LOS ANGELES -- YouTube's #ProudToBe initiative024 Archivesfacing a sea of haters.
The video series, launched last week, was created to celebrate people throughout the LGBTQ community and around the globe.
The kick-off video (above) features prominent YouTubers including Gigi Gorgeous, Tyler Oakley, Kat Blaque, and Tre Melvin.
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It has amassed a whopping 8.8 million views.
However, the number of thumbs down dislikes (245,574) outpaces the number of thumbs up likes (187,495).
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable And due to the amount of negativity from YouTube users, the platform has now disabled all comments.
Before they were taken down, comments ranged from "You’re all freaks of society” to “There is only three gender [sic]. 1. Man 2. Female 3. Mental disturbed [sic].”
YouTube said it bans hate speech “including the promotion of violence on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
SEE ALSO: YouTube's new Pride initiative will give you all the feelsThe video initiative came in time for June's Pride month and after mass shooting in Orlando at a gay nightclub. The tragedy shook the nation, but also Team Internet since YouTube has become known as a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community.
At VidCon, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki showed the video during her keynote.
“Over the last year at YouTube, we’ve given a lot of thought about what we stand for, and we’ve identified a number of 'Freedoms' that we believe in and want to promote at YouTube," she said.
"This includes the Freedom of Expression: that YouTube gives everyone a voice. The Freedom of Information: that YouTube provides information to everyone around the globe. The Freedom of Opportunity: that anyone on YouTube can build a media business and the Freedom to Belong: that everyone can find connection and community.”
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