Record Transphobia in Sport Revealed in Q2 2025 Index, Says Areto Labs
90% of Trans Abuse Traced to Facebook; Hate Speech Up 56% Year-over-Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmonton, August 12, 2025 — Transphobic abuse in sports hit record levels from April 1 to June 30, 2025, with the Areto Transphobia Index reaching 733 (+215% QoQ, +633% YoY). According to Areto Labs’ latest Hate Speech Index report, 90% of all transphobic comments were posted on Facebook. Spikes in abuse aligned with Pride Month in June and spillover from Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, but researchers say these events only partially explain the trend.
“Transphobia is no longer a fringe issue,” said Areto Founder and COO Kasey Machin. “It’s the fastest-growing form of hate speech we track, and this quarter it hit a record high. That’s not a milestone to celebrate. It reflects a broader cultural shift, where anti-trans sentiment is being normalized and fuelled by mainstream political narratives. This isn’t just a platform problem, it’s a societal one, and it’s something we all need to be paying attention to.”
The Homophobia Index was also up 41% in Q2, and the Women’s Sports Index rose 88% this quarter after three straight quarters of decline, coinciding with the WNBA season tip-off and global Pride celebrations.
“What we’re seeing in sport reflects the rising emotional temperature of the internet,” Machin added. “As sexism, homophobia and transphobia become more mainstream online, women’s sport is a prime intersectional target.”
Other key findings from Areto’s Q2 Hate Speech Index include:
The overall Areto Hate Speech Index rose 4% quarter-over-quarter to 164, continuing a steady upward trend
Racism Index dropped significantly, likely due to the absence of major contentious international events
Sexism Index was down 6% quarter-over-quarter but remains stubbornly high–with a 150% increase from last year
👉 Explore the full Index Analysis here or at aretolabs.com/blog/areto-index-q2-2025
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About Areto Labs
Areto Labs is a Canadian women-founded technology company and global leader in AI-driven content moderation, with offices across Canada, Europe and Oceania. Since its inception, Areto Labs has been at the forefront of tackling digital harm — pioneering world-first solutions to detect and remove hate speech, fraud and digital piracy from social media. Their proprietary moderation engine is trusted by leading sports leagues, broadcasters, rights holders, global brands, creators and public figures around the world to protect communities, strengthen engagement and create safer online environments. With a mission rooted in both technology and social impact, Areto is shaping the future of digital safety at scale. aretolabs.com
About Areto Software
Areto is an advanced AI content moderation and engagement software tool, empowering organizations to manage their social media with efficiency and control. Acting as an AI agent on autopilot, and powered by bespoke AI models, Areto gives brands, creators and public figures real-time, automated protection against harmful content and fraudulent activity, while optimizing engagement and reducing manual workloads.
Media Contacts:
Kasey Machin, Founder, Chief Operating Officer - kasey@aretolabs.com
Jacqueline Comer, Founder, Chief Product Officer jacqueline@aretolabs.com