For a while, Facebook has had mechanisms in place to recognize same-sex couples and their relationships. Early last year, you may recall that Facebook added two new relationship statuses to the available list – “In a civil union” and “In a domestic partnership.” Now, Facebook has added another small indicator of their support for LGBT issues.
Facebook has rolled out new marriage icons that feature both two men and two women. Now, when you see a Timeline story about a same-sex couple tying the knot, you’ll see the appropriate icon instead of the generic one man, one woman icon.
Here are the types of Timeline marriage stories where the icon is displayed:
And here are the two new icons:
Facebook has been an open supporter of LGBT issues for years. Apart from including gay-friendly relationship options, Facebook has worked hard to raise awareness for issues like bullying and discrimination. They have been a part of numerous anti-bullying campaigns and recently partnered with various gay rights organizations to form a “Network of Support” for bullied youth.
For all of this and more, Facebook became the first social media company to receive a GLAAD media award last month. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said they gave Facebook the award “for the company’s strong stand and leadership around bullying prevention as well as its inclusive options for LGBT users.”
Here’s Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg speaking to the GLAAD media awards: