Proud and Loud with Broad Dating Spectrum
In 2024, gender lines may be blurry, but emotional bonds are stronger than before. According to Gen Zs and the LGBTQIA+ community's all-time favorite motto, “love is love,” the new-age dating and relationship scenario knows no bounds.
Freedom to love
The queer community’s dating journey has undergone a drastic transformation over the years, and many people have found love through such platforms. Makeup artist Ujjwal Kirti says, “I know a queer couple who met online and are getting married next month, so it’s a wonderful way to meet like-minded folks. Presently, I use three dating apps, and I have met some wonderful people through them. Despite having certain guidelines for online dating, I always initiate a video call to confirm compatibility, and our initial meeting never takes place in a remote location or at home. A known public place is safest to avoid scammers.”
Navigating multiple identities
While online forums, chat rooms, and dating websites provided new avenues for connection, they also helped the queer community to connect better. Amay Sharma, a 21-year-old writer who identifies as a trans man and uses the pronouns “he” and “him,” shares, “Initially, I was blindly swiping, but then I matched someone who was using travel mode at that time, and now she is my girlfriend. I feel online dating is safe for me, and I have met many girls. Online platforms have undoubtedly revolutionised and allowed singles to explore their identities and love openly.”
Creating safe online spaces
Today, dating within the LGBTQ+ community is more open and varied than ever before. Inclusive dating apps cater specifically to LGBTQ+ individuals, while mainstream platforms have introduced features to accommodate diverse identities. Dating apps are becoming a space where young adults can comfortably explore and express their gender and sexuality, with 7 out of 10 young daters in India agreeing that dating apps offer more freedom for self-exploration, according to Aahana Dhar, Tinder India’s communications director.
The popular app has been running queer-friendly campaigns and LGBTQI festivals to educate allies and queers about gender identities. Sharing more insights about the queer dating world online, Aahana informs, “According to the latest statistics, around 7 million LGBTQI matches have happened on our app globally. And this year, we have seen a 66 percent increase in queer dating.
Many of them also feel more comfortable coming out on Tinder before they do so to their friends and family. We have 50+ gender identities and 9+ sexual orientations listed in the app to choose from, as well as features like More Genders, Sexual Orientation, Traveller Alert, and the Queer Dating Starter Pack. It helps first-time queer daters navigate their dating firsts with 20+ safety features, so they can be discreet and explore at their own pace.”