Meghan Markle and Prince Harry broke records when they launched their own Instagram account—@SussexRoyal—in April after previously sharing social media channels with Kate Middleton and Prince William.

Since that time, they’ve amassed over 8.4 million followers and have used the platform a little bit differently than we’ve come to expect from the royal family—from baby Archie’s birth announcement to commenting on other royal posts with emojis. They also have a pretty cool strategy where each month they only follow accounts dedicated to a cause or issue that is important to them. Last month it was mental health—and now in June, the Sussexes are celebrating Pride month.

“Continuing with our tradition to rotate the accounts we follow based on causes and social issues that matter to us: For the month of June we ‘proudly’ shine a light on PRIDE,” the Instagram caption reads. “This month we pay tribute to the accounts supporting the LGBTQ+ community – those young and old, their families and friends, accounts that reflect on the past and are hopeful for a deservedly more inclusive future.”

“We stand with you and support you ?,” the caption continues. “Because it’s very simple: love is love.”

The image is a collage of photos from the accounts chosen by the Duke and Duchess to highlight. The organizations are both British and American and include The Trevor Project, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, Stonewall UK, Pride, and It Gets Better.

Markle and Harry also paid a sweet tribute to Princess Diana, who did an enormous amount of work with HIV and AIDS patients in the 1990s prior to her death. They included a 1996 photo of Harry’s mom sitting with a one such patient at London Lighthouse, a center for people affected by HIV and AIDS.

The response in the comments section has been overwhelmingly positive. Markle’s friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin wrote, “love IS LOVE ✊??❤️????.” Another fan said, “We stan for a couple that promotes inclusivity and diversity! ????❤️”

A number of the organizations also expressed their gratitude to the royal couple. “Thank you so much for your support of lgbtq+ youth! Happy pride month! ❤️?????,” It Gets Better wrote. “Thank you so much for your support in raising awareness! ❤️?,” the Matthew Shepard Foundation added.

It’s great to see the royal family supporting equal rights for all. And they’re not the only big names making a statement to kick off such an important month—also on Instagram, Taylor Swift posted a letter to her senator to raise awareness for the passage of the LGBTQ+-focused Equality Act.

Source link