Latest news with #gaydating
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men
Editors and writers independently select products unless marked Sponsored or Promoted. Sponsored content is a paid ad, while content marked Promoted is chosen by Ziff Davis leadership. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. Promoted cards do not include input from individual authors. Online dating as a gay man has its share of horror stories. It's also a rite of passage dating back to the Craigslist m4m era. It's a high-risk, high-reward activity. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, online dating presents a unique set of challenges, which can sour the experience. Ghosting and catfishing are still common, but you might also find people asking unnecessary questions about your past, straight guys who shouldn't be in your feed, and even some not-so-subtle fetishization. Not exactly the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling we're all after, right? SEE ALSO: We asked daters what dating in 2025 is like so far Yet, despite the BS, the right queer dating app can genuinely help you find meaningful connections (and we say that will all due respect for hookup apps like Grindr). Whether you're after friendship, a one-night stand, or "the one," these gay dating platforms are where millions of men connect (Pew Research found that about one in four LGBTQ+ adults met their partner online). The key is figuring out which LGBTQ+ dating apps are actually worth your time and energy in 2025. Come on, do we really need to say it? It's Grindr. We can't talk about the gay dating scene in the 21st century without talking about Grindr, the undisputed king of gay dating apps. However, there are a lot of other options, especially if you want to make a genuine connection. "Grindr is a tried and true app that many queer men gravitate toward to find partners or for relationships that require lesser commitment, so it's easy to point to it as the No. 1 app," Michelle Herzog, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells Mashable. "However, like Tinder, it's gained a reputation as a hookup app — but that doesn't mean there still aren't men looking for long-term commitments, either." Lately, Grindr users have been complaining about a buggier app experience and free features going behind paywalls. So, even if you don't quit Grindr for good, it might be time to test other gay dating apps. SEE ALSO: Grindr's latest updates are wild: Hiding from your ex, verified pics, and faster hookups The most popular dating apps have a lot to offer, and that's where you'll find the most queer users. Keeping Tinder on the back burner isn't just a straight people thing (especially for guys in less populated areas where apps like Scruff offer slim pickings). Plus, mainstream apps deserve credit for trying to create a more inclusive atmosphere. OkCupid gets kudos for embracing change and making inclusivity a core part of its compatibility scoring. You can also try niche gay dating sites if you tend to like a certain type of man, but in general, the more popular apps offer the greatest chance of success — it's a numbers game. Whether you're looking for something serious, a hookup, something that stays strictly online, or an altogether different definition of connection, there's an ideal queer dating app out there for you. So, here's a breakdown of the best dating apps for gay men to help you find your perfect match.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Archer is making gay dating more intentional
Whenever you think of gay dating apps, Grindr, Scruff, and Sniffies likely come to mind. These platforms thrive off of thirsty dudes looking to get laid. But a new report (aptly titled "The Naked Truth") from Archer, a relatively new dating app (owned by the Match Group, which also owns Tinder, Hinge, and other apps), suggests a shift in how gay men are using apps, and ultimately, how they're viewing dating itself. It turns out gay men on Archer are actually nearly six times more likely to be looking for a husband than a hookup! SEE ALSO: From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men Launched in June 2023, Archer is what the company describes as a "social-first" alternative to some of those more hookup-focused, location-based apps out there, like Grindr and Sniffies. The app's main push is really about offering gay, bisexual, and queer men a more intentional dating experience, with a solid focus on building community and helping everyone stay safe with its in-app Health Hub. Since its App Store debut, Archer has managed to get quite a bit of attention as a new player in the gay dating app scene. (Which it totally should — I've attended some great events that Archer has sponsored in NYC, and the team seems genuinely interested in helping people find their forever person!) With over 685,000 downloads by May 2024 (a feat considering the financial news in the dating app world has been generally bleak as of late), Archer is definitely backing up its claims with solid data. Archer's first annual trends report, "The Naked Truth," shows that users aren't just looking for an afternoon delight. Here's what they found: Five and a half times more users are interested in finding a husband than a hookup. Users are three times more likely to say they're looking for a "love story" than "random sex." Fifty-seven percent of gay singles say that they're open to trying new things