A whole new batch of emojis have been released by the Unicode Consortium, with a focus on inclusion around gender identity and people on the spectrum of disability.
The 230 new emojis include an oyster with a pearl, a drop of blood (which some are saying represents a period), people using sign language, as well as canes and a guide dog.
Excitingly for non binary members of the LGBTIQ+ community, there are also a bunch of gender neutral couples to choose from - included under the 'family' section.
However, despite numerous campaigns and , there is still a notable absence of the transgender flag.
In August of last year, trans activist Charlie Craggs for the trans flag emoji, using an unlikely mascot to drum up support on social media - the (then brand new) lobster emoji.
In her petition description, Craggs wrote: “Surely we deserve the same rights you have afforded crustaceans?”
She continued: "The answer should be obvious, but this is just one of the many emojis that Unicode (which Facebook, Google and Apple are voting members of) has chosen instead of the trans flag for the last update. Even though it’s one of the most requested emojis."
While their latest update is definitely a step towards greater inclusion, here's hoping that next update the Unicode Consortium will finally deliver the goods for trans people.
