Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Messenger, has removed transgender and non-binary chat themes from its Messenger app, as reported by 404 Media.
The decision, attributed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, also included the deletion of blog posts announcing these themes, which were initially introduced to allow users to customize their chat windows with designs reflecting transgender and non-binary identities.
The removal coincides with Meta updating its content moderation policies to permit statements labeling LGBTQ+ individuals as “mentally ill,” a shift that has sparked debate online.
The transgender and non-binary themes were part of Messenger’s broader customization options, enabling users to change the color scheme and design of their chats.
While Meta has not publicly detailed the reasoning behind the removal, the move has drawn attention on social media platforms like X, where users and news outlets have shared the development.
This change follows a series of recent controversies involving Meta’s handling of content and AI policies. Last week, actress Jamie Lee Curtis publicly criticized Zuckerberg for Meta’s failure to swiftly remove an unauthorized AI-generated ad featuring her likeness, highlighting ongoing concerns about the platform’s content oversight.
Meta’s pivot toward AI-driven features, including chatbots and advertising tools, has also been a focal point of Zuckerberg’s recent public appearances, though the company continues to face scrutiny over its social media practices.
Meta has not issued an official statement regarding the removal of the themes or the associated blog posts.
The decision marks a shift in the company’s approach to inclusive features on its platforms, prompting varied reactions from users and advocacy groups.
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