The app has launched a variety of features, including rainbow hashtags and wellbeing guides for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Pride Month updates include rainbow hashtags, rainbow story rings, Pride stickers, Pride-themed AR effects and a wellbeing guide created in collaboration with the Queer Muslim Project.
Examples of popular LGBTQIA+ hashtags that will appear with a rainbow gradient are #LGBTQ, #BornPerfect, #EqualityMatters, #AccelerateAcceptance and #Pride2020. These rainbow gradients will also appear in Instagram Stories, with the gradient appearing around one’s Story where GLAAD-identified hashtags are used.
❤️ Today we’re sharing 10 self-care tips from the @TrevorProject in the spirit of #Pride 🌈#ShareWithPridehttps://t.co/yFGUA54aTP pic.twitter.com/aKNPCarVoM
— Instagram (@instagram) June 15, 2020
The Pride sticker pack has been extended to include more LGBTQIA+ stickers, and the new Pride AR effect will include 12 LGBTQIA+ flag gradients.
Speaking about the new features, Tata Bedi, Instagram’s Public Policy and Community Outreach Manager, said:
“We understand the challenges and diversity of emotions that the LGBTQIA+ community faces everyday, and want our platforms to be safe spaces for them to express themselves. Especially during COVID-19, we want to help the community celebrate virtually, find support online, and stay connected with the people they love. We are thankful for the partnership with @thequeermuslimproject for their insights that helped make the well-being guide and hope everyone shows support with our newly released features.”
The Queer Muslim Project uses visual storytelling to promote sex-positive, affirming and intersectional representation of communities. In the words of the Founder, Alom Rahman:
“The pandemic has created mental health challenges for the youth at large, but doubly so for the queer community due to the stigmas attached with their identity. Expressing themselves, but being safe online is the need of the hour and so we are excited to collaborate with Instagram, for this wellbeing guide.”
The wellbeing guide will guide users through the managing of negativity and challenges faced across the social media landscape. It provides resources for LGBTQIA+ people and features inputs from Veer Misra, Gaysi Family, Under25, Solidarity Foundation, Sandy Saha and Ya All, as well as illustrations from Sonaksha Iyenger.
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