Online dating has changed the game for the LGBTQ+ community, opening up a world of possibilities for finding love and friendship. With a variety of specialized apps and platforms tailored to all identities, individuals can now connect with others who truly understand their experiences.
This shift has turned online dating from a simple way to meet new people into a powerful tool for building community and finding genuine partnerships.
However, the challenge lies in navigating these options available in this day and age to foster meaningful connections while avoiding identity discrimination or the assumption of seeking only a casual fling.
Follow along as we provide details on how to explore the LGBTQIA+ online dating world with greater confidence, discover the apps that best suit your needs, and begin making connections with individuals who share your personal values and dating goals.
Inside the LGBTQ+ Dating App Experience
Although there is far more research performed on heterosexual dating experiences compared to those of LGBTQ+ individuals, there have been major steps taken over the past decade.
As more dating platforms arise on the scene, like Grindr and HER, and mainstream apps like Hinge and Bumble have begun to create inclusive features, we can see how the digital dating world is becoming more accommodating and reflective of LGBTQ+ needs.
That being said, there are still certain issues to flesh out for this community. According to a 2020 study found that issues like catfishing and discrimination remain a significant concern for LGBTQ+ users.
These factors are all very significant when deciding on which platform may be right for you.
How To Choose the Right Dating Platform
When searching for a dating platform that fits your needs, of course, considerations like personal values and relationship goals come into question.
However, some more important factors include finding a platform that offers inclusivity, respects diverse identities, and provides a supportive environment for authentic connections to be built.
This Forbes article listed the following dating platforms as the ‘top 10 best’ for LGBTQ+ users:
- Grindr: Designed specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals, it allows users to connect easily in a space focused on their community, particularly for gay, bi, trans, and queer men.
- Plenty of Fish: Offers inclusive options for gender and sexual identities, helping LGBTQ+ individuals connect with a large, diverse user base
- Match: With a focus on long-term relationships, it provides LGBTQ+ users with compatibility matching tools in a welcoming environment
- OKCupid: Known for its comprehensive gender and orientation options, it is highly LGBTQ+ friendly, allowing users to match based on shared values and beliefs
- Stir: While primarily for single parents, Stir includes LGBTQ+ parents in its target demographic, fostering inclusive, family-focused connections.
- Her: Specifically designed for LGBTQ+ women, nonbinary, and queer individuals, it creates a safe space to meet people who share similar experiences and identities
- Badoo: Offers inclusive identity options and a global reach, making it suitable for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Taimi: A social networking and dating app created for the LGBTQ+ community, it focuses on fostering meaningful relationships while promoting inclusion and safety
- Heesay: As a newer app aimed at LGBTQ+ individuals, it provides a safe and affirming environment for users to connect, chat, and date
- eHarmony: Recently opened up to LGBTQ+ users, it focuses on compatibility and long-term relationships with an emphasis on matching individuals with shared core values
Some other LGBTQ+-friendly apps that didn’t make this list include Feeld, Scruff, Tser, Hornet, and Jack’d.
Key Features to Consider
When it comes to dating, sexual preference is a fundamental aspect that should be respected. A good dating app, therefore, should include key features such as:
- Inclusivity to gender and orientation options
- Matching algorithm that supports compatibility
- Filtering for serious relationships versus casual dating
- Safety and support resources within the platform
A recent study found that LGBTQ+ community members who used these apps experienced safer spaces, reduced uncertainties about others’ identities, and better alignment with community norms.
Those that provide the comfort for members to bring their authentic selves into the dating scene, to be open and honest, without fear of judgment, discrimination, or exclusion, are essential.
Crafting a Dating Profile with Safety and Authenticity in Mind
When creating a dating profile, like we advise anyone else out there, we want to have a balance of safety with authenticity.
What this means is being able to showcase your true self, and being genuine in your photo selection, while still being mindful of sensitive information, such as avoiding revealing personal addresses, workplaces, or other identifying details.
Here are some helpful ways you can do this:
- Be honest about your interests, values, and what you’re looking for in a relationship
- Use recent and authentic images that accurately represent how you look, while avoiding overly revealing or staged photos
- Do not include your home address, exact workplace, or other sensitive personal information
- Refrain from sharing your phone number or social media handles until you’re comfortable
- Avoid sharing specific locations that could identify where you live or hang out regularly
- Focus on what you enjoy and what matters to you in a relationship without oversharing private details
- Use the platform’s privacy features to control who can see your profile and personal information
Other aspects to consider are being clear about your relationship intentions and goals. If you’re someone who would like a committed, long-term relationship, for example, write a blurb in your bio that reflects that, like “I’m looking for someone who wants to make it to the same retirement home with one day.”
Humor is a great way to show your personality, but make sure your message is also clear about what you’re looking for in a relationship.
Transform your Dating Game
If you’re struggling to get the right attention, consider reaching out for support.
At Hidden Gems, we specialize in crafting dating profiles that are sure to make you stand out and attract the right matches. Our expert dating profile writers will help you showcase your unique qualities and create a profile that truly reflects who you are.
Learn more here!
The Bottom Line
Making meaningful connections in this day and age relies on virtual dating platforms. Fortunately, there are a ton of amazing apps available that are either curated to LGBTQ+ users or have adapted to become more inclusive.
Embrace the journey with patience and authenticity, and remember to stay safe, open, and optimistic. Your genuine approach and thoughtful choices will help you forge real relationships.
My Books:
How To Write A Great Online Dating Profile.
Within, you will find my best tips and strategies, including dos and don’ts, before and after examples, and a template to follow. There is also advice on which photos to choose and how to craft email messages. You will also find full written samples and a questionnaire to use for idea generation.
I designed this dating journal to help you process thoughts and feelings as they relate to who you are deciding to spend time with. This journal is a mix of guided prompts and plenty of free flow. You may want to view it as a mix of a plain journal and an interactive workbook. The prompts are recurrent based on Date 1, Date 2, Date 3 and more.
