Pride app trends we’re loving in 2023

2. Queer matchmaking? Yes, please!

Rainbow Luv is India’s first queer matchmaking app, powered by Matrimony.com Ltd., one of India’s largest online matchmaking services. The app promises an inclusive platform for queer people across the world, letting users search for long-term dating or committed relationships, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Users can filter their searches by gender identity, orientation, and location to start the matchmaking process. Matchmaking services aren’t going anywhere, with the Indian matchmaking market projected to hit US$292 million in 2023. Users likely appreciate the intentionality, and so we’re thrilled to see Rainbow Luv expand matchmaking options and possibilities for the LGBTQIA+ community.

3. Lesbian dating app Her claps back at transphobes

On the app block since 2013, the Lesbian, bi, and queer dating app Her has always been bold. Its current claim? “The #1 Queer hookup app”. The app has long been a safe haven for queer women, nonbinary, trans, and gender non-conforming people. Her recently stated that 12.5% of its users identify as nonbinary or transgender and that it rejects the narrative that lesbian identity is owned by lesbians who do not identify as transgender.

After receiving some pushback on its article This Lesbian Visibility Day, We Are Reclaiming ‘Lesbian’, which gave a nod to trans and non-binary lesbians, the app sent a mass notification to its users. The notification read in part, “ A Message for Transphobes: Time to delete HER,” and “All lesbians are welcome and celebrated on HER — trans lesbians, nonbinary lesbians.” And true to its spicy branding, the notification told such users, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” Of all places that should be a refuge for the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s rainbow-specific dating apps.

4. Options to connect while traveling? Oui Oui

Just like dating apps Tinder and Bumble let users meet up with other users nearby and during travel, Scruff gay dating and chat app brings a new travel mode to queer dating. Scruff has a “Venture” feature that lets users search matches across the world. Before traveling, users can connect via chat or even video chat before meeting. Scruff also showcases queer parties, prides, and festivals based on locations that users can RSVP to and offers them the potential to connect with other users and go together to an event if desired. A sense of belonging is important to all of us, particularly when traveling, and we like that Scruff lets users plug into an LGBTQIA+ community wherever they are in the world.

5. This social-first layout has us captivated

Launched this month, Archer is an app for gay, bisexual, and queer men that is making waves with its social-first layout approach. The app’s interface is highly customizable, featuring three profile-viewing options. Users can scan a grid showing 15 profiles, view one profile at a time, or scroll through a linear feed, similar to that of Instagram. Users can also select tags for their profiles, allowing them to be found or to find users with similar interests. And, again, similar to social media, people on Archer can follow each other in what the app hopes will further build the in-app community.

6. Grindr’s creator launches queer matchmaking app

Joel Simkhai, the founder of Grindr, which is arguably the most well-known queer app, recently launched a new gay app called Motto. Branded as the “gay and queer matchmaking for casual dating”, Simkhai hopes that Motto will increase the quality of matches users receive, rather than the quantity. Motto promises “no more endless scrolling” as the app limits users to one batch of new faces a day. Additionally, Motto guarantees that every photo and profile is reviewed and verified, eliminating the long-despised “headless torsos” and reducing the possibility of catfishing. Motto also updates the batch of new profiles shown to a user based on their chats and previous selections, further tailoring options.

7. Let’s not neglect the power of friendship

New to the dating app scene, LGBTQIA+ app LESGO aims to solve common pain points in the networking/dating app. All users of any dating app are familiar with the largest pain point, also known as the phrase, “What are you here for?”. LESGO lets users select if they are looking for dates, hookups, or friendships. Users will only be put into contact with users who are looking for the same thing. The app promises that the queer community is not an afterthought on its app, but is instead an integral aspect. LESGO provides users with a “PAL” mode through which they can connect to other local members of the rainbow community to make new and better connections.

We asked one of our Adjust employees to share how we can be more inclusive of our LGBTQIA+ co-workers. We appreciate their spot-on responses and will continue to strive to learn.

To learn more about working at Adjust and our inclusive work culture, we invite you to check out our Careers page.