Grindr is hitting the road this Pride, and we're bringing the party directly to you. That's right, in celebration of our 15th birthday and the millions of users who've helped us reach this milestone, we're kicking off the Grindr Rides America Tour—and we’re inviting the community to join us for the ride of a lifetime. With us every step of the way is Q Care Plus—your fast, easy, online, and FREE one-stop shop for PrEP, doxy-PEP, and general sexual health & wellness care.

The Great American Road Trip (but make it gay)

We’re stopping at ten cities across America to help our users up their Grindr game with that all-important grid staple: the perfect profile pic. We’re about to make 2024 the wettest and hottest American summer yet, and your profile pic should bring the heat—hop on board, strike a pose, and show us what you got.

In addition to two full-service portrait photography studios on board capturing our community in their best light, the bus will be fully loaded with local drag queens, highway hunks, punny bumper stickers (don’t we all just want to Hoexist?), free swag, Grindr Unlimited giveaways, and more at each location. 

From the Castro to Stonewall, we’ll be getting around—hop on, get off, and get your dicks on Route 66. This is all in celebration of YOU as we toast to 15 years and counting. 

Grindr x Q Care Plus

We don’t just want you to look good—we also want you to feel good, in case you plan on riding more than just the bus! The Q Care Plus team will join the Grindr Bus at all 10 locations this June, providing even more fun and excitement around LGBTQ+, gender-affirming, and sexual health & wellness care.

Q Care Plus will be on hand to talk about their holistic approach to sexual healthcare, including HIV and STI prevention, screening, and treatment, and how access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and doxy-PEP (aka STI-PEP, aka “The STI Morning After Pill”, aka doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) fit into it all. Find out why they’re your go-to for more than just a cheeky encounter with a cotton swab. It’s the online, one-stop shop for easy, virtual visits with expert providers, HIV and STI testing for PrEP users, and PrEP and doxy-PEP prescriptions delivered to your door. Even better, most patients pay $0 for their visits, labs, and prescriptions.

The team will be giving away collectible swag like their famous Pride clacker fans and attendees can get their photos taken with the Q Care Plus giant lips – let’s say there will be more than a mouthful of fun joining the Grindr Bus this June.

So…where are we going?

The tour kicks off in San Francisco on May 29th and ends in New York on June 30th, with eight additional cross-country stops along the way:

• 5/29: San Francisco - Midnight Sun from 8pm-12am
• 6/1: Los Angeles - WEHO Pride from 12pm-8pm
• 6/3: Phoenix  - Charlie’s from 8pm-12am
• 6/8: New Orleans Pride from 11am-6pm
• 6/12: Atlanta - Ansley Square, Oscar's, Felix's, Mixx from 8pm-1am
• 6/15: Wilton Manors Pride from 3pm-11pm
• 6/19: Columbus- Union Café from 8pm-1 am
• 6/22-6/23: Chicago Pride 11am-10pm
• 6/25: Pittsburgh - P-Town Bar from 8pm-12 am
• 6/30: New York City Pride from 11am-6pm

We’re also using our time on the road as an opportunity to share regional data snapshots of Grindr users in our destination cities. While we’ve highlighted global trends in the past with our annual Grindr Unwrapped, this Pride, we’re getting local. As part of our cross-country journey, we’ve dug deep into the psyche of our users in each of our destinations, compiling anonymous aggregated profile and survey data to paint a picture of what makes each city tick. Stay tuned to Grindr’s social channels throughout June for the full run-down on how some of America’s loudest and proudest cities stack up against each other. 

Beep beep—it’s giving BUS, and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard.

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At Grindr, we've always been committed to promoting the health, well-being, and equality of the LGBTQ+ community. As the world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, we recognize our responsibility to address the pressing issues facing our users. Today, we're excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative that aims to tackle the rising STI rates in London, particularly among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

The Partnership

We've partnered with PrEPster at The Love Tank, a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the health of underserved communities, and Sexual Health London (SHL) to provide our London-based users with easy access to at-home STI testing kits. This collaboration marks the first time a UK dating app has offered such a service, and we're proud to be at the forefront of this important effort.

The Importance of Accessible STI Tests

GBMSM in London face significant barriers to accessing in-person STI testing, including limited clinic hours, transportation difficulties, and fear of judgment. These obstacles contribute to the health inequalities experienced by this community, with GBMSM in London having a 15 times higher STI diagnosis rate compared to the general population. By offering at-home testing kits, we aim to break down these barriers and ensure all our users can access convenient, confidential STI screening.

How the Service Works

Ordering a self-sampling kit through the Grindr app is a simple and discreet process:

1. Access: Users can access the service directly from their Grindr profile by clicking on the "Free STI Kit" button.
   
   
2. Eligibility: After clicking the button, users will be guided through a few basic steps to confirm their eligibility for the free testing kit.
   
   
3. Privacy: Once confirmed, the kit will be discreetly delivered to the user's address. Users can then collect their samples in the privacy of their own homes.
   
