The #NotYourShield movement emerged in late 2014 as a hashtag campaign primarily associated with the GamerGate controversy. It was created by female, minority, and LGBTQ+ gamers who felt that social justice activists were using their identities as a 'shield' to push specific political agendas or to silence criticism of gaming journalism. By sharing photos of themselves holding signs with the hashtag, participants aimed to demonstrate that their community was diverse and that they did not want others to speak on their behalf. Today, the meme is used more broadly in political and social discourse to represent individuals who reject being treated as monolithic groups by activists, media outlets, or corporate interests.