LGBTQ dating
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LGBTQ dating has some distinct characteristics when compared to heterosexual relationships.[1]
In 2019, Serena Sonoma of Teen Vogue wrote, "Dating advice is largely focused on cisheteronormative society, which erases the experiences that non-binary people face in romance. Whether it's dating apps that lack appropriate gender options, transphobic partners who don't validate your identity, or misgendering based on appearance, there can be a lot of obstacles for nonbinary people who aren't recognized by cisgender people."[2]
There have been LGBTQ speed dating events[3][4] and TikTok shows.[5][6]
Body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders in the LGBTQ community can be fueled by dating apps and social media.[7] Some apps have taken measures to reduce or ban body shaming, as well as homophobic and transphobic language.[8]
Culture
Apps and websites
In 2022, a writer for The Hindu said the LGBTQ community "has a love-hate relationship with dating apps".[9] Dating apps have reduced the need for people to go to gay bars and other LGBTQ establishments.[10][11]
LGBTQ dating apps include Blued and Grindr. In 2019, Tim Fitzsimons of NBC News wrote, "Historically, Grindr was the first iPhone app to combine dating — and sex — with geolocation, birthing a genre that today includes favorites like Tinder and Bumble, which are popular with the larger heterosexual user base."[12] Blued and Finka were banned in China in 2025.[13][14][15] Blued and Grindr were banned in Malaysia in 2026.[16][17][18] LGBTQ dating websites have included Gaydar and Manhunt.[19] The gay dating app Squirt has been described as a "rehash" of a former gay cruising website.[20]
Her is a lesbian dating app.[21][22][23] Hanky is an invite-only dating app for gay and bisexual men.[24] The app Bumble has banned homophobic and transphobic language.[25] The transgender dating app Butterfly corrects transphobic language automatically.[26]
Film
The film Old Guys in Bed is about gay men over the age of 60 exploring dating and sex.[27]
Television
LGBTQ dating television shows have included A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila,[28] Alphabet Soup,[29] I Kissed a Boy,[30] The Boyfriend,[31][32] and The Ultimatum: Queer Love.[33] Stand Bi Me is South Korea's first bisexual dating reality television series.[34]