sexually, whereas 20 percent say that they've got their kinks and are happy sticking to them. Green flags like good communication and emotional intelligence are way more important than a steamy romp. Salt Lake City, Tampa, and Denver topped the list for the highest percentage of tops. Cincinnati, Columbus, and Minneapolis were the most bottom-heavy. "Dating within the gay community is all about choice, fluidity, and the freedom to define what connection means in the moment," Michael Kaye, head of brand at Archer, said in a press release. "'The Naked Truth' shows us that our users value authenticity and intention. They're not just seeking endless matches — they're choosing their own journey on their own terms." Since its launch, Archer has been committed to creating a safer space for gay men to connect. Its newest feature, "Looking For Modes," is just one example of how it's doing that. With "Looking For Modes," users can make their intentions known right away. As soon as daters open the app, they'll be able to choose between "Hookup," "Date," and "Friends Mode." They'll also be able to add temporary status updates, like "Looking for now," "Open to chat," or "Down to meet," in real-time. With "Looking For Modes," users can make their intentions known right away. Credit: Archer Archer has also taken a page out of Hinge's playbook with what it's calling "Ice Breakers." These are prompts that you can add to your profile for others to respond to. This way, you don't have to send an awkward "hey" just to be left on read. (Another cool thing about Archer's "Ice Breakers" is that any user who has them on their profile will get a visibility boost on the app.) Some of the most popular "Ice Breaker" prompts include: Describe your favorite sex position using only emojis. If you had to lip-sync for your life, which song would you choose? Be famous for being messy on reality TV or famous for a one-hit wonder pop song? If we had to coordinate Halloween costumes, what duo are we going as? What's the most unhinged reason you've ever stopped talking to someone? And, while Archer was free at launch, it unveiled a premium subscription service, Archer Gold, in May. It costs $29.99 for one month or $59.99 for three months. With Archer Gold, users can go incognito, change their location, access advanced filters, see who's viewed their profile, and receive read receipts.
ABC News
08-05-2025
- ABC News
Criminals used fake profiles on gay dating apps to lure robbery victims, police allege
More than 20 further arrests have been made in Victoria over a spate of alleged attacks, mostly on men using gay dating apps. Several groups of teenage boys and young men have allegedly used fake profiles on the platforms to lure their victims. Police say the targets have then been assaulted, robbed, threatened, falsely imprisoned, and kidnapped. In some cases, the alleged attackers have recorded videos of their victims and posted the footage on social media. Acting Superintendent Carolyn Deer told the ABC the type of apps used led investigators to believe gay men were being targeted specifically. "There is absolutely no place for this kind of concerning behaviour in our society," Acting Superintendent Deer said. "It will not be tolerated." Victoria Police confirmed the perpetrators used "mainly Grindr" but also Scruff and Snapchat to find their victims. The ABC has contacted the social media platforms for comment. Some of the attacks are being investigated as "prejudice motivated crimes", an aggravating factor that may attract a harsher sentence. The violence has mainly taken place in the outer Melbourne areas of Manningham, Casey, Hume, Moorabbin and Knox. One victim was allegedly attacked by a group of five 17-year-old boys in Donvale, in the city's east. In another case, a boy as young as 13 was among a group of teenagers arrested over a kidnapping and armed robbery. Contact reporter Alexander Lewis on alewistips@ or if you require more secure communication, please choose an option on the contacts page. The wave of violence began last year, with police having arrested 13 young males in October. The fresh arrests take the total number to 35, and police are expecting to make more. Simon Ruth, the CEO of LGBTIQ+ organisation Thorne Harbour Health, called for an urgent response at a state and federal level. "The ongoing spate of tech-facilitated attacks is a serious threat of national significance," Mr Ruth said. Dozens of similar attacks have been reported across the country, including in Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Western Australia. "It's a harsh reminder about the pervasive nature of homophobia, and more specifically, the growing trend of online radicalisation of young men to attack our communities," Mr Ruth said. The attacks have prompted gay dating platforms to display safety messages in areas where users have been recently targeted. Police have stressed that they are still able to investigate cases where one profile has blocked or deleted another from the app. Ms Deer urged those using the apps to remain extra vigilant by protecting their identity and location. "Verify who you're talking to and who you're meeting up with," she said.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
I Kissed a Boy's Dannii Minogue on playing Cupid - "People can blossom when they feel safe and supported"
