Men Holding Hands: Medium-dark Skin Tone

Widely embraced as a symbol of LGBTQ+ representation and male solidarity. Gen Z in Western countries uses it openly and positively in both queer and ally contexts.

Rarely used publicly due to social stigma around same-sex relationships, though increasingly adopted in urban, progressive digital spaces and among younger LGBTQ+ communities online.

Generally avoided or viewed negatively in most Middle Eastern contexts due to legal and social restrictions on same-sex relationships. Its use is mostly confined to private or anonymous LGBTQ+ online communities.

Recognized as a representation of two men in a close relationship. Its interpretation as romantic versus platonic varies widely by cultural context.

Culturally sensitive due to conservative social norms; largely avoided in public digital spaces but used quietly in progressive and LGBTQ+ underground communities.

Carries social risk if used publicly due to conservative attitudes; used discreetly by LGBTQ+ individuals in private chats or anonymous online spaces.

Usage is limited due to platform censorship and social conservatism around LGBTQ+ topics. On uncensored platforms, it appears among progressive youth and LGBTQ+ communities.

Used relatively openly in LGBTQ+ and BL (Boys Love) fan communities. Japan's nuanced attitude toward male intimacy in media allows broader but still niche usage.

Emerging in LGBTQ+ youth spaces and progressive online communities, though broader societal conservatism limits its mainstream use. Associated with queer visibility movements.

Embraced positively and widely, especially since Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019. Used freely to celebrate gay relationships and LGBTQ+ pride.

Used in LGBTQ+ communities and progressive circles, though broader social conservatism tempers public usage. Increasingly visible during pride events.

Used in LGBTQ+ communities which are vibrant and visible, especially online. Carries warmth and positivity but faces tension with conservative Catholic social values.

Rarely used publicly due to strict social and religious conservatism. Confined to private, anonymous, or expatriate LGBTQ+ digital spaces.

Used openly in Thailand's large and visible LGBTQ+ community, especially among younger generations and in entertainment contexts. Generally received positively.

Increasingly used among urban LGBTQ+ youth and progressive communities as visibility grows, though traditional values create a cautious public usage environment.

Avoided publicly due to legal restrictions and strong religious conservatism. Used privately in LGBTQ+ communities or among those using VPNs and anonymous platforms.

Essentially absent from public digital usage due to strict legal and religious prohibitions on same-sex relationships. Any use is highly private and carries significant risk.

Similar to Saudi Arabia, rarely used publicly due to legal restrictions. Occasionally appears in expatriate or tourist LGBTQ+ communities on private platforms.

Generally taboo in mainstream digital spaces due to social and legal pressures. Used quietly in underground LGBTQ+ communities and anonymous online networks.

Usage has become more cautious as social and political climate has grown more conservative. Active in LGBTQ+ communities despite pressure, especially on platforms like Twitter.

Essentially absent from open digital discourse due to severe legal restrictions. Any usage is anonymous and confined to VPN-accessed LGBTQ+ spaces.

Largely avoided in mainstream usage due to strong cultural, religious, and legal opposition to same-sex relationships. Present in small, discreet LGBTQ+ online communities.

Used openly in South Africa's legally protected and relatively visible LGBTQ+ community, particularly in urban centers like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Widely used and positively received. Common in LGBTQ+ content, couple posts, and ally signaling across all major platforms, especially during Pride season.

Used positively in LGBTQ+ contexts and progressive social commentary. France's strong tradition of personal liberty makes this emoji culturally acceptable and celebrated.

Embraced in LGBTQ+ communities and progressive circles. Germany's legal recognition of same-sex partnerships and strong pride culture supports positive usage.

In Spain, used freely and positively given strong LGBTQ+ rights culture. In Italy, usage is more divided but growing among youth and progressive communities.

Brazil's large and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, home to one of the world's biggest pride parades, embraces this emoji widely and enthusiastically despite political tensions.

Used in LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in Mexico City and urban areas where gay rights are more recognized. Tension exists with conservative regional attitudes.

Variable across the region — embraced in progressive urban communities and among younger generations while facing resistance in more conservative rural or religious contexts.

Used openly and positively following marriage equality legislation in both countries. Common in pride content, couple posts, and LGBTQ+ ally communication.