Grindr has lost touch with its core users.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Grindr is pouring significant time and money into elevating the smallest demographic within the LGBTQ+ community, while seemingly losing touch with the majority of its user base. From funding niche studies to donating to specific organizations and political movements, the overwhelming focus appears to be centered on trans and gender non-conforming topics.
Grindr often touts itself as inclusive and groundbreaking — a leader in queer tech. Yet ironically, it had no issue dropping the “L” when promoting itself as the world’s leading LGBTQ+ app. That sends a mixed message about who the platform really centers.
Here’s a thought: instead of channeling so many resources into research and lobbying for topics that a significant portion of users neither identify with nor support, why not consider building a separate, dedicated space for trans individuals and those who admire them? Gay and bisexual men — the majority of Grindr’s base — deserve a space of their own without feeling pushed aside or overwhelmed.
Let’s be real: the app is now flooded with profiles that don’t match what many original users signed up for. If Grindr is truly about inclusivity, that should include honoring the space and experience of gay and bi men too — not diluting it.