The great factory reset of 2026: Unconventional couple gender norms storm social media

2026 is here, and a new trend has the ladies, gentlemen, and the gays completely “shookt.”

Just days after colorful fireworks lit up the sky, and while the chronically online were still scrolling through videos of people eating 12 grapes under the table, social media feeds were suddenly flooded with clips of “gorgina” members of the LGBTQ+ community alongside their “straight” partners. Many of them featured later turned out to be boyfriends of their lovely girlfriends, who openly shared their rainbow-rooted love stories online.

Dubbed by many as a “factory reset,” the transformation trend quickly sparked mixed reactions in the comment sections. Some appeared in full drag, others joined beauty pageants, while a few even competed in dance contests wearing full makeup. What stood out most, however, was that many of these relationships reportedly began as friendships.

The trend also seemed to give singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre a strong start to the year, with a renewed surge of attention toward her 2018 hit song “Titibo-tibo,” which became the backbone of many of these videos. The song’s narrative follows a woman who once described herself as tomboyish, only to experience a profound change after falling in love with a man who, in the lyrics, “revived” her heart and inspired her to embrace a more traditionally feminine version of herself. As the soundtrack to countless transformation clips, the song found new life online, re-introducing it to new audiences while potentially boosting its streaming numbers and royalties years after its release.

From the perspective of the girlies, we all have those gay friends we trust with our lives. At some point, some of us even joked about lavender marriages, a concept that peaked as a trend in the third quarter of 2025. Through failed dates and heartbreaks, they were the best friends who stayed for late-night karaoke sessions, bought ice cream during periods, answered emergency calls after a night out, and played the role of a boyfriend to fend off unwanted attention. Still, it is important to be clear that sexuality is not just a “phase.”

According to a study published in 2008 by the American Psychological Association, “Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology. Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality. Both have been documented in many different cultures and historical eras. Despite the persistence of stereotypes that portray lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as disturbed, several decades of research and clinical experience have led all mainstream medical and mental health organizations in this country to conclude that these orientations represent normal forms of human experience. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships are normal forms of human bonding.”

Ultimately, stories of a change of heart depend on the depth of the relationship and the level of understanding between two people. Maybe a crush might surprise you, but love is not built on prayers or luck alone. It comes from fully accepting a person for who they are, quirks included, and finding someone who complements your flaws and fills your cup, not halfway, but fully.

That said, sharing personal journeys online also opens people up to vulnerability. Criticism and rigid mindsets can easily push conversations toward cancel culture. As with anything else, choosing kindness goes a long way. It is fine to explore options and have crushes, but it is never right to impose beliefs or expectations on others. Just because some are sharing their personal reset does not mean anyone should feel pressured to reciprocate feelings or join a trend.

To those who have shared their transitions and stories, thank you for offering a spark of hope. At the end of the day, love still wins.