In a move original creator Gilbert Baker would no doubt applaud, the tech world has embraced the Pride flag in all its multicoloured glory this month with a newly-launched set of reactions,emojis and filters.
First up from Zuck’s team at Facebook comes a new rainbow reaction: “Pride”. It said:
“We believe in building a platform that supports all communities. So we’re celebrating love and diversity this Pride by giving you a special reaction to use during Pride Month.”
Alongside the rainbow reaction, the ability to adopt a new profile frame:
and use special masks and frame effects:
Just remember, a pug is for life, not just for Pride.
PS Can’t see the reaction on your own Facebook yet? No problem. Simply like the LGBTQ page on Facebook, and boom – all hail the Pride emoji.
And from its cousin, Instagram? A set of new tools for Instagram Stories including Pride stickers and a rainbow brush, plus a global initiative to turn plain walls into colourful rainbows. Join the action by using the hashtag #KindComments and #pride2017.
Next up, Twitter with its new Pridemoji, an update to the rainbow heart unveiled in 2016. The company commented in a tweet: “Y’all know #LoveIsLove well! But we updated the rainbow heart. Now half of it is a direct salute to our trans friends, lovers, and family.”
The emoji will automatically be placed within a tweet when the following hashtags are used: #LoveIsLove, #Pride2017, #PrideMonth, and #PrideIsHappening.
Pucker up for Snapchat’s Pride-themed emoji brush, 14 new Bitmojis and stickers and new Pride-themed geofilters launching every weekend across the month.
Yawn-inducing conference calls will soon be a thing of the past with Skype’s special-edition stickers.
The company said: “At Skype, our mission is to bring communities together and we believe that everyone has the right to express themselves. And the new Skype lets you express who you are better than ever before. We hope you have as much fun using this new content as we had creating it!”
Looks like the world of tech has well and truly embraced the way of the rainbow this Pride month. We love.