How Online Dating Platforms Can Support the LGBTQ

June 2024 Margo, IT Research LLC

Creating Inclusive and Safe Spaces: How Online Dating Platforms Can Support the LGBTQ+ communities

While dating apps cater to users from various backgrounds, they have proven particularly beneficial for the LGBTQ community. For example, approximately 7.2% of Americans identify as LGBTQ, and apps like Tinder have simplified the process of dating and community building for this group. A survey revealed that LGBTQ adults are almost twice as likely to use online dating apps compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

Initially, Tinder allowed users to identify only as "male" or "female" and to express interest in "men," "women," or "both." These limited options made it challenging for many LGBTQ users to accurately represent their identities and romantic preferences. However, in 2019, Tinder expanded its options to include over 50 gender identities and nine sexual orientations.

A report using QuestBrand data compared Tinder's sales conversion funnel between the general US adult population and those who self-identify as LGBTQ. A sales conversion funnel maps out a consumer's progression from brand awareness to eventual product or service usage. This comparison highlights the distinct journeys and experiences of both groups within the online dating landscape.

The Benefits of Online Dating for LGBTQ+ Individuals

The idea of online dating can be both daunting and exciting. In today's world, we can make connections over the internet before meeting in person. For the LGBTQ community, this creates a sense of safety and security as it intersects with their gender and/or sexual identity. An LGBTQ+ individual can disclose their identity either in their profile or through conversation and assess whether someone is affirming their identity before meeting in person.

The safety features that dating sites and apps offer may be particularly appealing to those who are not out, are questioning, experimenting, or curious. These platforms allow LGBTQIA2+ folks to dictate their identity, interests, and needs in a way that allows for managing awkwardness and testing the waters more safely. These apps are generally more inclusive towards people with intersectional identities, as there tends to be a more equitable dating pool with shared beliefs.

But you shouldn't rely solely on built-in digital security features. With VPN for Android or iOS, users can protect their personal information. With the help of high-level VPNs like VeePN, you can hide your real location, change the region or even use services anonymously. Moreover, if you analyse the tinder unban guide, you will also notice that you will need a VPN for iOS or Android. VPN is an investment in online security, as well as anonymity and privacy.

Potential Risks of Online Dating

While convenient, online dating can come with risks. Typical risks of online dating can be fake profiles, scamming for money, unsafe people, or individuals lying about their identity, relationship status, or reason for being on the app.

If you take online dating offline, be aware that what you were presented with online can be different than what occurs in person. Additionally, it is recommended to share your location with local, trusted friends, partners, or family and use apps like bSafe, Circle of 6, or other safety apps.

Which LGBTQ+ Dating Site Should You Choose?

The best LGBTQ+ dating apps and sites for you depend on several factors, including cost, inclusivity, what you're looking for in a partner, and the communication features available.

The app that’s right for your best friend may not necessarily be right for you, as individuals may have different preferences in a dating platform. Look around! Consider what apps those you trust are using and where they are seeing success. Read reviews on your app store and check through the pros and cons for yourself, as everyone has different preferences.

Potential Difficulties

Many LGBTQ individuals have enjoyed and benefited from using dating apps, but their experiences with online dating are not entirely positive. Unfortunately, LGBTQ people are more likely to experience harassment on these apps compared to heterosexual users. Additionally, many transgender Tinder users have reported being banned from the app due to their profiles being flagged as "fake" by other users.

Although there is still a long way to go before dating apps become safe and respectful spaces for all users, Tinder is making efforts to support the LGBTQ community. They have partnered with the Human Rights Campaign to combat "blood bans" that previously prevented LGBTQ men from donating blood. As of May 2023, new FDA (US government) guidance has removed these restrictions, allowing many gay and bisexual men to donate blood. Tinder has also introduced a feature that warns users when they are in countries with anti-LGBTQ policies.

Despite the US Supreme Court's decision in June 2015 to secure the right to same-sex marriage in the United States, LGBTQ individuals still feel they are fighting for equality almost ten years later. We hope that the LGBTQ community will soon find equality in every aspect of life, including on dating apps, where they deserve to be treated with respect.

Recap

Our top pick for the best LGBTQ+ dating apps and sites is Grindr. It stands out for its features available to free members, options for communicating with other users, inclusive gender identity selections, and affordable subscription costs. Additionally, Grindr excels in user safety with robust tools and a strict zero-tolerance policy towards abusive behaviour. Other noteworthy LGBTQ+ dating apps that made our list include Plenty of Fish, Match, and OKCupid.