The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the mpox outbreaks in Congo and other African countries a public health emergency of international concern, with cases surging among children and adults in more than a dozen nations. Grindr is taking immediate action to protect and inform our users across all 54 African countries.

"In times of crisis, the LGBTQ+ community has always united to protect one another," said Steph Niaupari of Grindr for Equality. "We deserve inclusive, accessible information that empowers us to prevent the spread of mpox. By delivering vital updates directly to users' inboxes, we strengthen our collective safety."

Accordingly, Grindr has sent widespread in-app messages today providing crucial information about mpox transmission, risk reduction strategies, and the importance of vaccination. 

Since the beginning of the mpox outbreak, Grindr has worked closely with the WHO, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local partners to deliver timely and targeted information to millions of users across dozens of countries and languages. We remain committed to leveraging our platform to support global efforts to slow the spread of the virus and increase access to vaccines.

Grindr urges users globally to stay informed, follow the guidance of local health authorities, and prioritize their well-being. By working together, we can focus on rapid response and community support, empowering us to help contain the outbreak and save lives.

If you are able to get vaccinated, it's strongly recommended to do so. Visit the Grindr Help Center for the latest information on mpox and vaccination resources.

Ah, Los Angeles! If you’re looking for saints, you’ve boarded the wrong plane. Episode 3 of Host or Travel shows LA is more than silicone and smog, so get ready for some serious stargazing.

Here’s a little recap: We hit Runyon Canyon, where we got our blood pumping dodging selfie sticks and eyeing down the best shirtless talent. Voyeurism and public? We’ll take the lot. Later, the Ginger Rogers surf crew showed us the true meaning of a "group hang," and the East Side gays taught us that even though Akbar is located in Silver Lake, going out there is the gold standard. 

Of course, no queer tour of LA would be complete without a pilgrimage to the Tom of Finland Foundation. Let's just say this Michelangelo of muscle men makes art that puts the Statue of David’s physique to shame. 

And while we two-stepped with the studs at LA’s infamous line dancing party Stud Country, we’re not ready to stop dancing. Feeling the same? You’re in luck. Check out these extra spots for your next LA fix.

LA Food

Casita del Campo — Forget Taco Bell, honey. Step into Casita Del Campo, a Silver Lake staple where queer Mexican food thrives amidst provocative art, "West Side Story" memorabilia, and a colorful atmosphere that's practically begging for stolen kisses and under-the-table antics. 

Bavel — If you manage to score a table at Bavel, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. This fine-dining heavyweight is throwing down some serious Middle Eastern magic in the kitchen. The slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma is the stuff of legends—one bite and you might just swear off all other meat for good.

Chateau Marmont — LA’s favorite den of opulence and sin, where the ghosts of Hollywood’s horny past roam the halls. Kick back in the Gothic-style dining room straight out of a vampire's wet dream, or go for a little al fresco hanky-panky in the lush garden terrace. At the Chateau, anything goes.

LA Nightlife

Hi Tops — Slip into something more comfortable at this gay sports bar where the only thing tighter than the uniforms is the sense of camaraderie. With cheap pitchers and a chance to score, there's no striking out. Can't decide between the West Side and the East Side? Hi Tops has a location in both parts of town, so you can have your balls, brews, and boys any way you like 'em.

The Eagle — Spread your wings. The Eagle’s nest is calling. If you're looking for a beastly night out, fly right into this iconic leather bar where LA's best bears and daddies show you how it's really done.

Ostbahnhof — Abandon all shame, ye who enter here. Ostbahnhof is the unholy lovechild of a grungy warehouse party and a kinky art show. Wall-to-wall flesh, sweat, and a thick fog of pheromones make this party an extreme sport for queers. Inhibition? Don't know her. Shirts? Optional.

Arts and Culture

Wi Spa — Enter the steamiest corner of K-Town, where getting clean takes on a whole new meaning. From the depths of the mugwort pool to the heights of the Himalayan salt sauna, this 24/7 spa paradise is a playground for those who like their relaxation hot, wet, and au naturel.

Griffith Observatory—High atop Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory stands tall, an art deco planetarium with science exhibits galore. Feeling starstruck? You're not alone. Even Orion's belt can't help but come undone at the sight of Griffith's three solar telescopes.

