Best Gay Dating Apps and Sites For LGBTQ+ :
Top LGBTQ+ Dating Apps and Websites: Find Love and Connection in a Safe Space
The LGBTQ+ community often faces judgment and discrimination when it comes to online dating. It has become evident that queer, transgender, and pansexual individuals deserve their own secure environment to connect with others. To address this need, we have compiled a list of 10 exceptional LGBTQ+ dating apps and websites. These platforms offer unique features designed to assist you in finding love, friendship, and everything in between.
Research conducted by the Urban Institute revealed that LGBTQ+ singles encounter a sexual victimization rate of 23.2%, which is approximately 11% higher than the rate among heterosexual individuals. These alarming statistics, coupled with negative experiences, underscore the urgent need for dedicated spaces for queer, transgender, and pansexual singles.
This is where match-based LGBTQ+ dating apps and websites come into play. They create open, safe, and supportive arenas that allow individuals to date according to their own preferences. These dating sites and apps are rapidly gaining popularity as they provide millions of members worldwide with a platform that caters to their unique gender and sexual identities.
Our Top 10 Best Gay Dating Apps & Sites In 2023:
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Eharmony – Best gay dating site overall
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SilverSingles – Best for gay dating for people over 50
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gaystryst – Best for men looking for flings
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HER – Best for lesbian, bisexual, and queer femmes
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Match – Best for discreet dating
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Grindr – Best for finding fun on the go
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Bumble – Best for networking
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Elite Singles – Best for gay men dating and looking for love
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Hinge – Best for serious relationships
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Benaughty – Best for adventurous hookups
1. Eharmony – A diverse dating platform that caters to every preference
Free Entry: Yes
One Month’s cost of Eharmony Subscription: $29.95
Number of members: 45 million
Eharmony is a well-known and widely used dating platform that caters to both the general market and LGBTQ+ singles. Its pricing structure varies depending on whether you’re a new customer or an existing one. What sets eharmony apart is its distinctive behavioral matchmaking system, which learns users’ preferences over time. This feature is particularly valuable for LGBTQ+ members as it facilitates the discovery of compatible matches.
One of the key advantages of eharmony is its large and diverse user base, providing ample opportunities for connections within the gay community. While the exact number of members is not specified, the platform ensures a significant pool of potential matches.
There are several reasons why we chose eharmony as a recommended dating site. Firstly, its extensive user base increases the chances of finding meaningful connections within the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, eharmony employs patented algorithms that take into account various factors, ranging from personality traits to daily living habits. This comprehensive approach makes eharmony an excellent choice for individuals seeking long-term relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.
2. SilverSingles – A place for gay people over 50 to easily find other singles.
Free Entry: Yes
One Month’s cost of SilverSingles Subscription: $27.95
Number of Members: 25,000
Meeting gay singles over 50 can be a challenge, but SilverSingles is dedicated to making it a comfortable and effortless experience. This inclusive dating site welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages, offering a matchmaking algorithm that connects you with potential matches based on your personal preferences.
Regardless of whether you identify as gay, queer, bisexual, or any other orientation, SilverSingles ensures a secure and curated dating environment. With a basic free membership, you can easily create a profile, receive daily match suggestions, and explore potential dates using search options. Additionally, you have the option to express your interest in someone by sending likes and smiles.
Here’s why SilverSingles stands out: Designed specifically for mature singles aged 50 and above, SilverSingles provides a safe and welcoming platform for LGBTQ elders seeking love and companionship. Through an in-depth personality test, the site ensures compatible matches, fostering meaningful connections.
3. Gaystryst – For gay and bi-sexual men looking for casual dates.
Free Entry: Yes
One Month’s Cost of Gaystryst subscription: $37.50
Number of members: Over 350,000
Gaystryst is a dedicated dating platform catering to men seeking enjoyable and casual encounters with other men. It stands out from other gay dating applications and websites by exclusively serving gay men and not including women. The user base primarily consists of individuals from the United States, spanning from their mid-20s to mid-30s, although men of all ages can be found on the site. Utilizing filters to refine your search and expressing interest through winks come at no cost. However, to engage in messaging, the primary mode of communication on Gaystryst, a premium membership is required.
