Tech giant Meta has reportedly removed Pride and LGBTQ+ themes from Facebook Messenger, including colour schemes inspired by the trans and non-binary pride flags.
The removal, initially reported by 404 Media, comes days after Meta updated its hate speech policies to permit describing LGBTQ+ individuals as “mentally ill,” sparking widespread criticism.
The themes, introduced in 2021 and 2022 to celebrate Pride Month, were seen as a gesture of support for the LGBTQ+ community. At the time, Meta emphasised its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive space, with a spokesperson noting the initiative aimed to foster “confidence” and “trust” among LGBTQ+ users and their allies.
This decision coincides with other controversial changes under Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg. The company recently discontinued its fact-checking program across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, replacing it with a community-driven approach to flagging misinformation, similar to the “community notes” feature on X (formerly Twitter). Critics warn this could exacerbate the spread of hate speech and misinformation, particularly as the U.S. faces a politically charged climate leading into the upcoming Trump presidency.
Internal discussions at Meta reveal significant unrest. Employees reportedly described the situation as “total chaos,” with some taking sick leave in protest. A workplace thread garnered hundreds of comments, including demands for clarity from Meta’s board about the policy’s alignment with scientific consensus and societal norms.
In response, a Meta policy team member defended the changes, stating the company’s “core values” remain intact. They argued the adjustments address “mission creep” in the rules, reducing over-enforcement to prioritise free expression—even if this means hosting content some users find offensive.
The removal of LGBTQ+ themes and the policy shift allowing harmful rhetoric have prompted questions about Meta’s dedication to inclusivity. The company’s previous messaging, such as celebrating the introduction of LGBTQ+ themes as a step toward safer private communication, appears at odds with its recent actions.
The changes have sparked broader concerns about the direction of Meta’s platforms, with advocacy groups and users voicing fears over the growing potential for harm to marginalised communities.