In April Facebook launched a feature allowing users to add what they are doing or feeling to status updates. Now, during LGBT Pride month, Facebook users can show that they are "feeling pride" which displays a rainbow icon. Facebook also promoted the #PrideConnectsUs hashtag, which has been used by many users including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
How to: Show that you are feeling pride in your Facebook status update
1. Compose a new status
2. Click on the emoticon (next to the camera icon), choose Feeling
3. Type in "pride" after Feeling
4. The Pride rainbow will be added to your status
Earlier today, Facebook posted a status to its official page liked by over 90 million users that said "Approximately 70% of people on Facebook in the U.S. are connected to a friend who has expressly identified themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual on their timeline. #PrideConnectsUs" with this graphic:
Earlier this week Scouts for Equality's Zach Wahls published a new Huffington Post piece which mentioned the 70 percent stat and described the various ways LGBT equality advocates have used social media to make change. Zach Wahls has worked with GLAAD most extensively in the campaign to end the Boy Scouts of America's ban on gay Scouts and leaders.
Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg posted this status update earlier in the day:"I'm proud that our country is moving in the right direction, and I'm happy for so many of my friends and their families. #PrideConnectsUs— feeling proud."
GLAAD has worked with Facebook over the years on a variety of LGBT inclusion efforts. GLAAD worked with Facebook to remove hateful comments and images posted to a Spirit Day event page in 2010. GLAAD and other groups worked with Facebook to add 'In a Civil Union' and 'In a Domestic Partnership' options to user profiles in 2011. In 2012, Facebook became the first social media company to be receive a GLAAD Media Award. Also in 2012 Facebook added same-sex icons for married couples.
