Instagram to celebrate Pride month, rolls out new stickers

Rights

LGBTQIA

Just Earth News | @thingsDeepsays | 06 Jun 2017, 07:03 am Print

California, Jun 6 (JEN): In solidarity with the LGBTQ people, image sharing app Instagram has rolled out new stickers to celebrate the Pride month.

Many countries celebrate Gay Pride in the month of June, seen as a step forward towards equality and acceptance towards the Rainbow community.

Special parades are also organised in many parts of the world, which attracts tourists.

The Sao Paolo Gay Pride Parade in Brazil was attended by at least 2.5 million people, thus making it the largest LGBTQ event till date.

Pride parades in the US and Canada too witness large footfalls.

The Pride parade in Toronto, Canada, received a big boost this year from Mayor John Tory.

"Pride is hugely an important event for our city, and one that is supposed to send a message of inclusion and equality to the world," he said.

I encourage Torontonians to take in programming @PrideToronto is offering throughout month of June. Proud to declare Pride Month in Toronto.
— John Tory (@JohnTory) May 31, 2017

Commenting on the new stickers, Instagram's official statement read, "It’s June, and in many countries that means it’s time to celebrate #Pride2017. All month long, we’ll be sharing stories from diverse LGBTQ community members from around the world."

These days, 26-year-old Aubrey Johansen (@aubreystrawb_rny) is full of pride. “Pride is having the ability to thrive and know that you’re doing it. Pride represents my relationship with my fiancé. Pride is a way to celebrate the people who have fought hard for our rights, for love to win, for same-sex couples to live the same life as anyone else,” says the personal chef, who is based in Cleveland. “I hope we always feel lucky to be on this side of history, and that human rights can continue toward equality for all.” Aubrey also celebrates her 161-pound (73-kilogram) weight loss. “October 7, 2014, is like my second birthday,” says Aubrey, who underwent gastric bypass surgery on this day. “It’s the day I got my life back. I wish more people understood that my weight loss surgery wasn’t an ‘easy way out.’ It was the hardest, most vulnerable thing I’ve ever been through.” On Instagram, Aubrey built a support system that, in addition to her fiancé, family and friends, sees her through tough days. “I know I wouldn’t be where I am on my journey toward health without the safe space to share my highs and lows and have a team of people ready with virtual hugs and high-fives,” she says. It’s June, and in many countries that means it’s time to celebrate #Pride2017. All month long, we’ll be sharing stories from diverse LGBTQ community members from around the world, like Aubrey. Photo of @aubreystrawb_rny by @pickledpinup

A post shared by Instagram (@instagram) on
Jun 3, 2017 at 12:23pm PDT

The company said that it has allowed LGBTQ artists to define the representation of their own community through the stickers.

Collaboration with Paul Smith, the Rainbow Wall

Meanwhile, British designer Paul Smith has lent his support to the Pride month.

The ace designer announced his commitment through his official Instagram account.

"Everyday is a new beginning. I've teamed-up with Instagram and painted the wall of my famous pink shop in LA in a rainbow stripe. Read all about it over on @paulsmithdesign #kindcomments#takenbyPaul," he said.

Everyday is a new beginning. I've teamed-up with Instagram and painted the wall of my famous pink shop in LA in a rainbow stripe. Read all about it over on @paulsmithdesign #kindcomments #takenbyPaul

A post shared by Paul Smith (@paulsmith) on
Jun 4, 2017 at 2:32am PDT

Referring to the same, the official account of Paul Smith Design read, "It's with great pride we've teamed up with @Instagram for a special partnership. Find out more soon... #PaulSmithLA#kindcomments #instagram."

It's with great pride we've teamed up with @Instagram for a special partnership. Find out more soon... #PaulSmithLA #kindcomments #instagram

A post shared by Paul Smith (@paulsmithdesign) on
May 31, 2017 at 11:00am PDT

A making video of the Rainbow Wall has also been shared in the account.

Visit the @Instagram + #PaulSmithLA ? wall until June 15th in celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month and #kindcomments. Let us know what you think of the new look in the comments below. ?: @portraits

A post shared by Paul Smith (@paulsmithdesign) on
Jun 1, 2017 at 7:51am PDT

(Writing by Sudipto Maity)

#GayPride #RainbowPride #RainbowMonth #LGBTQ #PaulSmith #PaulSmithDesign #Instagram #InstaPrideStickers