Facebook has announced a range of new in-app features and tools in support of Pride month being this June. They aim to help users participate in the celebrations but also to help provide guidance and advice for the LGBTQ+ community.
New features and initiatives
Facebook has added a range of new features, including post backgrounds, custom avatars and stickers for both Facebook Stories and News Feed posts. They’ve also added a colourful, animated Pride logo in the app, which was designed by Berlin-based artist Jasmina El Bouamraoui.
On Instagram, they’ve also added a range of new stickers for feed posts and stories. While also bringing back the famous rainbow hashtags for the month of Pride. For example, when you use a Pride-related hashtag on your posts, it will change to a rainbow text display and you'll also see a rainbow-coloured ring around your Instagram profile picture when you add the same hashtags into your Stories. Furthermore, Facebook is also launching a custom hashtag feed for #Pride, which will highlight content from public figures, publishers and related groups!
LGBTQ+ owned businesses
Another Pride initiative announced is Facebook is looking to support LGBTQ+ owned businesses by showcasing their themed offers and products. Furthermore, Facebook’s new Live Shopping Fridays will also have a Pride focus, hosting events featuring products from LGBTQ+ founder brands!
By partnering with a range of NGOs and experts, Facebook is looking to provide additional support for LGBTQ+ communities and share some valuable mental health resources.
In Germany, Facebook is even partnering with Pride Berlin to launch a messenger chatbot that can provide information about LGBTQ+ communities as well as non-governmental organisations that can offer support and counselling.
Facebook is doing their bit
Given that Facebook, in particular, is one of the biggest social media out there, it’s great that they are working towards everybody feeling safe and welcome on the platform. Facebook introducing these new features also gives users a great opportunity to show their support for individuals in LGBTQ+ communities but also help to raise awareness of ongoing gay rights issues. Facebook says that more than 25 million people on Facebook are now part of at least one of the 34,000 public groups that support LGBTQ+ people. So these new Pride features and initiatives also work towards creating inclusive and supportive communities within social media.
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