Reasons for selecting Gaystryst: We chose Gaystryst due to its exclusive focus on the gay community, providing a secure and comfortable space for men to connect with like-minded individuals. The platform places great importance on safety and privacy, making it an excellent option for hassle-free gay dating experiences.
4. HER – The Dating and Social App for Queer Womxn.
Free Entry: Yes
One month’s cost of HER subscription: $14.99
Number of members: 1+ million
Over time, HER, the leading lesbian dating app, has evolved into a comprehensive platform that caters to women and femmes of diverse backgrounds, identities, and sexual preferences. HER proudly embraces and welcomes over 18 gender identities and 17 sexual orientations, empowering users to express their authentic selves. With its user-friendly interface, HER’s app is equipped with a wide range of communication features, fostering meaningful connections among its community members. Additionally, HER organizes local events that contribute to building a strong sense of belonging.
Reasons for selecting HER: Our inclusion of HER in our recommendations is attributed to its unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ women. The app surpasses the boundaries of traditional dating platforms by facilitating connections for friendship, networking, and engaging discussions on queer news and events.
5. Match – A popular, Discreet Dating App Open to LGBTQ+ Members.
Free Entry: Yes
One month’s cost of Match subscription: $23.99 a month for 3 months.
Number of members: 21.5 million, with over 650,000 LGBTQ+ memberships.
Although Match.com is not explicitly tailored for the LGBTQ+ community, it provides a secure and inclusive environment for all users. Match.com prioritizes your safety and privacy, allowing you to keep your account discreet until you’re ready to engage with potential matches or make your profile visible to everyone. While sending flirty winks is free, premium members gain access to additional communication channels such as instant messaging, emails, and call requests. Although it may not be the most affordable option compared to other LGBTQ+ dating websites, Match.com offers enjoyable features like the Daily Five, which delivers five personalized potential matches to your inbox every day.
Reasons for choosing Match: Match.com earned a place on our list due to its vast user base and its commitment to accommodating a diverse range of dating preferences. The platform even includes dedicated sections specifically designed for the LGBTQ community, fostering a more inclusive space for individuals in search of love.
6. Grindr – Great for Gay and Queer Men Seeking Hookups.
Free Entry: Yes
One month’s cost of Grindr subscription: $5
Number of members: 5+ million.
Catering to gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer singles, Grindr emerges as a top-notch dating application designed specifically for gay men, renowned for its focus on facilitating connections between men seeking casual encounters. With its remarkable geolocation functionality, Grindr proves to be an invaluable social networking platform for individuals who have recently moved, relocated, are traveling, or simply desire a swift fling in their vicinity.
Reasons behind our selection of Grindr: We have included Grindr on our list due to its groundbreaking role as the pioneering and most widely used location-based dating app catering to the needs of gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. The app’s unwavering commitment to serving the LGBTQ community, coupled with its advanced filtering features, enables users to discover tailor-made connections and experiences that align with their preferences.
7. Bumble – Women & LGBTQ+ Empowered Dating and Networking.
Free Entry: Yes.
One Month’s Cost of Bumble Subscription: $9.99
Number of Members: 20+ million
Bumble revolves around empowering women and non-binary individuals by giving them the agency to initiate conversations. It strongly emphasizes feminist ideals, reserving the privilege of starting conversations exclusively for women and non-binary members. Boasting a user base of over 20 million, this popular dating app has evolved beyond its initial purpose and now provides opportunities for global networking. Alongside romantic relationships, users can build friendships, establish business connections, engage in social networking, and more.
We selected Bumble for its distinctive qualities: it fosters a respectful online dating environment through its women-first approach, while also supporting individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Bumble’s inclusive platform offers additional features like “Bumble BFF” and “Bumble Bizz,” creating spaces for LGBTQ community members to form meaningful friendships and professional networks. With its user-friendly interface and unwavering commitment to equality, Bumble stands out as a remarkable choice among dating apps.