Pop goddess Dannii Minogue is back to play Cupid once again, as I Kissed A Boy returns for a sizzling second season on BBC Three and iPlayer. The UK's first ever gay dating show is louder, prouder, and more irresistible than ever. Ten singles are matched up and meet for the very first time… with a kiss. No swiping, no small talk, just instant chemistry. Will it be a polite peck or a passionate snog and will that first kiss lead to true love? Set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked Italian masseria, this is the ultimate summer of love - packed with big feelings, untold stories, fierce fashion, and plenty of drama. With Dannii Minogue at the helm and Layton Williams back on narration duties, the party is just getting started. It's bold, it's beautiful, and yes, it all starts with a kiss. Watch I Kissed A Boy from Sunday 11th May at 9pm on BBC Three and iPlayer Read more: I Kissed A Boy series 2 - Meet the boys taking part in the UK's dating show for boys who like boys CT2 Q+A with Dannii Hello Dannii, the boys are back, tell us about the second series? It feels like such a long wait since we saw the first ever cast of I Kissed A Boy. Season Two delivers and it is a wild ride so buckle up! There is a new set of boys and I have changed up the pace and chemistry tests so nobody knows what is coming! You must have learnt so much from the girls last year but what are you hoping to learn from the boys this time around? Each season is totally fresh. We film what unfolds and the boys were ready to be as open and honest as where we left off from the girls. The show is known for its mix of drama and heartfelt moments. Without any spoilers can you share your highlights? These boys are brave and open hearted, and here for love. I love how they all went at their own pace, but made the absolute most out of three sun filled weeks in the stunning surrounds of Puglia in Italy. How do you approach guiding the boys through the emotional highs and lows of finding love? I love the chemistry tests. It is like a mirror to the boys, so they can stop and see what they are really feeling, and where they really want to be. I am always full of hope and nerves when we get to the last day and the commitment ceremony happens as nobody knows how it will unfold. What can you tell us about any memorable behind the scenes moments? I remember being in my dressing room at the Masseria and watching the live feed of cameras, it is electric when you see something unfold that you know is going to change everything! Were there any challenges filming the series this time around? We had some weather issues where we were filming outside and a lightning storm didn't get the memo that we had a Kiss Off - it was very dramatic. We ended up all having to take shelter for a while. I was also dealing with an annoying issue where I had arrived with three spider bites that happened in Australia before I departed, and then another five spider bites that I got during filming…. they love me! Thank goodness we had pain killers, ice packs and a great medic on site. These huge itchy red bites were definitely not what I had planned to accessorise with my couture! What would you say is the secret formula to playing cupid? I want to be there to assist with these boys looking for love. It all starts with the romantic setting of the masseria and lots of sunshine. The escape from phones, texting and swiping on apps really helps encourage deep and real conversation. I just help it all move along and hope for a lasting match. What has been the most touching or memorable comment you've received about what I Kissed a Boy represents to the LGBTQ+ community? Friends of mine from the community have told me so many stories over the years of how hard it was to grow up without any role models on TV, and life would have been so different for them when they were the same age if they had something like this on TV. I think it is important we all feel 'seen'. How do you hope I Kissed a Boy inspires viewers to embrace love in all its forms? Our show is a celebration of love for the LGBTQIA+ community. I think it is a great example of how people can blossom when they feel safe and supported. Q+A with Layton Hello Layton. How excited are you for the second series of I Kissed A Boy? VERY excited. I feel like people are going to love this second season. Why do you think the show is so significant for the LGBTQ+ community? As if we're the first UK dating show for boys who like boys? Seems crazy right? And we're only on our second season. Visibility is SO important. Especially whilst LGBTQIA+ human rights seem to be going backwards all around us all over the world. What's the best part about narrating the boys love journeys? The best part is watching the episode the day before I get in the booth, then getting to work and having a big gossip about all the love, drama and who kisses who etc with the producers. Because I don't know anything until I watch it. The fans are in for a treat. Is your LGBTQ+ icon still Lady Gaga or have you moved on? Honestly, yeah. She's still mother! Abracadabra and all. If you could give the boys one piece of dating advice for the show, what would it be? Just be you. Unapologetically you. What's your favourite part of the show's celebration of the LGBTQ+ community? I think it gives boys from all over the UK and beyond hope. That they too will hopefully find love. We grow up with a jaded view of the world before we eventually 'come out'! So, to see a masseria full of out and proud boys is inspiring.