LA LGBT Center — For over 50 years, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has empowered queer Angelinos as the world's largest service-providing LGBTQ+ organization. The Center provides free HIV/STI testing, medical care, mental health services, housing support, cultural events,  legal aid, and more to tens of thousands annually. With ten vibrant locations across LA, the Center welcomes all to get involved, access services, or take a tour.

Runyon studs. Eagle daddies. Tom of Finland fantasies. LA, you’re a star. We're spent, but we'll be back for more.

Hasta la vista, baby. See you next week in Zipolite. 

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments!

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Olá, gatas! We just got back from Rio for Episode 2 of our new series, Host or Travel, and if you thought the caipirinhas were strong, wait 'til you get a taste of the local flavor. The heat, the samba beats, the winding streets—Rio spoke to us, and we think it’ll speak to you, too.

In case you missed it, we got our glutes righteously wrecked climbing the Escadaria Selarón in Lapa, sipped bebidas with the artsy crowd in boho-chic Santa Teresa, and let the locals of Ipanema Beach gag us with how they handled a few volleyballs. And when the sun went down, we discovered that Rio nightlife is just as hot as its beaches—Club Turma OK had us sweating in all the right places.

But we only scratched the surface. And we’re not done scratching. So grab your sunscreen, your smallest sunga, and enough Rio-mance to make you think you're fluent in Portuguese.

Here’s our list of more spots you should check out.

Rio de Janeiro's Food

Aprazivel — Aprazível offers a rare and essential experience: the chance to slow down, indulge in organic flavors, and appreciate the beauty of your partner-in-dine. As you feast on some of the freshest Rio de Janeiro food, let your imagination run wild with all the ways you could work up an appetite for round two.

Bossa Lounge — Your soon-to-be favorite rooftop in the heart of Rio. With its stylish bar, smooth tunes, and jaw-dropping oceanside views, it's the perfect spot to get things rising higher than its 20th-floor perch.

Bar dos Descasados — While the name might mean "unmarried," after a few of their expertly crafted cocktails, you'll be ready to say "I do" to a night of indulgence. Let the goat cheese omelet be your wingman.

Rio Nightlife

Pink Flamingo — Flamingle at Copacabana's hottest gay bar in Rio de Janeiro, where the drinks are strong enough to make even the most rigid flag pole bend. The beats will have you shaking your tail feathers and hunting for your next juicy shrimp.

Tropik Beach — When all the sun and seawater leave you craving a different kind of wetness, hit up this spot for tropical cocktails that'll make your beach balls tingle and your coconuts stand tall and proud.

The Home — This sleek, sexy techno temple will have you sweating on the dance floor and playing in some darkly fun corners. Rave now, sleep later.

Arts and Culture

Crescer e Viver — Circus performances where the performers believe in freedom, self-expression, and the power of a well-timed wink. It’s daring, seductive, and just a little bit naughty—but don’t worry, they always practice safe-circus.

Fundiçao Progresso — Rio’s biggest independent cultural center where you can go and let your freak flag fly. Check out the art, music, and maybe a few urban farmers—perfect for getting down and dirty with some hoes.

Samba in Pedra Do Sal — Shake that bunda at the birthplace of samba. On Samba Day, it's a non-stop party of hot rhythms and sweaty bodies where anything can happen.

We came, we saw, we caipirinha'd. From the sun-kissed shores of Ipanema to the pulsing rhythms of Lapa, this city really knows how to make your bossa feel extra nova in all the right ways. So if you're wondering "is Brazil LGBT friendly?" the answer is a resounding yes—Brazil LGBT culture is thriving, and Rio is at the heart of it all. Até logo for now. 

See you in LA for Round 3. 

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments!

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¿Qué pasa, guapos? We hit up Madrid for Episode 1 of our new series Host or Travel, and if you thought your Grindr chats were spicy, wait until you see what Spain’s bustling and oh-so-gay capital has to offer.

In case you missed it, we got our culos spanked in Chueca's best queer bars, gagged on Las Niña’s fierce drag, and stuffed our… faces with tapas at Mercado de San Antón. We even let El Matadero and Archivo LGTBIQ dom us with a crash course in queer history.

But Madrid’s not just all sangria, siestas, and Serrano—it’s a huge city with loads to offer, and we barely got past the foreplay. So, if you're ready to explore beyond the tourist traps, keep reading. 

Here’s our list of more spots you should check out. 