   
4. Return: After collecting the samples, users can return the kit using the provided free postage.
   
   
5. Results: Within a few days of returning the kit, users will receive their results via notifications through SHL's secure platform.
   
   
6. Confidentiality: Throughout the entire process, from ordering to receiving results, users' information remains strictly confidential and is never shared with Grindr.
   
   

The Grindr For Equality Program

This initiative is part of our broader Grindr For Equality initiative, which aims to advance the health and human rights of LGBTQ+ people worldwide. Since its launch in 2012, the program has partnered with numerous public health authorities and LGBTQ+ organizations to expand access to testing, information, and care. We've already seen success in countries like Ireland, Georgia, New Zealand, and the USA, where our partnerships have helped distribute nearly half a million test kits.

The Potential Impact

By making STI testing more accessible and convenient for our London users, we hope to reduce STI rates within the GBMSM community and normalize regular screening as a crucial part of sexual health maintenance. We believe this initiative has the potential to significantly impact the well-being of our users and serve as a model for other dating apps and organizations looking to prioritize sexual health equity.

At Grindr, we know that behind every statistic about rising STI rates, there are real people with real stories and struggles—and that's why we're committed to creating a world where LGBTQ+ people can thrive without fear or discrimination.

Our partnership with PrEPster at The Love Tank and SHL represents a major step toward achieving this goal by addressing one of the most pressing health concerns facing our community in London. We encourage all our London-based users to take advantage of this free, confidential service and join us in the fight against rising STI rates.

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In a landmark victory, the Mexican Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill banning conversion therapy, marking a decisive victory for LGBTQ+ rights and a potential turning point for the wider Latin American region. The legislation passed with a 77-4 vote (15 abstentions), reflecting an evolving societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities in Mexico.

The success of the bill is a testament to the collective effort of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, including YAAJ Mexico, an organization that has become synonymous with the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Mexico. For over a decade, YAAJ Mexico has led initiatives aimed at dismantling prejudicial practices that target the LGBTQ+ community, culminating in this historic legislative achievement.

We understand that legislative victories, while essential, are only one step. The trauma of conversion therapy leaves lasting scars. That's why Grindr has sent numerous messages connecting our users in various countries with the mental health resources they need to heal from such experiences. These resources include hotlines, peer support groups, and educational materials to help individuals navigate challenging situations. We're proud to play our part in this, and our dedicated "I Need Support" page offers a centralized hub for accessing these vital services.

At Grindr, we've long championed the well-being and safety of our LGBTQ+ users around the globe. Mexico's bold action catalyzes change, inspiring other nations to prioritize the fundamental rights of their LGBTQ+ citizens. We stand resolute in our commitment to progress, and together with our vibrant global community, we urge further advancements in LGBTQ+ rights everywhere.

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I promised Cakes da Killa I wouldn't take a pull quote about his favorite toothpaste out of context, but sometimes, a bitch has to lie. When one of the most dextrous queer rappers waxes poetic about the virtues of Hello Charcoal Toothpaste (sorry, Cakes), you don't just let that shit go. After all, Cakes has never been one to shy away from speaking his truth, whether it's about dental hygiene or his trailblazing role in hip-hop.

The thing is, Cakes has been putting out some of the most outwardly gay rap and hip-hop for over a decade—and though he told me that would age him—I have to mention it. Because he was giving lipstick, lashes, and nails with a characteristic New York City swagger before any of it hit the mainstream. But if it was just about being a queer rapper, Cakes said that visibility would overshadow that he’s a great performer and makes good music. And he’s right.

We sat down on Zoom. It was the night after Cakes Fest NYC, a party to celebrate the deluxe album of his latest album, Black Sheep, a hip-hop jazz album produced by Sam Katz and featuring contributions from Dawn Richard, STOUT, and Wuhryn Dumas. And even in his post-party haze, Cakes is sharp, witty, and unfiltered. One moment, he's waxing poetic about the importance of authenticity in art; the next, he's extolling the virtues of a chicken sandwich.

He seems to relish the absurdity of the situation. "Yeah, once you get to a certain age, it's like okay, eat a chicken sandwich and do the interview from bed," he jokes, and I can't help but chuckle. It's a simple statement but speaks volumes about Cakes' approach to navigating the music industry. He's the kind of artist who'll write a whole verse about sucking dick and then turn around and pen a searing critique of racism in the gay community.

As for the toothpaste part, Cakes has been in the game long enough to know that there's a certain level of bullshit that comes with the territory. We care more about the artist as a persona, knowing what restaurant they visit, where they get their shoes, and what toothpaste they use. In a world where so many artists have carefully crafted personas, Cakes is just… doing Cakes. And if that means recovering from a night out with a greasy sandwich and a tube of charcoal toothpaste, then so be it.

The following is an interview with Cakes da Killa. This interview has been edited for clarity.

Right before you dropped Black Sheep, you tweeted on April 13th, "Queer rap discourse will always bore me." I wanted to start there. How does that inform the way you make your music?

