New features for Facebook and Instagram for Sydney Mardi Gras

Facebook and Instagram users can celebrate their Pride with exclusive new Mardi Gras features available today. Launched in partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Facebook and Instagram’s “Your Voice Matters” campaign celebrates LGBTQ+ stories and communities, empowering queer expression, and fostering safety across the platforms.

Instagram will also return to the Parade with a show-stopping float, showcasing how our platforms enable Australians to use their voice and share ‘what matters’ to them and the people they care about.

After the overwhelming popularity of rainbow hashtags, launched for Mardi Gras last year, Instagram is bringing this Pride feature back to the platform. There are over 50 LGBTQ+ hashtags available in collaboration with Sydney Mardi Gras and ACON – including #MardiGras2020, #WhatMatters, and #LoveWins.

On Facebook there is a special Mardi Gras animation, exclusively in Australia, which will play every time someone shares ‘Happy Mardi Gras’ in a post. This new animation features a rainbow heart to represent the LGBTQ+ community, and a celebration of the flags and icons that are unique to Sydney Mardi Gras.

All new features will begin rolling out today, and should be available to all Australians in the coming days.

“We're celebrating the vibrant LGBTQ+ communities that call Facebook and Instagram home, and who use our platforms everyday to connect with their communities and support one another,” said Mia Garlick, head of policy, Facebook Australia. “As part of our ongoing partnership with Sydney Mardi Gras, we’re launching our Your Voice Matters campaign to empower LGBTQ+ expression, highlight the inspiring stories of our local community, and foster safety across the platform.”