Food

Bar El Boqueron — Raw, wet, and ready to slurp. Seafood so fresh, it's still winking at you. It’s a tight squeeze where you can watch the chefs work their magic on the freshest catch of the day.

San Miguel Market — Foodies, welcome to your wet dream. This gourmet wonderland is packed with stalls slinging every type of Spanish delicacy imaginable. Come hungry, leave stuffed.

Sala de Despiece — Meat your match at this provocative dining experience that's not afraid to show some skin. You might overdraw your account, but it’s worth every Euro. 

Nightlife

Cazador Bar — Queer watering hole for creative creatures. Kitschy cool, cheap sips, and hunting-themed memorabilia everywhere. Prime time 11 pm.

STRONG — Pounding beats. Glistening bodies. End your night with a bang... or several. Madrid's most inclusive sex party SKIN, which goes down every Sunday at Strong, stands out in the city's nightlife scene—open to all, yet with a distinct LGTBQ+ and fetish focus.

La Venencia — When you need a break from the madness, slip into this timeless sherry bar. With its old-world charm and intimate atmosphere, it's perfect for a nightcap and a little tit-a-tit.

Arts and Culture

Thyssen-Bornemisza - Get cultured and sip on some queer thirst through the ages at this museum's "Inclusive Love" exhibit, which highlights themes, icons, and characters related to the sensitivity, culture, and experiences of the LGBTQ community. After you've had your fill, pop over to the iconic El Retiro park nearby—it's huge, gorgeous, and has cruising.

El Rastro - Thrifting is a queer rite of passage, and El Rastro is Madrid’s Mecca. This sprawling flea market is a treasure trove of vintage finds, one-of-a-kind oddities, and maybe even a rare connection or two, if you're lucky.

BERKANA - Berkana opened in 1993 as the first LGBTQ+ bookstore in Spain and Latin America. It's often regarded as the Hispanic equivalent of New York's legendary Oscar Wilde Bookshop.

Madrid had us panting from start to finish. From culinary mastery and world-class art to nightlife that will leave you in need of a siesta, this city knows how to tease and please. But don’t just take our word for it. Get on over to Asspaña and see for yourself.

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments!

When the Olympics come around, Grindr isn't just there to watch from the sidelines. We’re in the game, with athletes in the host city continuing to use the app the way they do at home and everywhere else—to see who’s around, check out the locals, arrange meetups, and more.

If an athlete is not out or comes from a country where being LGBTQ+ is dangerous or illegal, using Grindr can put them at risk of being outed by curious individuals who may try to identify and expose them on the app.

That’s why, at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, we made the decision to disable location-based features within the Olympic Village and other athletic sites. It was our way of ensuring that LGBTQ+ athletes could connect with each other authentically without worrying about prying eyes or unwanted attention.

And we’re doing the same at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this year. Here’s our game plan:

Disabling Location-Based Features 

We're turning off features like "Explore" and "Roam" within the Olympic Village. The "show distance" feature will also be turned off by default, but users can share their approximate distance if they decide to turn it on. Our goal is to help athletes connect without worrying about unintentionally revealing their whereabouts or being recognized.

Empowering Users with Control 

Here are some of the additional safety and privacy features we’ll be enabling for users in the Olympic Village to give them more privacy controls and peace of mind:

• Send unlimited disappearing messages and unsend messages after they're sent—regardless of whether you’re a premium or free user. 
• Disable screenshots for profile images and media in-chat.
• Private Videos are disabled within the Olympic Village.
• Access the ‘Report a Recent Chat’ feature in Settings to report any concerns within 24 hours, along with our other enhanced security features. We protect your privacy by keeping user details confidential (profile names and photos are obscured).

Providing Targeted Safety Resources 

Being an LGBTQ+ athlete comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially for those who come from places that lack basic rights and protections for our community.

That’s why we’re taking the additional step of sending targeted safety resources and information, including weekly messages reminding users that they may face danger while using the app in the Olympic Village and sharing links to our multilingual safety resources.

Showcasing Our Values 

The only ads that will appear on Grindr to those in the village during the Olympics will be advertisements from Grindr for Equality promoting health & safety resources. You won't see third-party advertisements—only Grindr for Equality public service announcements to help keep users informed and safe.

We've got Your Back

To the trailblazing LGBTQ+ athletes heading to Paris, we can't wait to see you shine.

