The rainbow-colored display pictures generated by Facebook are not to be applauded yet, LGBT communities say.
#LoveWins and #Loveislove were both trending in social media. Facebook made a feature turning profile pictures into rainbow-colored images in support of the LGBT community. While the effort was lauded by many, LGBT community Radical Faeries and group #MyNameIs questioned the social media website's stand on equality and human rights.
The social networking giant sponsored San Francisco Pride. The event celebrates the historic legalization of same-sex marriage. It was a successful bid on casting a positive light on Facebook as promoter of equal rights.
The Radical Faeries, however, were quick to point out that Facebook bans the use of adopted names. They said that the company should not be an event sponsor. The Faeries claimed that the policy was unfair to the LGBT.
"This policy directly harms LGBTQ people, especially transgender and queer people around the world who face daily discrimination, and use social media like Facebook to find support, build community, and express their authentic 'selves'," Lil Miss Hot Mess, drag queen and event organizer, stated in The Guardian's report.
The site is where a number of LGBTQ youngsters find solace and enjoy their true selves, the group rallies. Lil Miss Hot Mess added the site is "literally a lifeline" for the youth.
#MyNameIs made a petition calling to ban Facebook from being a festival sponsor. The petition has 2,500 signatures.
Thus, Facebook is still a festival sponsor.
The groups claim that Facebook suspended some members' accounts because of the use of adopted names.
Faeries members said that the policy of using only birth names "disconnected" them from people who identify them by their chosen names. Their chosen names have "more meaning", they say.
Other members also claimed that Facebook required the use of names stated on credit cards to "monetize data". Several members have been expelled from the site for being unable to provide documentation for their names.
Facebook has not commented regarding the issue. Same-sex marriage has been legalized in all 50 states of the US on Friday.
Below is a related clip on the Friday ruling.
