Whatever your sexual orientation, finding an intimate relationship can be challenging, especially if you’re not into social gatherings – which is where Brits are most likely to meet their significant other.
However, in the current climate, the rise in technology through dating apps, including those specifically for LGBTIQ+ groups, has played a big part in dating culture.
While there are potential partners to be found in apps for heterosexual singletons like Tinder, there are also tailored apps specifically for the LGBTIQ+ community.
A recent study conducted by Match found that 56% of LGBTQ singles have dated someone they met online and 46% met their date last year from a dating app.
To help you find the perfect match, we have listed some of the top LGBTIQ+ dating apps in the UK today.
It is important to highlight that although the LGBTIQ+ community is the focus of these apps, each one is tailored for a specific audience. Whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender – there are dating apps which cater to all letters of the acronym LGBTIQ+.
Since launching in 2009, Grindr is one of the most famous and best gay dating apps today. In particular, this app is a place where many gay men start their online dating journey. Here, you have the opportunity to use geolocation that allows you to access men who are geographically close to you. The application has a free version and Grindr XTRA, a premium subscription where users can enjoy additional filters, no banner or interstitial ads, read receipts, a discreet app icon, and lots more. The app also features private chats and links to social networks for both free and paid versions.
Another very similar app is Hornet, boasting over 25 million diverse users across the globe. Its dynamics are very similar to Grindr; but unlike its competitor, it can also work on desktop, not only on mobile devices. This gives you and your new friend more freedom to have some virtual fun. Hornet encourages gay men to come out of their shell and join the fun of the community.
If you have more specific tastes/preferences, such as big men with a lot of hair, the Growlr app is here. It’s a popular social networking app designed for the gay community across the globe, specifically “gay bears”, a term often used to describe a very masculine gay man.
Lesbian and bi women also have a selection of dating apps to find a match.
The most known is Her, a part dating app, part social media network for lesbian, bisexual and nonbinary women who want to find love. With functionality similar to Facebook, it has an integrated feed, facilitating the interaction between potential matches. By many, it is considered the most secure – for maintaining a policy of monitoring fake profiles and spam. Even if you’re not ready to find love just yet, the app is also great for discovering local queer events.
Looking for attractive single girls? Say hello to Fem. This app is for lesbians looking for a relationship. You can upload your own video and browse through video profiles of people nearby to make a match. If you like them and they like you, you can instantly start communicating. The app also allows for fun group chats too, allowing you to meet multiple people at one given time.
Another popular option is Scissr, a free and easy to join app for LGBTQ+ women looking to find love, casual hookups, a fun night out, or just a like-minded person to have a chat with. With men banned from the app, it has a simple interface and also has geolocation. The app features private messages, and the option to “crush” on someone you like or add them to a “wish list”. You can let users know what you’re looking for, whether it’s a hookup, friendship, love and relationship, or just networking.
There are many stigmas associated with bisexual dating. Whether out of prejudice or ignorance, the “B” in LGBTIQ+ is often discriminated against. Thankfully, there are apps that offer a safe space for this specific community.
The world’s largest app for bisexuals, bi-curious and bi couples is BiCupid, which was launched in 2003. It has the largest user base of this group existing in LGBTIQ+ applications, with more than one million users. It’s free of cost and you can find like-minded people in your area or region. Whether you’re looking for a lover or an intimate relationship, BiCupid is an excellent option for bisexual men and women who want a safe environment to look for a relationship, be proud of who they are, and seek a life of freedom.
Another app to consider is Purpled, which uses geolocation to find new people nearby. Unlike BiCupid, which uses a search list system, this application uses an interface to swipe the screen to the right if you’re interested with the help of a Quick Match feature, similar to Tinder. If they like you back, you’re both matched and ready to start dating. Want to connect and chat without restrictions? Just upgrade to a VIP membership for more freedom. It’s a great online space to express yourself freely and share your dating stories, which can win you more likes.
Transgender people also have their own space for seeking relationships, and there are a number of online options for this queer group.
Looking for a friend or a relationship? For a non-judgemental dating experience, there are two popular transgender apps to explore with the same name, Transdr and Transdr®. If you support anti-fetishism towards transgender women, then you might want to check out the former app. Both apps work in the same format, such as swiping to the side until you find your match. If the person reciprocates, you are released and able to start a conversation.
Perhaps the largest trans dating app is Teadate, an online environment in which trans people and their admirers can feel free to flirt and meet new people. This platform allows you to openly indicate your preference for either transgender men and women, or cisgender men and women. Teadate support cisgender users that are romantically interested in trans people, and in a way that aims to recognise and destigmatise them as a sexual identity. Looking for a friendship or relationship as a trans or someone who loves trans people? Teadate is the app for you.
If you’re looking for a dating and social networking app for the broad LGBTIQ+ community, the LGBTQutie platform is all inclusive. More than just a hookup-orientated app, this relative newcomer is here to foster meaningful relationships for those spanning all sexual orientations and gender identities. So if you’re looking for real love, be prepared to meet people that are suited to you. It’s a free platform with the option to purchase a premium membership that gives you access to features like video chat, advanced search options and the ability to see who has viewed your profile. If you’re tired of apps that focus on just lesbian or gay men while excluding the rest of the LGBTIQ+ community, then LGBTQutie is your saving grace.
Let’s not forget the fully inclusive Taimi, an LGBTIQA+ dating app with more than 6 million users. Users can swipe, match and chat with whomever they fancy and see who likes them too, free of charge. Enjoy making calls and videos, creating posts and stories, and finding potential matches near you. To keep snoopers locked out, Taimi have a PIN, face recognition and fingerprint feature for extra privacy. Improve your experience with the premium subscription, offering exclusive features such as exposure to hot stories, extended filters to find the right one, and just in case you’ve changed your mind, undoing your hasty swipes.
For queer people of all genders, there’s also Thurst, an online space that lets you ‘connect, love, and be’. Disconnected from all social networks, this LGBTIQA+ dating app provides a safe environment where your messaging is secure and you can experience love, affection, intimacy and compassion comfortably online. If you’re questioning or exploring your identity, don’t worry – Thrust welcome you too.
LGBTIQ+ apps, just like other targeted dating apps, are great for meeting new people, whether to make friends or find a romantic or romantic partner.
It’s important to remember that whichever app you choose to join, be sure to protect yourself from possible scams and disingenuous profiles. These situations are rare, but they can happen in any virtual environment. Take things slow, and avoid revealing anything personal too soon to someone you don’t know.
Use these dating apps to learn more about someone and find out if they are compatible with you. Should they meet your expectations and you feel like you trust them, take it to the next level and arrange a meetup.
Join some LGBTIQ+ dating apps today. If you don’t try, you may end up missing out on an opportunity to meet a lifetime partner.
Similarly, meet LGBTIQ+ people in your local area today.
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