Facebook briefly banned this week a 1950's painting posted by combined auction house and art gallery Mossgreen. The painting, titled Women Lovers, by Charles Blackman seems fairly innocuous to us, merely depicting two undressed women sleeping in the same bed. However the image was quickly removed when Facebook censors claimed it was "advertising adult products or services," highlighting how queer art is still highly sexualized.
"I find Facebook's interpretation of this beautiful figurative painting, by one of Australia's most celebrated artists difficult to comprehend," said Mossgreen CEO Paul Sumner.
After complaints were lodged against Facebook for banning the image the site backpedalled on its decision. "We have reviewed the ad again and have approved it," a Facebook spokesperson said.
Years before Stonewall, a cafeteria riot became a breakthrough for trans rights
All about the Compton's Cafeteria riot, when drag queens and trans women rose up against police at a diner in San Francisco.