Hi Sarah, I completely understand where your concern is coming from. Discrimination of any kind — racial, sexual, or otherwise — is a serious issue that should never be tolerated on or off the app. That said, I’d like to offer another perspective on why keeping the option (not the requirement) to list nationality or ethnicity can actually support inclusion and autonomy when used correctly.

First, it’s important to distinguish between preference and prejudice. When someone voluntarily chooses to share their nationality or cultural background, they are not promoting exclusion — they’re expressing a core part of their identity. For many, especially in immigrant or diaspora communities, culture, language, and heritage play a huge role in how they connect with others romantically or sexually.

Second, removing the option entirely can unintentionally erase cultural visibility. It can be empowering for users to be seen and to find others who share or appreciate their background. The key lies in how the feature is used — not in its existence. If abuse happens, that’s a moderation and education issue, not necessarily a reason to eliminate a valid form of self-expression.

Lastly, in today’s evolving digital landscape, personalization is not inherently discriminatory. Apps like Grindr should focus on providing tools for users to navigate their preferences respectfully, not forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead of removing the option, improving community standards and offering better reporting tools for actual discrimination might be the more effective solution.

I think it’s pointless since you are no longer able to choose your racial preferences.