Of course, if you followed the movement to get a trans pride flag approved by Unicode, the story of the bisexual pride flag emoji will sound familiar. The battle for a trans pride flag emoji shows what it takes to get LGBTQ representation in emojis. But considering petitioners for the emoji has made it clear that a lack of bisexual representation contributes to the mental health problems of this group, it’s possible that Unicode and bisexual activists have a different definition of what “compelling evidence” means. The gay pride flag has been around since 1978, and its colors represent: 1. The ‘Pride’ pack of 28 emoji include various romantic couples and same-sex parents. What Unicode does recommend for approval is making group submissions and offering compelling evidence. Facebook is celebrating Pride month by launching a series of LGBT-themed emoticons for Facebook Messenger. According to statistics compiled by Unicode, flags are among the least used emojis which may explain Unicode’s unwillingness to concentrate their efforts on this category.
Statistical evidence is definitely favored by the organization. The new emoji, set to the symbol of pride, the rainbow flag, will be available throughout the whole of June - the traditional month for which Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans and Queer people celebrate. The Unicode website states: “The submission and selection process isn't affected by simple suggestions, nor by petitions, nor by letters/tweets from celebrities/government officials.”
