The wait is over: the new LGBT pride flag emoji is finally coming this Fall! Although a little late for Pride 2016, there are so many opportunities to use it to show your love. And it will be there waiting when Pride 2017 rolls around. The great news is not only is the rainbow flag emoji here, it's arriving with a whole lot of other more diverse emojis. Apple explains on their website: "More than one hundred new and redesigned emoji characters will be available to iPhone and iPad users this fall with iOS 10. This exciting update brings more gender options to existing characters, including new female athletes and professionals, adds beautiful redesigns of popular emoji, a new rainbow flag and more family options."
It's about time we have a rainbow flag emoji. I know emojis can't change the world, but they have become a huge part of communication — especially when we're coming together and celebrating. Could you think of a better way to get ready for a pride celebration? I can picture it all over a pre-parade WhatsApp group. It just makes you feel more represented.
I'm also particularly impressed with the new additions to the family unit options, which seem to appreciate that there are so many different ways families can look. My parents separated before I was born, and as a kid, it was really hard when families are depicted in a way that makes you feel like yours is different. Lucky, technology and pop culture is coming forward leaps and bound in terms of inclusivity and many more of us can begin to feel represented. The sooner, the better.
Here's a preview of other important new emojis that are heading our way:
1. The Pride Flag
Here it is, in all its splendor. See those colors? Let your Pride flag fly.
2. Weight Lifter
Talk about girl power. I don't know how much weight that is on each side, but it's way more than I can handle. This emoji can though.
3. Surfer
It's not just for guys. This girl is hanging ten.
4. Sleuth
Women can do anything and that includes holding a magnifying glass using not your hands but simply the magnetic power of your her beautiful eyes.
5. Water Pistol
This makes me so happy. They've replaced the pistol emoji with a water gun, because let's be honest — this trivialization of guns needs to end. Well done, Apple.
6. Single Mom
Single mom emojis — hell yeah.
7. Single Dad
And it's not just women who can be single parents. Take a look at this variation on a one-parent home. I'm loving it.
Images: Apple