Yeah, it's just boring (laughs). It's boring because a lot of times when I do interviews, they always have this preconceived notion of me dealing with homophobia in the hip-hop industry as if I'm trying to get a seat at the BET Awards and they won't let me. And I'm like, that's not my reality. I get that sometimes in queer media, they have this victim narrative that they want to put on people. And I'm like, that's not my story. That is a reality. But that's not my reality. So a lot of times, people don't really talk about the internal struggles of queer tension amongst queer people, and that's actually what I deal with more on a day-to-day basis. A lot of times other queer rappers... they just have animosity towards other people. And I'm like, I don't care. It's like, I started out performing for drink tickets. So it's like, I don't care.

So you're saying you didn't want that centered around your music and who you are as an artist?

Yeah, but some people like that. That title is more important to them. I'm just not one of those people. And I think sometimes, when you're excelling in a field, that makes you a threat, even if you're not trying to be a threat. So sometimes I get in those types of issues where girls want to fight, and I'm like, do you really? What's the actual reason here?

Do you think that has to do with the industry trying to sanitize queer music—making it one type of palpability—as it gets more popular?

It depends on who you're talking to. We deal with a lot, even being inclusive and all that bullshit. It's really all bullshit. It's still a certain type of masc-ness, a certain type of straight-passingness, a certain type of like—it's very vain. It's the gay dollars. If the gay community wants to put money into an artist, they are going to do that. That's changed, which is why you see more queer acts performing at Pride events, which was not the thing when I was growing up. There would always be very cis-gendered women headlining these Prides, and now you have more queer acts. It's because queer people want to see themselves, but queers are hard people to please. That's why.

So we have a lot more queer artists in the mainstream now. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but you pushed the envelope. Is that how you see yourself?

No, I mean, I see myself like that now because this is what people tell me. I never felt that, because when you're doing something, you're just doing it. And I realized at a time when I was making music with Le1f and Mykki [Blanco] and everyone else… what we were doing was shifting the zeitgeist of what was happening. I think it was a community that shifted it to make the music industry what it is now. But like I said earlier, it was less about the industry and more about the consumer. The consumer wanted that. It could have happened much earlier, but gay people didn't want to see gay people perform—like they just didn't want to see that. So now, with the younger generation, they want to see the visibility. Not just on a surface level—they want to watch drag queens, they want to listen to this. Whereas when I was coming up, it wasn't really giving that.

That brings me to ballroom resurgence. When you see this happening, are you more like, "I was on this," or are you more, "Alright, this is a good thing?"

I don't own anything. To me, I think these cultures, whether we're talking about drag or ballroom or these very queer black art forms—they should be getting the exposure that they deserve. To me, I just don't like when things get watered down and saturated or not done correctly or told correctly. But that's just what happens when things get to that level. And it's just inevitable. So, for me, it's a double-edged sword. I remember a time when you would go to a gay club, and people would be voguing, and everyone would be embarrassed. So I'm happy to see the shift. But you know, it comes with its shit.

As queerness gets more mainstream, do you think that identity in music has become more important than the art itself?

I don't know if it's identity. I think the bigger thing is persona. It's more about the influencer and likability versus like, "Do they really like the music?" I could be entertaining, I could be charming, but I'm more like the old drag queen drinking in the corner versus the girl making the TikTok with the ring light. It's a different market. People want that familiarity. They want to know what type of toothpaste you use, or you know, what's the last restaurant you ate at? And I don't want to give that, but that's what the climate is giving now.

So can I ask... what kind of toothpaste do you use?

(Laughs) It's called "Hello." I think the girls need to get into dental hygiene. The girls need to get into the charcoal toothpaste.

This is probably a good time to tell you that Hello's been sponsoring this interview.

(Laughs) I mean, the empire is collapsing. You might as well get in… sell shampoo… do a cooking channel. Live your life.

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Listen to Cakes da Killa's latest album, Black Sheep.

Watch his COLORS performance below.

At Grindr, earning and maintaining your trust is among our highest priorities. We understand that for many in the LGBTQ+ community, discretion is essential. Whether you're in one of the 60+ countries where being gay is still a crime, or you simply value your privacy, you need to know your personal information is secure. Our commitment to privacy goes beyond mere compliance—it's a fundamental promise we make to each and every user. 

There's been a lot of talk lately about how social networks and dating apps use your data. We want to be crystal clear about what information we collect from you, our users, and how we use it.

Grindr’s approach to privacy is anchored in three core principles:

1. Transparency

At Grindr, we believe in robust transparency when it comes to how your data is treated. Our privacy policy offers heightened transparency compared to other dating apps, giving you full visibility into how we use your information. We commit to clarity and simplicity, avoid complex legal jargon, and help you understand how data works on the Grindr app. 

Our layout intuitively presents the most important information to you. If you need details on how Grindr shares information, there's a tab for that. To learn about information collection, there’s a tab for that. Finally, we list our third-party partners, including all advertising partners—a rarity in the dating app space—under its own tab for your review.

