๐งโ๐คโ๐ง
People Holding Hands
PEE-puhl HOHL-ding HANDZ
Definitions
1
People ยท Relationships
Common
Represents two people holding hands, symbolizing friendship, solidarity, partnership, or romantic connection between individuals of any gender.
Used to express unity, support, or connection between people in both platonic and romantic contexts.
So happy to have met up with my bestie after 5 years ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Some friendships just never fade!
Instagram caption
Standing with the community during these difficult times ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง We're stronger together.
Twitter/X post
2 years together with this amazing person ๐งโ๐คโ๐งโค๏ธ
Anniversary message
Part of the gender-inclusive emoji set designed to represent diverse relationships without specifying gender.
2
Social ยท Advocacy
Common
Symbolizes solidarity, allyship, or community support for social causes, human rights, or during crisis situations.
Often used in advocacy contexts to express unity and collective action.
Join us for the community march this Saturday ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Everyone welcome!
Community event announcement
In times of crisis, we must support each other ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Donate to the relief fund if you can.
Fundraising appeal
Frequently appears in social media campaigns promoting equality, inclusion, and community support.
Evolution Timeline
2019
Introduction as part of Unicode 12.0, designed to provide gender-neutral options for couple emojis.
Growing demand for more inclusive emoji representations of relationships.
2020
Saw increased usage during COVID-19 pandemic to symbolize solidarity despite physical distancing.
Global health crisis creating need for symbols of connection amid isolation.
2021
Became more prominent in social justice movements and community support campaigns.
Rising emphasis on community solidarity and mutual aid in response to social challenges.
Cultural Context
Represents the shift toward more inclusive and gender-neutral emoji options, reflecting broader social movements for gender equality and representation.
Part of Unicode's effort to create more inclusive emoji options, allowing representation of relationships without specifying gender.
Younger generations tend to use this emoji more frequently in advocacy and solidarity contexts, while older users favor it for expressing friendship and community.
The gender-neutral design allows for interpretation across cultures without imposing specific gender roles or relationship types.
Gained prominence during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic as a symbol of solidarity despite physical distancing requirements.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Commonly used to represent community spirit and local solidarity, particularly during national challenges.
United States
Often used in contexts of social activism, community organizing, and progressive movements.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More commonly used to represent friendship, community support, and family bonds rather than activism.
Gen_Z: Frequently used in social justice contexts, activism, and to express solidarity with marginalized communities. Common on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Less frequently used; when employed, typically represents family connections or community support networks.
Millennials: Used to express both friendship and romantic relationships, particularly in contexts of community building and social causes.
Common Combinations
๐งโ๐คโ๐งโค๏ธ
Romantic relationship or deep friendship with love and affection.
Used to celebrate anniversaries, relationships, or deep bonds between people.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง๐ช
Solidarity, strength in unity, or collective power.
Often used in activism contexts to show community strength and resilience.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง๐
LGBTQ+ solidarity, allyship, or Pride celebration.
Common during Pride month and in LGBTQ+ advocacy contexts.
๐งโ๐คโ๐งโ
Solidarity in activism, standing together for social justice.
Used in social movements to represent unity in struggle.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง๐
Gratitude for support or community prayer and spiritual unity.
Used in contexts of community support, gratitude, or collective hope.