Social media platform Instagram has apologised after mistakenly removing a photograph of two men kissing, responding to a growing number of complaints from members of the LGBTIQ+ community that the company's guidelines are "archaic".
“This post was removed in error and we are sorry," the photo-sharing giant wrote in a statement, .
"It has since been reinstated.”
The photo, taken by photographer Stella Asia Consonni, was said to "violate community guidelines" - despite there a being notable lack of any actual nudity.
Originally published alongside an article for the image depicted real-life couple Jordan Bowen and Luca Lucifer.
The pair, who have been dating for seven years, took to social media to express their frustration.
"My relationship of seven years with reduced to a Community Guideline," Bowen wrote on Instagram.
He continued: "Earlier this was removed from and flagged as inappropriate. spoon feeds us with rainbows and hashtags to appear in solidarity but it seems real people in love have no place here. This is discriminatory and archaic and violates our right as a couple."
"Please help us share and put this right."
Following a number of high-profile complaints, including those from pop singer Olly Alexander and Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall, Instagram admitted their mistake.
Clearly touched, Consonni shared a thank you message on the platform.
"Thank you for the amazing support that came from so many of you," she wrote in an Instagram Story.
The photographer continued: “This is just a very teeny tiny event in the grand scheme of things but seeing all the amazing response certainly restored a little of my faith in humanity."
Olly Alexander shared his disagreement with Instagram's initial decision. Source: Image: Instagram
“Instagram briefly apologised. But there is still a long way to go in the fight against homophobia."
“This goes to all my beautiful friends that have to deal with this BS all the time," she added.
"Keep fighting.”