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Grindr is partnering with Prevention Access Campaign to promote the game-changing de-stigmatizing U=U message to millions of global Grindr users for #ZeroHIVStigmaDay, a movement to take action against HIV stigma, on July 21, 2024. U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable, meaning that people living with HIV who have undetectable viral loads have zero risk of passing on HIV to sexual partners.

“U=U messaging is a powerful evidence-based strategy to reduce HIV stigma and encourage HIV testing,” said Zac Katz, Head of Global Affairs & General Counsel at Grindr. “Grindr for Equality is delighted to join #ZeroHIVStigmaDay to amplify the U=U message as part of our mission to advance the health of LGBTQ+ communities and accelerate an end to the HIV epidemic."

Today’s announcement builds on the success of Grindr for Equality’s existing partnerships to distribute free at-home HIV test kits directly to Grindr users across a growing list of countries including Georgia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States, as well as the City of London. In partnership with organizations including Building Healthy Online Communities, these programs have distributed more than 440,000 test kits to date. Grindr for Equality plans to launch similar initiatives and bring additional safety, sexual health, and advocacy resources to more Grindr users and members of the LGBTQ+ community around the world.

A key pillar of Grindr for Equality’s work towards a world that is safe, just, and inclusive for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities is supporting initiatives that advance safety and sexual health for the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to announce that we have partnered with several new organizations to make critical resources available to our users across 30 countries, directly through a side drawer on the Grindr app’s home screen.

Lack of access to HIV testing is one of the biggest obstacles in the fight against the global HIV epidemic, posing particular barriers for a variety of our users, such as those living in rural areas or those who are not “out” to their families. Additionally, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation threatens the safety of our community by making it illegal for us to be who we are and love who we love. We’ve partnered with several organizations around the globe to provide our users with access to localized and real-time information on the issues that matter to them the most. 

In partnership with European Test Finder, we’re giving our users access to the free online tool that helps identify nearby locations for testing and treatment of HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, and other STIs across the WHO European region. With today’s announcement, this resource will be available to our users across 24 countries supported by European Test Finder, including Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. We are also partnering with organizations including Ceska spolecnost aids pomoc, IntraHealth Namibia, IVOR Foundation, and The Love Tank, to provide our users across Czechia, Namibia, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom, respectively, with access to similar sexual and mental health resources. 

For our users in Brazil, we’ve partnered with Ministério da Saúde, Departamento de HIV, Aids, Tuberculose, Hepatites Virais e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis to provide access to Onde encontrar a PrEP, a PrEP service locator, directly through the Grindr app. We’ve also partnered with GALCK+ to provide our users in Kenya with in-app access to Know Your Rights, a safety page designed to empower the Kenyan LGBQ community by informing them of their rights.  

Bringing these resources to the Grindr app builds on the success of our partnerships with local organizations to distribute free at-home HIV test kits, which to date have sent over 440,000 tests to users across a growing list of countries including Georgia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States, as well as the City of London. We look forward to launching similar initiatives and bringing more essential resources to our users and community around the world.

The full list of regions where Grindr users can access our new sexual health and safety resources directly through the app is below. 

• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Namibia   
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

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Ready to join the horny masses and get yourself a Grindr profile (if you haven’t already, that is)? Call us biased, but if so, we’re so excited! Why? Well, because you’re in for everything as far as gay love and sex goes: new friends, dates, casual hookups, party invites, orgy invites, or — who knows — maybe even meeting the love (or loves) of your life. It’s a big, beautiful, hugely homosexual world out there, and it’s yours for the swiping.

But how does Grindr actually work? Read on as we show you how to create a Grindr account so you can start connecting with guys as fast as your thumbs can carry you.

What is Grindr used for?

If you’re new to Grindr, welcome! First things first: Here are the house rules. 

Next, shoes off at the door (unless your kink is keeping them on, of course, which we’re all for), lube to the left, and PrEP/condoms/poppers to the right. 

In all seriousness, you probably know by now that we're a gay hookup app. But Grindr has the potential to be so much more. How you use it ultimately depends on you. Some use it as they would any other dating app, like Tinder, while others are here primarily to connect with someone (or someones) nearby for some quick fun.

What sets Grindr apart from other dating apps is our ability to connect you with available hotties who are closest to you. This unique feature has made Grindr the largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, whether it's for casual hookups, finding a serious relationship, or anything in between.