2. Data Minimization

Creating a Grindr account requires very little personal information—you only need to provide an email or social media login and a birthdate to confirm that you are an adult—which is not stored with your profile. Grindr users decide what, if any, information to put in their profile. Users control how open or discreet they want their Grindr experience to be.

We operate only one app—Grindr—therefore, your personal information and activity is not shared across other apps or websites controlled by Grindr the company. Your Grindr profile information is for display within the Grindr community only. Therefore, you can choose whether to display your health information like HIV and vaccination status on your profile—but these fields are not required. Users can choose to include health-related information in their profile, which they can remove at any time. Grindr does not store historical records of this information, and we never share it with advertisers.

3. User Control

At Grindr, user control is at the heart of our privacy practices. No matter where you're located, you can get a copy of your personal information on Grindr and access tools to manage it. While many dating apps only provide these controls in certain jurisdictions where it’s legally required, we believe everyone deserves the same access rights. That's why we offer such privacy choices to all our users worldwide.

You can request a detailed copy of the personal data we hold at any time. You're also free to delete or modify your profile information whenever you want. And if you choose to close your account entirely, we'll delete your data from our systems per our Privacy Policy.

Let’s talk about ads. We don’t share your profile information with advertising partners. Additionally, we have never and will never sell data about your HIV status or any other self-reported health information. 

Furthermore, Grindr users control whether they receive personalized advertisements. Even when users say yes to personalized ads, Grindr shares the minimum levels of information required to enable those ads to be delivered: mobile advertising ID, device details (e.g., make/model), and IP address.

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Your personal information is just that—personal. And in a world where data is so valuable, you need to know that yours is in safe hands. We use advanced security measures to protect your data, and we prioritize data minimization, focusing on collecting what is needed to make Grindr work and give you the best, curated experience.

Every day, we're working to create a space where you can authentically connect with others and explore the queer world around you—without worrying about your privacy or safety. We know those are real concerns, and that’s why we remain fully committed to protecting your data and providing you with an industry-leading platform where you can make meaningful connections and express yourself freely.

Contrary to recent claims, Grindr has never shared users' health-related data with any advertisers. Further, Grindr has not experienced a breach related to such information. There has been media coverage of a class-action lawsuit recently filed against Grindr in the U.K. regarding privacy practices from 2018 - 2020, which unfortunately relies on outdated information and mischaracterizes our former data handling practices. We’d like to take this opportunity to set the record straight.

Our commitment to user privacy, data protection, and transparency is unwavering. The allegations in the lawsuit are not correct and the policies relied on are not reflective of our current policies and have not been in effect for nearly five years. Grindr adheres to the highest industry standards and complies with all applicable U.K. regulations regarding data privacy.

We employ rigorous screening protocols for any partners we work with and provide industry-leading transparency about the limited circumstances in which user information may be shared. Our dedicated privacy team is committed to staying at the forefront of data protection best practices and maintaining the trust our users place in us.

We will vigorously defend ourselves against the aforementioned allegations.

To our valued users around the world, our commitment to protecting your data and upholding the highest standards of privacy is unwavering and non-negotiable. We look forward to upholding this commitment on our journey to make a world where the lives of our users and the global LGBTQ+ community are free, equal, and just.

When Grindr initially launched 15 years ago, it focused on enabling casual encounters. Over time, our community has identified new uses for the app, ranging from long-term relationships and networking to local discovery and travel advice. Today, the app is the connective tissue for the gay community all over the world, including in many countries where it is illegal to be gay. 

For decades, the global LGBTQ+ community has physically connected in cities around the world, creating hubs, or Gayborhoods, for local gay, bi, trans, and queer people to freely express themselves, enjoy a sense of safety and intimacy, and foster community through spaces created specifically for us. 

However, not all of us are able to access a physical Gayborhood. 

Today, we unveiled our vision to build the global Gayborhood into Grindr, empowering you and our millions of other users to digitally access resources and information for the global LGTBQ+ community, all in the app. By expanding Grindr to serve as the digital Gayborhood, we are bringing a crucial form of community, rich in information and connection, to you on your phone.

Bringing Our Global Users One Step Closer to Each Other With Roam^TM

We’ve learned that through our chat function, you have been using Grindr when you are in a new city or country to find gay-friendly places to eat, play, stay - and even events that are targeted toward the gay community. We also know that people want the ability to actually tell people they are going to be visiting a different location, so users can message and engage with them prior to their arrival, in addition to being able to find people in a different location using our popular Explore feature. Indeed, over the last few quarters, I’ve had many users reach out to me directly asking for this feature. 

To meet this need we’re announcing Roam, a new feature that allows you to temporarily place your profile in a new location ahead of a trip. Roam is the first of many future Gayborhood features we are launching, and it unlocks new travel functionality to bring you one step closer to other Grindr users around the globe. 

Roam allows you to ‘visit’ a new geography to explore other profiles, be seen by members of the local community, and chat with people in that location. Roam is currently in testing in several markets and will be launching broadly later this year.

