Google and Facebook celebrate Pride month with event maps and rainbow reaction

June is Pride month, and two of the biggest names in tech are getting involved in the celebrations. Google and Facebook are both showing their support for LGBTQ communities around the world.

Facebook has introduced a new, temporary, "reaction" in the form of a rainbow flag, while Google Maps is highlighting Pride events in cities around the world -- so you can either navigate to them to take part, or avoid the crowds if you're heading elsewhere.

This is not the first time Facebook has added a temporary reaction -- a flower was added for mothers' day -- and the rainbow reaction is not something that will show up automatically. You have to jump through a hoop to get it up and running -- but it's nothing too taxing! Just head over to the LGBTQ@Facebook page and hit the Like button (if you haven't done so already).

You should then find that the rainbow flag reaction is available to you, although you may have to wait a little while for it to show up.

You don’t have to do anything to have Pride events pointed out to you in Google Maps, other than visit one of the 35 cities around the world that are covered. Google explains:

If you’re in one of the 35 covered cities, you’ll notice a rainbow parade route on the map itself. Tap it to open an event card with more information like what kind of traffic to expect nearby, event hours, and a description of what’s happening. Pride events other than parades will be marked on the map with a special Pride icon, which will also reveal more info when tapped. For passersby who need to navigate around the parades and events, we’ve incorporated road closures and detours, and will dynamically reroute drivers around the festivities.

Image credit: Aysezgicmeli / Shutterstock