Almost on a weekly basis, Twitter’s users tend to cause a furore over disrespectful and blatantly abusive tweeting.

But here’s an example of how a mean-spirited situation can be turned around.

#SignsYoSonIsGay has over the weekend emerged as a popular trending topic, with new tweets appearing online by the minute. A variety of the tweets using the hashtag are anti-gay, ridiculing and downright derogatory.

#SignsYoSonIsGay nobody can make a joke about him or he cries like a girl…

— Daniel Tighe (@GallonOfPcp1) October 21, 2012

The hashtag has caused a quiet global uproar from concerned citizens, taking to their keyboards with quick, witty, compassionate responses that have defended gay men against some of the more vindictive comments that spread after the hashtag was spawned.

#signsYoSonIsGay He is one of the finest people I know and I’m in awe that I get to be his mom.

— Jackie Y. Griffin (@jyg08) October 20, 2012

#SignsYoSonIsGay The terror and isolation he experienced in his youth have turned him into a strong, independent and compassionate man.

— Dave Holmes (@DaveHolmes) October 19, 2012

#SignsYoSonIsGay He mentions it in passing one day & you & he are totally cool with it because you are a good parent & a decent human being.

— Greg Pak (@gregpak) October 19, 2012

After so many vitriolic messages incited hatred, it was then a relief to see the Twitter community respond en-masse with messages that promoted a happier side to the queer community.

Some Twitter users eventually grew tired of the positive comebacks and reverted to tweeting their feelings towards #SignsYoSonIsGay all being a joke. Though come a few years’ time when homophobia begins to dissipate in the world of instant sharing, they’ll eventually realise that for the queer community it’s never been a laughing matter.

Smart, funny, decent, loving people swipe #SignsYoSonIsGay hashtag from the homophobes, unfit parents, and haters. Inspired and inspiring!

— Dan Savage (@fakedansavage) October 19, 2012