Looking ahead, Grindr will continue building and rolling out new features to bring the Global Gayborhood to your pocket. Whether you are looking for casual interactions or seeking longer-term connections, the Gayborhood will have features for you to find what and who you are looking for, whether you’re at home or jet-setting. 

Through this work and Grindr’s overall success, I’m excited about the strides we’re making toward a world where the lives of our users are free, equal, and just.

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Earlier today, I discussed the vision for Grindr to become the global Gayborhood in conversation with Ryan Heath of Axios at Web Summit Rio, where I also demonstrated our new feature, Roam. Watch the replay here. 

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We are aware that some of you who log in to Grindr via Facebook are currently unable to access your account due to a technical issue. 

We are actively working with the team at Facebook to resolve this issue. In the interim, your account and data are still safely stored on our servers, and we will continue to process any data subject access requests in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

We appreciate your patience while we work to make Grindr the best possible experience for you. We will update this post as we work to resolve this issue.

The first time our Wi-Fi cut out, I started to panic. The third time, I contemplated a career change. Jessica and Lisa Origliasso, known better as The Veronicas, had only 20 minutes to chat with Grindr about their new album, Gothic Summer, and their upcoming whirlwind of a tour kicking off April 3rd—and we had enough questions to last hours. But in a way, the shitty Wi-Fi was like a cosmic homage to the mid-aughts—a nostalgic echo to simpler times, right around when 'Untouched' laid bare a particular pop-punk blueprint in 2007. Go figure.

Eventually, their faces flickered on-screen. "Hi Angels," they chimed, like ordering coffee, not conquering charts. The Origliasso sisters are pure Aussie sunshine. They didn't even skip a beat. Maybe fame at its core is just figuring out how to Zoom without wanting to hurl yourself out a window.

Throughout our chat, they said that Gothic Summer was less an album and more an explosion of creative chaos. Their unplanned recording sessions with pop-punk mastermind John Feldmann (of 5 Seconds of Summer, Blink-182, and Avril Lavigne fame) produced a dizzying, genre-bending album.

But somehow, amidst the funk and trip-hop detours, The Veronicas never lose their voice. That's the thing about them—they have a commitment to raw honesty, even when the musical package keeps shifting. Perhaps that's why their fierce advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community resonates so strongly; they embrace being messy and contradictory, all the things pop music often tries to sand down.

They also sat with us for 40 minutes—hard outs be damned.

The following is an interview with The Veronicas, where they sat down with Grindr to discuss "Gothic Summer" and their upcoming tour, which kicks off on April 3rd. This interview has been edited for clarity.

I love the phrase 'Gothic Summer.’ Can you talk me through that?

Gothic summer, you know, a lot of the overarching theme, the umbrella theme for it, was really “go with love and be the master of your destiny,” and for us, that just felt like this subconscious message that kept wanting to come through.

It was a sort of purging on a subconscious level—not a laborious sort of pulling-stuff-out level or having to let go of something. It was more "This is where we're at now." It felt a little bit like a celebration and a closure of empowerment for ourselves, this perspective that we've come to.

Purging is a pretty strong word. Tell me more about that feeling. What did you purge?

The Veronicas is an outlet for a certain part of our personalities, which is a little bit more about our extroverted selves. And I would say it's a really healthy space to express that. So the purging… I think it's where we express the dramatics of music, the dirt, the feelings, the emotions, the "whatever we need to feel and work through." We've thrown it all at The Veronicas. And it seems to be this larger-than-life character that we can step into and experience, and that's really fun. And for us personally, it saved our lives countless times to have that place to be able to put it all.

So that’s The Veronicas. What happens when you step out of their shoes?

Well then it’s just Lisa and Jess. On the beach and in the jungle on our acoustic guitars, singing harmonies, Nana’s baking scones… it’s very much a different creative cave. But when we get to imagine the world and step into the universe, we tend to be a little more shocking. It would be the worst for someone to say, “That’s a really nice record.” You know, we want to move people and inspire something out of them. So The Veronicas has always been our baby to do that and create that world.

Talk to me about pop punk. Music outlets have cited you as the mid-aughts blueprint for pop punk. Does it feel trippy to see pop punk as one of the more dominant genre forms in the mid 2020s?

I think it's a huge honor if we're being cited in any capacity in a blueprint form. And I think, you know, it's funny because I think when you're talking about any genre, there are very obvious musical elements, but a lot of it also is attitude. And aesthetic. And personality. In the rock space, it was predominantly occupied by men—straight men. So we love seeing over the last 18 years, how music and culture have grown into more alternative perspectives, greater diversity, you know. It's incredible. It's so fantastic. Also, how it’s continued to expand and grow into so many different forms for people to stretch and express themselves—it’s very cool.

Right, and especially in the queer community. Speaking of, you’ve found a big following in the queer community. Why do you think that is?

