy and angry that they want to take it out on you... All the best for you, Thom and thank you for creating this good space :)

My channel comments go through rigorous moderation, and I'm not even making trans related content, I'm just a trans person. I get hate, threats, and preachy assholes constantly just for making stuff about the hobbies I enjoy. There's no point trying to fight them, all you can do is block and ignore, and create a place where kind people can enjoy a thing together.

You keep apologising for making "Thom talks about stuff" videos. I understand what you mean, but I still find it funny every time because that is literally what I'm here for?! :P And my second unpopular opinion: I didn't see this video as you justifying yourself. To me it seems like a statement of fact and as sharing a helpful list of points for others and as reassuring viewers that it's safe to look at the comments.*

There is no reason to try to find any reason in hate. It is what it is, and stands on it's own...and is not worthy of recognition or reply.

Honestly wish more channels would take this approach rather than leaving the nonsense to keep discussion/engagement going. Bigotry is not owed a platform. Not all ideas are worth hearing.

Absolutely your right to do it and you should do! Screw harassing jerks! 💗

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this :(( I wish that we trans folks could simply be, without feeling forced to justify our existence. those people arent worth our time, and soon they will phase out into a smaller and smaller minority of people. But you're awesome, your videos are great, and you should be proud of what you've made here on youtube.

Yup, best bet is just to delete those hateful comments ❤

To change and better days 🍻(

This is a very well moderated comment section, pat yourself on the back for deleting those comments😊

Excellent decision! Especially the not feeling bad about it part. 🫶 That's a huge gift to give yourself - we have to live in a world full of small minded people who think their beliefs and opinions should dictate how other people live their lives, but we sure as hell don't have to entertain them in our safe spaces! I'm sorry this means extra work for you (and that you have to see their comments at all) but you get to run your channel however it best serves you! 🥰