The lived experience for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa does not represent the inclusive legislation of the country, with many people facing discrimination, prejudice, violence and fatal attacks. Although there are a few physical spaces for members of the community to gather safely, new digital technologies have made it easier, quicker and safer to make connections and pursue romantic relationships.

Below is a list of LGBTQIA+ friendly dating apps in South Africa.

HER

Initially released in 2013, this geo-social networking app was made by queer people for queer people. HER specifically caters to lesbian, bi, queer, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming people. Cisgender men are deliberately excluded from creating a profile. 

To create a profile, a person is encouraged to use their social media accounts. This is due to the fact that this app functions partly like a social media feed. Users of HER can either describe their sexuality and gender using words or express themselves more creatively with a mood board. 

In terms of safety, the app encourages users to verify their profiles and filter for other verified profiles. Their website states: “And we do our utmost to keep fake people and fake profiles off of HER.”

HER is more than just a dating app. In addition to finding a potential romantic partner, one can participate in queer conversation, make friends and build a supportive community.

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Grindr

Since launching in 2009, Grindr has grown into the largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. Users of this app use geo-based technology to make friends, casually hook up or look for love.

One is able to select a match according to age, height, weight, body type, and ethnicity. Grindr also has “tribes” for a person to categorise themselves and to filter their searches to better find their type. The 12 categories include: Bear, Clean-Cut, Daddy, Discreet, Geek, Jock, Leather, Otter, Poz, Rugged, Trans, and Twink. 

In terms of security and protection, Grindr provides a full safety guide on its website including a scam awareness guide, safety tips and identification verification.

OurTime

OurTime is a simple, secure, LGBT-friendly dating website bringing like-minded senior people together to fall in love again. The website is designed so you can simply select your sexual orientation and the sexual orientation you would want your potential matches to have.

Bumble

Bumble has grown beyond a dating app since its launch in December 2014. It was initially designed for women to make the first move in heterosexual matches. This design was created to challenge outdated heterosexual dating norms and empower women. In same-gender matches, either person has the ability to make the first move. For all chats, there is a 24-hour limit for the potential match to respond, otherwise the connection expires. 

Bumble has since expanded to a social networking platform that allows people of all genders to make empowered connections in all areas of their lives, whether they are seeking a romantic relationship on Bumble Date, making new friendships on Bumble BFF, or growing their professional network on Bumble Bizz.

The app has several functions to ensure your safety such as the ability to video chat and voice call within the Bumble app so you can meet new people without sharing your phone number or email before you are ready to. It also can potentially protect you from catfishes with its photo verification feature. 

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Tinder

Tinder is the most commonly known dating app. Through geo-based technology, one can filter through potential matches based on age range, gender and distance from your location. The app will also show if you have any mutual friends in common. 

In 2019, Tinder enabled users to state their sexual orientation. The current nine categories include: Straight, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Asexual, Demisexual, Pansexual, Queer and Questioning. 

The app has an extensive list of safety pointers for users on its website. Furthermore, it has a photo verification feature.