New emoji update features kissing and transgender people, a non-binary representation

We may not be able to kiss each other during the pandemic, but at least we have the cuddly emoji in 2020.

Android and Apple users, who use the software versions of the updates (Android 10 and iOS 14), now have access to 117 new emoticons, with extended inclusive options.

These emoji were approved earlier this year as part of Emoji version 13.0 by the Unicode consortium.

Along with the smiley face with a teardrop, piñata and bubble tea icons, there are also 55 gender and skin tone variations, including new inclusive emojis.

“Positive portrayal, whether in media or emojis, helps LGBTQ youth feel seen and loved. In particular, Project Trevor’s research demonstrates that transgender and non-binary youth’s assertion of their identity has positive mental health outcomes and decreases the risk of suicide, “explained Dr Tia Dole, clinical operations manager for The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth.

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Project Trevor’s national survey of people aged 13 to 24 found that more than half of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered suicide.

“So even creating more inclusive emojis can help foster acceptance of young people with diverse sexualities and gender identities,” Dole added.