Anthony Nicodemo is an out-and-proud high school basketball coach and social studies teacher who has recently become the next target of the loudly anti-LGBTQ internet group Libs of Tiktok.
Nicodemo shared a video on his Instagram on September 3 of him hanging up a sign in his classroom with the text “Fascists Hate Teachers.” He discusses in the video how throughout history, fascist leaders have aimed for teachers and education in general: “People like Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, some of the worst people in world history were fascists, and they attacked us educators first.”
In response to this video, Libs of Tiktok, founded by Corey DeAngelis and Chaya Raichik, doxxed him, sharing contact information for his school along with his personal social media accounts. They encouraged their supporters to contact his administration and leave comments harassing him and his identity.
Despite the efforts of Libs of Tiktok and their followers, Nicodemo continues to receive support from his school. He has also received support online from others who are pro-LGBTQ+ and anti-fascist. In an interview with LGBTQ Nation, he shares his past experiences with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric affecting his life and career, but says that he is continuing to stand strong and be outspoken about the importance of education and inclusivity. Nicodemo says, “(T)hey want us to be quiet, and they want to make us disappear.” He is doing anything but that.
Libs of Tiktok has a history of digital and physical attacks on LGBTQ+ supporters. Their harm doesn’t just stop at harassment on social media—They’ve also inspired bomb threats, doxxing, and have supported abuse towards LGBTQ+ children. A group that prides itself on wanting to protect children from any “woke” and inclusive ideology has been the driving force behind schools receiving bomb threats and tirades of harassment. Perhaps it isn’t about protecting children after all. But creators and workers like Nicodemo won’t back down in the face of discrimination and will continue to be loudly supportive of children and adults alike who take pride in their identity.
Photo courtesy of social media
