Facebook has been inundated with rainbow-tinted profile pictures since the US Supreme Court ruled that marriage is a right guaranteed under the Constitution. Everyone from Mark Zuckerberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Simmons, and the Terminator have got on the rainbow filter bandwagon.

Not surprisingly, the “trend” seems to have caught on like wildfire in Sri Lanka. Many people, irrespective of their sexual orientation have added the rainbow hue - the best-known symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights movement - provided by Facebook to their profile picture. While they all seem well intended, it seems that many were unaware of the significance of the said filter. Immediately after sharing their rainbow tinted profile pictures, a few seem to have posted offensive or homophobic rants.

We asked a few Facebook users - are people actually supporting the movement or are they just following a “trend” out of ignorance? Does it matter here in Sri Lanka? Here’s what they had to say:

Poorna de Silva

I think that most who changed their profile picture knew what was going on but there were more than enough ‘bigots’ who simply jumped on the bandwagon. Facebook is surprisingly a very hard place to be homophobic unlike general Sri Lankan social situations. Only downside to the whole matter is that rainbow overlay or not, outspoken and brave supporters for the cause are still rare in Sri Lanka.

Vishmi Ranatunga

Mostly, it is because of support for gay marriages. Regardless of it being legalised in the U.S, it is a big step in terms of human rights. Even though it is a different country, it is progress being made in some part of the world.

Gava Bolonghe

I didn't realise until a few days ago that some people really didn't know the concept behind the rainbow profile pictures and it shocked me for a few different reasons. Don't these people read news? I think it does make a difference when people around the world stand in solidarity for a cause such as equal rights. Changing your profile picture may not change the laws in a country but it shows support, it initiates conversations, raises awareness and I think that's important.

Sashini Munasinghe

I think most people are aware when they use Facebook’s Pride filter and do it out of support for gay marriage and LGBT rights, I know I did. But even in peoples’ personal networks there are some who have opposing views who prefer to think their friends are just doing it as a fad. Either way it raises awareness and creates conversation about an important topic of our times.

By Rihaab Mowlana