oh em emoji

Apple unleashes emoji for gender non-binary and disabled folks… and gay otters!

Apple is sending an iMessage of inclusivity with iOS 13.2, adding emoji designs to reflect its gender non-binary users and those living with disabilities.

As Emojipedia’s blog reports, the software update loads 398 new emoji designs and 265 refreshed designs onto Apple devices. And gender neutrality was the name of the game for 255 of those refreshed designs. For example, the painter, farmer, cop, detective, scientist, superhero, fairy, and juggler emoji can all be made gender-neutral now.

Related: Guys who use more emojis in text messages get more sex

The update also adds 67 accessibility-focused designs, including mechanical limbs, people using wheelchairs, people walking with white canes, deaf people, and an ear with a hearing aid.

Apple actually requested disability-inclusive emoji in a March 2018 proposal sent to the Unicode Consortium. “Currently, emoji provide a wide range of options, but may not represent the experiences of those with disabilities,” Apple wrote in the proposal, per CNN Business. “Diversifying the options available helps fill a significant gap and provides a more inclusive experience for all.”

Related: Is it sexual harassment to leave an eggplant emoji on someone’s Instagram?

iOS 13.2 also adds the ability to make male and/or female emoji of any skin tone hold hands — though, strangely, it’s yet not possible to make men and women emoji figures hold hands with gender-nonbinary figures, according to the blog post.

And there are also eight new food designs — including an onion, a waffle, a stick of butter, and a serving of falafel — and eight new animal designs — including a skunk, a sloth, a flamingo, and an otter.

Yes, if you identify as more of an otter than a bear, this is a day for celebration. iOS 13.2 is available for installation now.

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