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American TikTok users suddenly can't use the trans flag emoji in the comments section.
Some TikTok users are no longer able to use the transgender flag in comments, sparking alarm and calls to action from GLAAD.
Editor's note: TikTok has fixed the bug causing issues with the transgender flag emoji, and GLAAD responded with a statement on Nov. 6, saying"TikTok’s swift action fixing this problem, and being attentive to the needs of countless LGBTQ people and allies, is a best practice that other tech and social media companies should follow. All social media platforms should prioritize safety and freedom of expression for all users."
Beginning last weekend, some TikTok users in the United States reported that they were unable to leave the transgender flag emoji in the comments section of the social media platform.
While some report no issues, others who attempt to publish a comment with the flag find that it appears as two separate emojis: a white flag and the transgender symbol.
@yesinmybackyard #stitch with @JDkon this is more of a technical explainer of a fun technical glitch, but no TikTok is not censoring the trans flag #그린스크린 #apec
The missing emoji could be a bug or glitch; above, one user explains how newer emojis work and how, in the programming back end, they are essentially a combination of two emojis. But amid growing concerns over the federal government's attempts at transgender erasure — the prospective buyer of the app's U.S. operations, Oracle, was cofounded by Larry Ellison, a staunch ally of President Trump — the missing flag has set off some alarm bells.
The second Trump administration has taken particular aim at trans people and visibility, presiding over a number of bans, erasure from federal sites, the reversal of rights, and blatant attacks. In light of this political context, GLAAD, a prominent LGBTQ+ media watchdog, urged TikTok to take action in a statement to Out: "TikTok should swiftly investigate and resolve this problem."
"This emoji is widely used by trans and nonbinary users to express pride and identity," the statement continued. "We’ve seen harmful and shocking rollbacks from other platforms this year with companies like Meta, YouTube, and LinkedIn abandoning basic policy protections and safety features for trans and nonbinary users — including Meta’s deletion of trans and nonbinary themes from Messenger, and blocking of LGBTQ hashtags from teens on Instagram."
"It is more important than ever right now that companies are loud and clear in their values and that they practice inclusiveness and safety for transgender people on their platforms," the organization's statement concluded.
Out reached out to TikTok for comment and the platform clarified that this is an issue that is happening with other emojis as well. "We're working to resolve a technical issue impacting the use of a variety emojis for some users on TikTok," a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement. The platform also provided Out with evidence of it impacting other emojis, including the bandaid heart, the nodding face, and flame heart.
Moises Mendez II is an Out Magazine staff writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers internet culture and entertainment, including television, movies, music, and more. Before joining Out, he was a Culture Reporter at TIME Magazine, and he previously worked as a freelance journalist, with work appearing in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more. Moises holds a master's degree in Arts and Culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
Moises Mendez II is an Out Magazine staff writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He covers internet culture and entertainment, including television, movies, music, and more. Before joining Out, he was a Culture Reporter at TIME Magazine, and he previously worked as a freelance journalist, with work appearing in The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and more. Moises holds a master's degree in Arts and Culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