How to use Grindr: The basics

Getting on Grindr is easier than ever, whether via the app on your smartphone (downloadable here) or Grindr Web on your desktop, which requires no download. Once you’ve officially signed up, here’s what to do next:

Create and complete your Grindr profile

An empty profile won’t exactly attract the loads of "attention" you're after, so step one is to add your info and a few photos. Your pics are the gateway to your profile and the first thing anyone will see, so make them count! Show other users what you really look like — taking selfies is an art that’s all about clear, flattering lighting and finding the right angle. Remember, face pics make a better first impression than pec pics as your primary profile photo (although chances are no one will say no to you including both).

Next, choose your display name. Feel free to get creative — some users change theirs often to reflect whatever they're looking for that day. You can swap out your username whenever, so don’t worry if you’re not feeling "Nu2Dis_69" after that wild weeklong romp around Puerto Vallarta. You do you, whatever that happens to mean.

Finally, finish filling out your profile info (age, height, weight, position, etc.), tags, and what you’re looking for (friends, dates, hookups). You can always add more details, specifics, or playful puns and emojis later. And you can delete them whenever, too.

Explore how the app works

Now that you’ve officially introduced yourself to the Grindr-verse, it’s time to get into the ins and outs of using the app. We recommend playing around with the settings (tap your profile icon in the upper left corner, then “settings” in the bottom left corner) to see all the different options the app offers, including whether you want to activate or silence the iconic notification sound Grindr is famous (and also kind of infamous) for.

If you ever need to block someone, tap the circle with a line through it in the upper right corner. This will cut off all contact with the user, and they won't be able to see your profile. You can also unblock them whenever you like.

Connect with others

Ready to strut those tail feathers and see who takes notice? You’re not the only one. 

Window shopping the grid is one of the best parts of Grindr. See someone you like? Tap their profile pic to have a look at the rest of their photos and info (they’ll receive a notification that you viewed their profile, too).

If you’re really into what you see, tapping the flame icon in the lower right corner of their profile will let them know just that. And if you feel like making the first move, it’s as easy as dropping them a line in the “say something…” field at the bottom of their profile or tapping the chat bubble icon, also in the lower right corner, to get things started. You can also tap the star in the upper right corner of a user’s profile to add them to your favorites. 

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Grindr tips for a better experience

With your professional pounder/poundee profile (not official Grindr terminology, but apt nonetheless) officially up and running, you’re all set to start swiping. But before you engage with that first hottie that catches your eye, here are some quick tips for a better Grindr experience.

Communicate with respect

Studies indicate that acts of kindness enhance the production of serotonin and dopamine, hormones that contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being and activate the brain's pleasure and reward centers, which is why you’re here in the first place, right? 

In other words, it’s scientifically proven that it’s good for you to be nice. 

You’re sure to meet folks from all walks of life on Grind. No matter your mood, never forget: There's a person on the other side of the screen. There’s enough hate in the world as is; as LGBTQ people, we all know this all too well. Why bring it here?

Be clear with your intentions

There are plenty of people on Grindr who are just as eager as you are, whether they're horned up looking for a quick hookup or actually on the hunt for a long-term relationship. Whatever you're seeking, be clear about your expectations from the start. This way, you won’t waste your time or theirs by being vague — unless ambiguity is exactly what you're both after, of course.

Don’t compare yourself to others

There's someone for everyone in this world, and Grindr, being a microcosm of the real world, means there's someone for you too. That said, social media, including dating apps, can sometimes make us all feel self-conscious. 

Our advice for using Grindr? Be yourself. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, as difficult as it may seem. Comparing yourself to others is a one-way ticket to getting stuck in self-defeating cycles where you don't think you're good enough to reach out to someone you're interested in. Instead, focus on your unique qualities (including all the beautiful nonphysical ones, too) and let them shine — after all, that’s what makes you you.

Never forget, there are plenty of fish in the sea. With more than 10 million monthly active users, trust us — we know what we’re talking about. 

Stay safe

Our commitment to your safety is and always has been a top priority — and we hope it's one of yours, too. 

We encourage you to always be vigilant while scrolling through profiles; watch out for red flags that might trigger your fight-or-flight response. If you make it to the hookup stage, always take additional precautions, like meeting in public for the first time or, if you go directly to their place, sharing your location with someone you trust. Always let a close friend or family member know where you're headed (even if they don’t know the specifics of what you’re planning on doing once you get there).

Say it with us: Safety is sexy!

