Why Discrimination Forces LGBTQ Folks to Meet Online

Nowadays, more and more people have started identifying as members of the LGBTQ community.

While some find it easy to come out of the closet, some fear discrimination. Even though 92% of LGBT Americans believe that their society is more accepting of homosexuality than 10 years ago, discrimination remains an issue. It still affects all aspects of LGBTQ+ members' lives, including dating. That's why online dating is on the rise for both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ couples.

Luckily, dating apps allow these individuals to be themselves in a safe way without provoking potential homophobes, which could happen if they were to mingle with the crowd in a bar, for example.

Greater Anonymity

Teenagers are usually more sensitive to discrimination and judgment, so they rarely decide to speak up freely about their sexuality. However, this fear doesn't go away in adulthood. Regardless of age, coming out is still a huge problem for many LGBTQ+ individuals.

That's why many people decide to keep their secrets locked away from their family and friends. Using a dating app minimizes the risk of being "discovered" by someone they know compared to meeting potential partners in public. 

Enhanced Safety

People who came out face a different kind of problem—they are often harassed, threatened, and even physically assaulted. There's also an issue of discrimination at work, so much so that it's completely legal to fire an employee for being a member of the LGBT community in 28 states. And since employers can look up profiles on social media, dating apps for the LGBTQ+ community seems like a good idea. 

There is a freedom that comes with publicly displaying sexual orientation. Exploring sexuality in this way is beneficial and generally safer than in real life. While cyberbullying is a real and hurtful thing, at least bullies can be blocked with the click of a button, never to be heard of again.  

LGBTQ+ Dating Apps May Be a Great Option

There are many common dating apps that both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ individuals like to use. However, some of those don't offer enough options to help LGBTQ+ members identify properly. Sometimes there's only male, female, or transgender option to choose from. That's why opting for an LGBTQ+ dating app may be a better alternative for some people. In that way, they can avoid heterosexual apps and discrimination that comes with them. 

Different apps offer multiple ways of connecting with someone. Some are made for casual hookups, while others cultivate more meaningful relationships. There's something for everyone, and the LGBTQ+ dating apps are all about satisfying individual needs. 

Conclusion

Dating apps are convenient for LGBTQ+ individuals for several reasons, but mostly to avoid discrimination. People have reported they are a safe way to meet a significant other and eliminate prying eyes. Even though someone may be a victim of cyberbullying online, using the internet reduces the risk of being physically assaulted. Moreover, LGBTQ+ dating apps are all about freedom of choice, and it's a great way to express one's own sexuality and identity.