Meta has quietly removed the “trans” and “nonbinary” themes from its Messenger app. This is coming just as the company faces criticism for a new policy allowing users to label LGBTQ+ individuals as “mentally ill.” This change, first reported by 404 Media, has ignited internal unrest, with employees voicing strong opposition.
For years, Messenger featured these themes, which mirrored the colors of the trans and nonbinary pride flags, alongside other popular options like “Squid Game” and “Minecraft.” The sudden removal of these themes, without any explanation from Meta, has raised eyebrows and sparked concern within the community.
In a related development, Meta has ended its “Diverse Slate Approach,” which urged hiring managers to consider candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. Janelle Gale, Meta’s VP of Human Resources, pointed to evolving legal and policy conditions as the driving force behind the decision.
This shift however appears to match Meta’s recent pivot towards more conservative policies. This is reportedly to align with the incoming Trump administration. Internally, the atmosphere is described as “total chaos,” with many employees protesting the changes.
The “trans” theme debuted in Pride Month 2021, followed by the “nonbinary” theme in June 2022. Both launches were accompanied by blog posts celebrating Meta’s support for LGBTQ+ communities. These posts have since been removed from Meta’s website, adding to the sense of erasure.
The original announcement for the “trans” theme showed Meta’s commitment to authentic self-expression, stating, “This June and beyond, we want people to #ConnectWithPride because when we show up as the most authentic version of ourselves, we can truly connect with others.”
With these themes gone and policies shifting, many are questioning the company’s true stance on inclusivity.
