Mark Zuckerberg-led company Meta recently decided to remove transgender and non-binary themes from its messenger app.
These colorful themes inspired by the Pride flag were introduced to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, the removal of these topics has caused frustration among employees within the company.
The themes featured in Messenger allowed users to customize the appearance of their chats with vibrant colors and designs. These themes were created to celebrate and represent LGBTQ+ identities, and their sudden removal has disappointed many.
Many believe that this decision reflects the shift of the meta, away from tolerating hate speech and towards supporting diversity. Meanwhile, critics believe that Meta is focusing more on conservative views and less on being inclusive to all.
One of the most surprising changes is that comments that may be harmful to LGBTQ+ people are now allowed on Meta’s platform. For example, statements like “Trans people are mentally ill” or “are not gay” are now allowed under the company’s new rules.
While Meta says it is promoting free speech, many, including organizations like GLAAD, have expressed their concerns about the new update. According to GLAAD, this change could open the door to harmful messages that negatively impact vulnerable communities.
“Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are now not only allowing and encouraging, but engaging in anti-LGBTQ hate speech…Meta is now an anti-LGBTQ company,” Says the company president.
Inside Meta, these decisions have not gone over well with employees. Some workers have taken leave to protest, while others have spoken out in internal forums. There is a feeling of hopelessness and despair among staff who care about the safety of vulnerable users.
According to Business Insider, Alex Schultz, Meta’s chief marketing officer, explained that the changes are meant to balance free speech and user safety. He also mentioned that banning harmful comments could eventually push them to other platforms where they cannot be monitored.
However, many critics are unconvinced and feel that Meta is putting free speech before the safety of trans users.
Advocacy groups have also criticized META’s leadership for supporting these policy changes. Joel Kaplan, the company’s global policy chief, defended the new updates, saying they reflect political and religious views.
At the same time, Mark Zuckerberg’s silence on the issue has only added to the frustration, leading many to question whether the company’s leadership truly understands the damage it is causing.
For LGBTQ+ users, it’s not just about losing a messenger theme. It’s about feeling like their identities and voices no longer matter to one of the biggest tech platforms in the world.
Meta’s latest actions have raised many questions over the company’s values. On social media, opinions are divided, with some supporting the changes and others strongly criticizing them.
“By removing trans and non-binary themes, Zuckerberg shows that Meta focuses on unity, not unity,” Someone wrote on X.
“Woke is dying, and “woke” is growing,” Said another.
“What’s the real point though? Removing content from your app makes it worse,” Someone saw.
“Okay, delete it,” Another accepted.
“The Trump Effect…” Another couple.
Share your thoughts:
What are your thoughts on Meta’s latest decision? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: business insider
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