A simple stuffed animal became a symbol for entire community. IKEA's Blåhaj shark is icon in transgender world since 2017.

It started on Tumblr, where users embraced soft plastic shark. The shark cost only 22 pounds and appeared everywhere. Why? Nobody knows exactly, but it became secret sign online.

For many transgender people, Blåhaj symbolizes acceptance and safety. It is funny, innocent and very Dutch-Swedish. That is why it works. It is not political statement, just something lovely.

IKEA never intended shark as transgender symbol. That makes it beautiful: company did not even know. But it helps something important for many people.

Today you see Blåhaj everywhere in transgender online spaces. On forums, in profile pictures, on merchandise. The shark became worldwide phenomenon. Small example of how internet creates culture unexpectedly.

The shark still costs only 22 pounds. But for many it means much more.