Today, our CEO George Arison, accompanied by the Grindr leadership team, rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in honor of NYSE’s Pride Month festivities and in celebration of our very own 15th anniversary. This milestone comes nearly two years after Grindr's public listing in November 2022 and follows our first Investor Day presentation, where we shared our vision and strategy for the company’s continued growth, evolution, and impact.

Over the past 15 years, Grindr has grown from a groundbreaking upstart into a global platform that connects millions of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide for a multitude of use cases far beyond casual dating. This achievement is a testament to the power of our product and the trust and support of our users, who have made Grindr a ubiquitous part of their daily lives in more than 190 countries.

As we celebrate this occasion and look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of being the Gayborhood in your pocket. Through our success, we strive to make a world where the lives of our global community are free, equal, and just. 

‍Watch CEO, George Arison, Ring the NSYE Opening Bell

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We are proud to stand hand in hand with our partners Equal Namibia and Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand as they advance the rights and protections for our community.

This week in Namibia, the apartheid-era sodomy law banning gay sex has been repealed, and the court's decision has sent a powerful message of hope in a climate often dominated by fear. This ruling affirms that LGBTQ+ Namibians are integral members of their society and equal citizens who belong in an independent and democratic Namibia. The victory is not just legal but profoundly symbolic, heralding a brighter future for the LGBTQ+ community in Africa. Consensual same-sex activity remains illegal in over half of the continent’s 54 countries, making Namibia's ruling a rare and hard-won beacon of hope. 

For the past several months, we have provided Namibian users with up-to-date information about the upcoming court case, including guidance on appropriate attire and safety measures. Users were encouraged to join Equal Namibia and other partner organizations in the weeks leading up to the High Court decision in Windhoek. These messages have served as a driving force, empowering our community to use their voice on the day of the verdict, culminating in a high celebration of unity and hope. 

The future remains uncertain, as it's unclear if the government will appeal to the Supreme Court. However, what is certain is that the movement for equality will not stop here.

During the press conference, an activist shared a sentiment that resonated deeply with our company's values, stating: "We have committed to this journey however long it will be, and for whatever comes next. Today we celebrate and today we are grateful.”. 

The Thai LGBTQ+ community also had reason to celebrate this week, becoming the first Southeast Asian country to legalize marriage equality. Thailand’s Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law, which was supported by nearly all upper house lawmakers. Now the law is making its way to the palace. Once the law receives royal approval, it will come into force 120 days after publication in the royal gazette, allowing the first same-sex weddings to take place later this year.

This is a monumental step forward, marking Thailand the third country in Asia to enact marriage equality legislation, after Nepal and Taiwan. In 2023, Grindr for Equality proudly supported our partner, Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, with a $50,000 grant to campaign for this historic win. We are honored to be part of this 20-year effort to achieve marriage equality in Thailand. 

These advances are hard-fought and well-earned, and the fact that they’re coming during Pride month makes them that much sweeter. Congrats to the community in both countries for these historic wins!

Launched in 2015, Grindr for Equality is a core company initiative dedicated to accelerating a world where LGBTQ people in every country are equal before the law, free to marry, and have their unique health needs met. In partnership with the company’s product and customer experience teams, public health authorities, and LGBTQ non-governmental organizations, Grindr for Equality harnesses the power of the Grindr platform and provides funding to advance key health and human rights goals for our community. 

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Beep beep, bitch. ICYMI, we're hitting the big 1-5, and you know we're not settling for a quiet night in. We're hitting the road in a big gay bus, grinding our way through ten cities to help you capture the perfect profile pic that'll make peoples’ jaws drop and their pants... well, you know.

We've already made a few pit stops, but don't worry if you haven't gotten a chance to catch a glimpse of our bus(sy) in action. We're just getting started, and we've got enough stamina to keep pounding the pavement all month long. 

Today we're also dishing out the dirty details on what gets each city's blood pumping, the hottest spots to get your freak on, and how to make the most of your next trip to our destination cities—all straight from the mouths of the thirstiest queers in Gay America.

The U.S. of Gay

We all know Pride is more than just rainbow flags and glitter. It's about embracing the unique, sexy, sometimes freaky shit that gets you going—there's no better place to let your freak flag fly than on Grindr.