We were raised by very strong-headed women, you know, and were deeply ingrained within the LGBT community because our family and best friends were predominantly LGBT. We've also sung a lot in our lyrics about Jess's own journey and personal experiences with her sexuality. So, you know, for us, I think we came in with this quite alternative perspective. Our shows immediately were like-minded individuals who were rolling with us and getting to know themselves, and it was about creating a safe space for people to be able to explore who they were through our music. It's funny, it wasn't even overly conscious at the time. We were just given a platform to be able to be there with our community. And so we feel really, really blessed. We feel really, really lucky.

You’re gearing up for a tour kicking off on April 3rd. What’s your favorite part of performing? What do you want people to know?

A lot of people have fallen in love at our shows. So our live shows are definitely a good space for any of the queer community to come along and meet like minded people. I always say if anybody's worried about coming alone, don't be worried. Our fans and the community and the people that come out to see our shows are always the kindest, most open hearted open arms. In terms of this album, we want people to feel the message of self empowerment and self love. That’s the underlying subconscious message of this entire album, but it's also the very obvious message of this album.

Alright, one more for fun. You’ve mentioned how, since you are twins, you can communicate really well. From an early age, did you guys pick up on this communication?

That’s such a cool question. I think it’s a testament to your soul coming into this life with a twin, with essentially your soulmate. We have some footage documented from when we must have been barely one year old, and our parents have a setup and a little bassinet. And we're using our feet to bounce each other in time, perfect time. And I think that bouncing and that noise, that communication… I don't know if we were subconsciously or consciously doing that, but it was like the beginning of our special language that we have with each other. When you’re a twin, you feel each other even when you’re not together. It’s an incredibly special connection to have with someone.

Watch the video for "Here to Dance" below.

At Grindr, we build our product based on feedback from our highly engaged community of more than 13 million users around the world. We also utilize the latest and best technologies in the market to build great product experiences. 

For a while now, we’ve known that AI has the potential to completely reimagine dating and relationships. That’s why for over a year we’ve been planning new AI features and functionality that our users will love. As we embark on this journey, we are being thoughtful and intentional around ideating, conducting user research, building, and most importantly, testing these products. Along with all of the positive potential from AI development, there are risks we must be aware of and work to mitigate. 

The goal of incorporating AI into Grindr is ultimately to help our users build deeper and more meaningful connections. To do this, we’re considering many different features, building out our team and expertise in-house, while also exploring partnerships with specialty AI providers in some cases.

We are formalizing our ethical guidelines and an oversight structure to monitor AI performance and interactions, and carefully designing our approach to testing these new features. For new AI features, we are starting with a strict, internal-only period of testing before gradually rolling out  controlled tests with small groups of opt-in users.

The best way to test something is to test its full limits internally, in a lab-like setting. That is exactly what we are doing now in a controlled environment with our first AI features. This will allow us to identify potential issues before these features ever get into users’ hands. And once the products begin user testing, our team continues to monitor and track key learnings to help us improve the product as needed.

Our ability to build and introduce new products over the past year has greatly improved as we’ve implemented new operating principles and greatly improved our team’s ability to deliver impactful products and business results. We’re proud that we’ve continued to stay on schedule with our product roadmap, and recently completed major, multi-quarter projects like an overhaul of our chat feature. Since December 1, we’ve hired 25+ new engineers, including on our AI team, and are excited about the top-tier talent we’re adding.

As our work in the AI space progresses and we continue to test and learn, we’re looking forward to starting to thoughtfully roll out these new features to our users. We believe AI will play a key role in the future of dating and relationships and will be valuable to our users as we work toward a world where the lives of the global LGBTQ+ community are free, equal, and just.

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Assumptions get us into trouble, especially regarding love and desire. Our preconceived notions about gender and sexuality can lead to misunderstandings and hurt, even with the best intentions. Two voices are here to help us see things differently.

First, there's Madison Werner, a trans woman and advocate who understands the unique landscape trans women face when dating—both on and off the apps. Madison's advice includes the subtle ways internalized homophobia and transphobia can rear their ugly heads and sheds light on how to better create spaces for understanding.

Then, there's Seven Graham: transmasculine, a therapist, and a comedian who helps challenge the stereotypes some might have about sex & dating on apps like Grindr. For him, it's about unlocking desire and embracing the hard-won authenticity that came with overcoming addiction and discovering his intersex identity. 

Together, Madison and Seven offer tips based on first-hand experience that provide a kind of roadmap for others who might be navigating the complicated world of dating as a trans person. Read on for their unfiltered takes on love, desire, and all the messy, beautiful things that can come with trans dating.

Madison's Insights

Sexual Orientation and Responsibility

Not entirely sure about your sexual orientation or how you identify? Don’t make that her responsibility. Due to societal pressures and expectations, when cisgender straight men are attracted to trans women, they often worry whether they’re gay or if their guy friends will emasculate them. The pressure to conform can lead him to keep his trans girlfriend a secret, avoid commitment, and unfairly blame her for his own insecurities. It’s where homophobia and transphobia intersect: fear of being gay and fear of attraction toward trans people. Trans women experience enough difficulty every day; having confidence in your sexuality takes the pressure off of her journey toward love.

