Recently, the following new emoji were released: a plunger, an olive, a dodo bird, and a beaver. Notably, the transgender flag was included. Seeing that the powers that be (Unicode; Google, Facebook and Apple are members) finally were open to inclusive representation, a bisexual flag emoji was proposed - and rejected, for no reason.

What's more important, the bisexual community or a plunger?

Emojis are a way for the world to connect and express themselves - regardless or region or language - and bisexual people shouldn't be left out.

Certainly, if big tech companies can sign off on a plunger emoji, they can also allow an emoji for people to express their sexual orientation. Especially considering over half of LGB people identify as bisexual.

What's the big deal? It's just an emoji

Meet Sara as she shares her story on what the emoji would mean for her:

You might already know my country is an Islamic regime and most of Islamic regimes and governments are very anti-LGBTQ+ people. I am out; proudly, I don't hide my sexuality but there are so many people who have to hide. If the wrong people know about them they can be killed (it's a "law" in this damn country that if you're not straight you get death penalty). I can go on dates with anyone but I can't express my feelings or show affection for them in public. Queer people get insulted everyday by the majority of people, being trans is seen as an illness, even though gender confirmation surgeries are legal here. Most of people in this country have no idea what bisexuality even is.

A bisexual flag emoji can spark curiosity: people will see it and wonder why this three colored rectangle exists and what it means. It may even lead to their own self-discovery. I want people to know that my sexuality is valid and I'm not a confused person. I love to flaunt my bisexuality as much as I can and would love to express myself with the flag that I'm so proud to be a part of.

The bisexual community is home to those in between, for all the shades "shades of gay" in what is often assumed to be one or the other: bisexuals, pansexuals, omnisexuals, queers, non-straight individuals, or anyone who doesn't quite fit the otherwise binary "straight" and "gay" pattern. It's time for an emoji for Sara and the rest of the community to share with the world who they are.

Please give our bisexual mothers, brothers, fathers, sisters, uncles, and friends the love they deserve.

Read about the proposal and process here.