7 Free Dating Apps for LGBT Youth

Queer youth listen up, we’ve got the 7 free dating apps for LGBT youth.

So you’re tired of sitting around watching MTV’s Teen Wolf. Don’t look at me like that–I know you watch it. But watching Teen Wolf begets longing for dates, as the old saying goes. Okay, fine don’t get mad you don’t watch Teen Wolf. (I don’t believe you.) Still, you’d like to find some other queer people in your area for some fun, possibly romantic, hang outs. Maybe you could watch some TV together, maybe some… Teen Wolf?

Well, great news you don’t have to hit up the LGBTQ club at your school–which if you’re in Canada is every school. You don’t even have to go to your nearest LGBTQ center for a youth dance or event. There are dating apps that you can explore (ensuring you’re familiar with consent laws in your state.) Of course, make sure to do it carefully. Meet up for dates in well-populated public places and make sure someone knows where you’re going and who you’re going with–also maintain a sharp, cynical register that would make Dana Scully wince. Some people think it’s mean but there are people out there who want to hurt other people and people who want to hurt or prey on LGBTQ youth in particular. So, make sure to protect yourself.

Scary warnings aside, you can meet cool, non-monsters on dating apps. The apps are set up for you in some regard. Users between 13 and 17 years old can see only other Tinder users within the same age group.  “About 7% of Tinder’s users are ages 13-17” according to Common Sense Media.

Unfortunately, just because you are supposedly protected from adults on these apps (and remember someone can easily post a fake photo of a kid and lie about their age) doesn’t mean you are protected from the snares of the internet. Aka here is the required paragraph about bullying. We found the most significant LGBT bullying statistics at NOBullying. There is also a relevant study provided by GLSEN(Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) that identifies the two biggest reasons for bullying the members of the LGBT community is their appearance and sexual orientations or gender identity. Great! Thanks GLSEN for the terrible news that teenagers are basically awful to each other. In 2007 GLSEN reported that 86% of the LGBT youth reported being bullied in school, but a newer study from 2013 by the National Center for Educational Statistics showed 27%. Hopefully, that is bearing out in your lives, and you are feeling accepted–we accept you!

Now let’s find you some sweet, sweet teenage lovin’. I mean the kind that’s not available on Tumblr. Please follow the rules of the sites (i.e. don’t use it if you’re underage for that particular site, or lie about stuff) and remember that if you do something on the internet it is not a secret.  Also, it helps to wear a leather or faux-leather jacket. Or so I hear.

We collected the 7 free dating apps for LGBT youth based on the opinions of AfterEllen, Heavy, DigitalTrends and DatingAdvice.  According to AskMen and other dating site reviews we researched these 7 free dating apps for LGBT youth are at the top of the pile when it comes to usability. However, this is not necessarily a ranking, just a list of 7 great ones. If you are interested in more dating apps, you can also check our list of 11 Free Dating Apps for Young Adults and 10 Best Dating Apps for Android Phones. Now please enjoy 7 free dating apps for LGBT youth. Oh yeah and condoms–always condoms.

7. Hinge

”Inspired by love, and guided by authenticity, Hinge creates meaningful connections among those bold enough to seek real relationship” -Hinge team.

We are continuing our list of free dating apps for LGBT youth with Hinge that is dating app whose creators are focused on matching people for serious relationships instead of casual hookups or one-night stands. How quaint! You can become a member by registering with your social network such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and Hinge will gather all the necessary information. On the other hand, there is an option of self-providing information which has to be accurate, true and complete. No fakes! The Hinge administrators have right to demand the confirmations through e-mail or ID and also have right to refuse or deactivate your account and forbid you any further access to the app.

Hinge app is making matches according to mutual friends and location, but there are no age limits, meaning that all the people older than 13 can access the app. You can also choose tags for your interests in order to know at least something before you start chatting with someone. This also helps the administrators to connect you with someone. It is completely free for both iOS and Android phones and is more popular with women.

6. PlanetRomeo

This free app for both iOS and Android users is specialized in gay guys trying to find dates and love and even make some new friends with mutual interests. Get it? Mutual interests? Also, dibs on that band name. When registering, you can add all the features you believe are important and filter your search by them. The app makes matches by the distance and presents all the new members and the ones recently logged in.

The app is even available for Apple Watch.

5. Wing Ma’am

Instead of only matchmaking like most of the dating apps, Wing Ma’am allows its members to create their own events and to see other people’s events. This one is specialized for women-women matchmaking available for both iOS and Android phones. Plus, the name invites you to go to a dollar wing night as a first date–not that you really need a reason.

4. Scruff

Scruff – a dating app for iOS and Android users which allows bisexual and gay men to connect, chat, exchange pictures and videos and share their interests with other men. You can choose among over 10 million guys from all over the world by simply swiping left and right and checking which one you prefer. You can choose specific group such as military and similar, for dating or to just meet with individuals or groups just to hang out.

3. Grindr

Next in line on our list of free dating apps for LGBT youth is Grindr that is not as much filtering and matchmaking by wish, but spreading views by notifying the other users nearby to you. Prepare for NSFW and nude photos. With over 5 million bi and gay guys, you can chat, send and receive photos on your Android phone, iPhone or Blackberry. In case you are even a little bit confused, this is a hook up app. 

2. Hornet

By freely registering with your Facebook or Google+ account, you can easily become one of the 10 million bi and gay men out there. Unlike other apps, Hornet isn’t focused only on the men nearby, but offers meeting guys world wide by simply sending them quick message. The app is available for Android and iOS users, but the refreshment is that this app is also available in a desktop version.

1. Her

This app is for lesbian and queer women-identified people seeking same. Her is only here for people aged 18 or over. And as they put it “If you try and sign up and are underage, we will keep hold of your information to stop you from signing up again with different profile information.”

There ya have it, 7 free dating apps for LGBT youth. Now it’s time to pause that episode of Teen Wolf and get hunting!