Physical Safety

Be mindful of her physical safety in the spaces you bring her into. Your friends, family, or coworkers may be gay-friendly, but being trans-friendly requires a different level of understanding. Trans women are often hyper-aware of new surroundings due to safety concerns. If you want to be her partner, developing this awareness is helpful, too. Have the necessary, private conversations with people in your life before she meets them.

Respect and Understanding

While it’s important you’re aware of her trans identity, don’t immediately ask questions about her gender transition. Talk to her like any other girl you’re attracted to: one step at a time and with respect. Gender transitions are as personal as it gets, so let a trans girl tell you about it when she’s ready to or when your relationship emotionally deepens. There are many things to know about her personality, not just her transness. If you're seeking knowledge about gender transitions in general, a quick Google search will do the trick.

Communication in Intimacy

Some transfeminine people experience gender dysphoria (a mismatch between their gender identity and their body), which can impact their sexual experiences. Let your trans partner communicate about it if she feels the need to. Just like cis people have turn-ons and turn-offs during sex, trans people may have them about their trans bodies. Hold space for it.

Celebrating Transness

Make it clear, via affirmations and actions, that her transness is not a burden; it’s worth celebrating and just makes her even more beautiful. Her identity is a reflection of her authenticity and closeness with herself—qualities that should be cherished in any person regardless of gender identity.

Seven’s Insights

Communication is Key

Since starting my transmasculine journey with testosterone shots in 2018, my libido has been freed from the fear and shame that used to hold it back. Now, Grindr is my go-to app when I'm feeling horny and looking for some fun with like-minded people (although I’m still looking for a “Classy Orgy”). Discuss feelings, concerns, and expectations openly. Good communication helps build a safe, strong foundation. I say it like it is: Deal or no Deal!

Educate Yourself

It’s not trans and intersex peoples’ job to educate you. Learn about trans and intersex issues, terminology, and experiences to understand your potential partner's perspective better. Accept that some trans people don’t want to play with cis people, even if you are gorgeous and God’s Gift—T4T means trans for trans. Furthermore, trans people come in many genders. “Trans” just means a person whose gender does not correspond with the sex registered at birth. 

Respect and Learn About Trans Peoples’ Experiences

To overcome my addictions in rehab in 2001, I learned that I had to get really honest about who I am to overcome the huge shame that drove my alcohol and drug use. In my teens and 20s, I couldn’t flirt or have sex without being super high.

Most LGBTQIA+ folks have some degree of shame from growing up “different,” but I was born intersex: biologically a mix of both the two common sexes. I’d been AFAB (assigned female at birth) because I had a vagina (I still do—I call it manpussy, or front hole, now), but I never felt female. Unbeknownst to me or my parents, I have XY chromosomes and was born with internal testes (stolen from me by doctors to fit me in the female binary box).

My experience makes me uniquely me, giving me a lifetime of stories that at least make for good stand-up material. But along the way, I've realized that my struggles are just one tiny piece of a much bigger picture. That's why it's important to listen to and respect the experiences of the trans community.

Photos

Just because you are comfortable sending intimate photos doesn’t mean everyone else is. For example, as an intersex person, I never send my genitals in a picture because they would be sold to a porn site. 

In 2018, I decided to ditch the estrogen my doctors put me on at age 12 and try testosterone shots (t-shots). I soon grew facial hair, and my “large clitoris” became a dick. It’s still growing “like Jack’s fucking beanstalk.” So now I have something for everyone. But to see them is real-world only. We intersex didn’t have a choice over who saw us as kids, and it’s an important boundary to respect—my genitals are my genitals, not for those on the grid. And that’s my choice. Your dick may be a handsome specimen, but that doesn’t make it front-page news—or appropriate to send without consent.

Be Patient

Understand that the process of self-discovery, acceptance and trust can take time. If you are FWB or getting into a relationship with a trans partner, be patient and supportive throughout their journey. Meet them where they are at, and if you’re lucky, they’ll meet you right where you’re at, too.

About the Authors

Madison hails from Calabasas, CA and came out as transgender in November 2015. She's now a trans rights advocate, writer and self-proclaimed "trans glam girl." She uses her social media to cultivate a safe place for queers and allies to learn about the trans experience. You can follow her on Instagram here.

‍Seven Graham is an LA-based UK-qualified addictions therapist & creativity coach who helps Hollywood tell intersex and trans stories. You can find everything you want to know about Seven here.

“I've been obsessed with Lexapro," LA-based singer-songwriter JORDY confesses with a cheeky grin, sidestepping the expected glitz of pop star polish. That’s because JORDY's beat is relentlessly catchy sugar-spun pop songs, not the blasé honesty that reveals the messy reality beneath your typical boilerplate poptimism.

Cue the shock of JORDY’s new single, "SECOND MINUTE HOUR," a shamelessly horny, queer powerhouse anthem that feels like it flirts with you, buys you a drink, and leaves its number on your phone—all in the span of two minutes and fifty-four seconds.

When I sat down with JORDY to talk about it all, I was a little thrown. You wouldn’t think the single carries the scars of a hard year, but it does. 2023 wasn’t kind to him. The grind wore him thin. But following an unexpected split from his label in August, an event that might have derailed many artists, Jordy found a path forward.

That determination manifests in “SECOND MINUTE HOUR.” It bursts open with a pulsing rhythm and lyrics detailing a ferocious one-night fuck. JORDY's traded lovelorn serenades for bedroom bravado, practically winking through the speakers— it’s unashamed, explicit, and at odds with the sweet tunes that put him on the map. There’s galloping bass lines, throbbing synths, and thumping 808s—the sounds de jour of a club banger turgid with raw energy—this is body music in the literal sense.

Lines like "Got me rolling back my eyes like it's a superpower / You can have me if you wanna stay another second minute hour" leave little room for interpretation. No subtle innuendos here. This is about making every second count, leaving you breathless—and maybe just a little sore.

The following is an interview with JORDY, where he sat down with Grindr to discuss "SECOND MINUTE HOUR.” This interview has been edited for clarity.

“SECOND MINUTE HOUR” has been a pretty big change for you compared to the rest of your discography. How did releasing something so—for lack of a better word—horny come to be?

My music has grown as I have, and I feel like in the past year, all my music has been completely honest and authentic. And, of course, like on these past two records, I have definitely toyed with hookup culture and had definitely written about that stuff, but when I went into the studio, I was kind of like, “I want to make like a sexy bop.” I want this to specifically be this new age, new era, sex positive anthem that feels real to me. And yeah, we were listening to some stuff and we just started producing it out. And that's how the song was born. It came out of a specific place of, “I want to be sexual, and I want it to be like a new vibe for me.”

Your label dropped you in 2023. This could wreck a lot of up-and-coming artists. How did you come to write something so liberating despite that?

It's weird how things are always happening simultaneously. It feels like if you're going through something, there's a bunch of other shit happening to you behind that. When I was getting dropped, I just felt like I knew it was coming, and creatively I was like, fuck, I feel so uninspired. But when the papers were finally signed, I suddenly got this surge of inspo and creativity and like, was just writing so much. When I wrote “SECOND MINUTE HOUR”, it was kind of just about having fun with it and not taking it too seriously. And I love taking music fucking seriously. But to go in and kind of just be like, “I want to make something sexy, something fun” and just say weird shit, it’s so much less pressure. It made the process so much fun. So yeah, less pressure. More fun.

For self-promotion, some artists choose being an enigma over being an open book. The way you engage with fans feels really authentic. It’s less parasocial, more conversational. Why?

You know, I've never been this really mysterious person. I've been just really upfront and I don't really like to hide things. I think that worked to my advantage. I'm always gonna let people in and when there's new things to share, it makes it that much more exciting, you know? All these apps exist to share parts of ourselves. And yeah, I definitely lean into that for sure. I love creating those relationships. I feel that's why we do it.

Off of that, what’s the most unexpected following you’ve received while promoting “SECOND MINUTE HOUR”?

On TikTok, there was a shit ton of comments from the “BookTok” community, which was very random, but there was this viral comment that was like, “Is BookTok here yet or am I just early?” And there's just thousands of comments of girls being “BookTok girl here! Present!” And I guess it’s just like, “Oh, book girls who are into reading smut and horny romance books are also kind of into this.” I've never had the BookTok world before. I'm confused but also excited by that because it's a new market, a new niche. And I think it's just girls who like, are horny who love reading horny books.

I think everyone can attest to how much social media can dictate your good or bad you feel on a daily basis. If something doesn’t do well, it ruins your day. If something does, you’re on a high. But this is part of your job. How do you handle it?

I've been doing therapy twice a week and lately, I've been obsessed with Lexapro, like really vibing with Lexapro. My mood has been so much better. Yeah, the end of last year… I just was unwell, just because I think it was a little aftermath of getting dropped and shit but also, the end of the year is always hard for everyone. But it also reached a point where I was like, I need to take a step back. I think sometimes there's a lot of pressure to stay active because people will forget about you. And for me, I was like, I definitely feel that anxiety, but I need to take a step back, and I really didn't post much at all on social media for a couple of months. But also, what’s been happening with teasing “SECOND MINUTE HOUR” on social media has been really great, it really has been. So, it's really just about balance, I think. It's tough. It's everywhere. It's hard to avoid.

What does taking a step back look like for you?

I love cooking. I love making food and exploring places to eat in LA just because there’s so much good food—having friends who are down to drive for, like, hours to get dim sum somewhere like San Bernadino Valley. Also, I started reading again. I was an English major in college, so I’ve always loved it. Recently, I was like, let’s go to a bookstore and just like, look around. That’s one little thing I get to celebrate. I feel like I’m on my own time.

Watch the video for “SECOND MINUTE HOUR” below.

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