We did some digging to find out what gets Grindr users hot and bothered from sea to shining sea. And boy, did we uncover some steamy details:

• Los Angeles is the land of pocket gays —they've got the lowest average height out of all the cities we checked. Proof that bomb D comes in all shapes and sizes. Your height vertical only matters in one place ;).
• If you're looking for some dirty talk, Chicago is your spot. Chat is their #1 "Looking For" on Grindr—they love sexting up a storm before getting down and dirty.

But why stop there? We asked you filthy animals about your dick size, shoe size, what turns you on (or off), and more. The tea was piping hot:

• In Phoenix, public play is all the rage and body hair is practically a crime. It's a desert oasis of daring exhibitionists and smooth-as-silk twinks.
• New York's gays are a different breed entirely, lusting after educated, bald-headed hunks who know their way around a gallery.  If you can't tell your Basquiat from your Banksy, good luck getting laid in the Big Apple.
• Out in Pittsburgh, it's all about gayming and riding hard in the saddle. These Steel City studs want a vers bottom daddy who can plow like a pro, then swap stories about their Skyrim conquests.
• In San Francisco, pretty faces and good jokes are the golden ticket. Gotta stimulate both heads, you feel? Serve a big side of personality with your plate of pretty, or you'll be left sobbing into your sourdough.
• Down yonder in New Orleans, these studs put the big (and maybe even the easy) in Big Easy. Being hung and heady is the best way to earn your beads—making these Southern gentlemen rise to the occasion is no small feat.
• Fort Lauderdale has the chattiest Cathies on Grindr, sliding into more DMs than a desperate ex. And when they're not blowing up your phone, catch 'em bustin' a move on the dance floor.
• In Columbus, there's a ginger on every corner, and they all wanna ride in your Subaru Forester. These cornfed cuties are ready to plow more than just fields.
• And Atlanta gays? These peaches are packing. If you're looking for bubble butt bottoms with a passion for anime, then ATL is your all-you-can-rim buffet. 

The Ultimate Gay Travel Guide:

Forget TripAdvisor, Grindr users are the travel agents when it comes to sniffing out the best spots to eat, drink, sweat, and sleep in these 10 gayborhoods across America. We asked them to vote for their favorite queer-owned businesses, bars, gyms, and gay-friendly hotels in each city—because who knows better than our horniest locals? 

Check out our Instagram throughout June for a full list of all the Grindr data findings and survey results!

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Grindr is proud to announce that our data team, spearheaded by Staff Data Engineer Matt Shancer, has been instrumental in optimizing our Snowflake costs through a successful collaboration with Astronomer, the leading platform for fully-managed Apache Airflow. By incorporating our innovative query tagging solution, Astronomer has created the open-source tool SnowPatrol to help other teams achieve the same cost savings that we have.

This partnership reflects our firm commitment to leveraging open-source technologies and collaborating with industry leaders to drive efficiency, cost savings, and innovation in our data infrastructure.

Grindr Leadership in Snowflake Cost Optimization

Matt Shancer's technical expertise and leadership have driven our Snowflake cost optimization efforts. His and the data team's fundamental contributions include:

1. Implementing monitoring dashboards and alerts to track Snowflake usage and costs, providing granular visibility into our spend and enabling proactive cost control measures.
2. Developing a tagging strategy to associate Snowflake queries with specific Airflow DAGs and tasks, enabling granular cost attribution and pinpointing areas for optimization.
3. Identifying and addressing inefficiencies in our data workflows, resulting in a remarkable $600,000 savings in Snowflake costs.

These achievements laid the foundation for our collaboration with Astronomer and the successful integration of SnowPatrol into our data infrastructure.

Collaborating with Astronomer to Integrate SnowPatrol

Recognizing the potential of SnowPatrol to optimize Snowflake costs further, our data team worked closely with Astronomer to integrate this powerful open-source tool into our data workflows. Throughout the collaboration, our team:

1. Shared Grindr's query tagging code cost optimization strategies to inform SnowPatrol's development.
2. Provided valuable feedback and insights to refine SnowPatrol's features and functionality.

To benefit the broader Airflow community, Astronomer has incorporated some of our work on Snowflake optimization into SnowPatrol.

Grindr's Commitment to Open-Source Technologies

At Grindr, we are committed to leveraging open-source technologies and actively participating in the open-source community. Our collaboration with Astronomer on SnowPatrol exemplifies this commitment, as we recognize the value of sharing knowledge and expertise to drive innovation and solve everyday challenges in the data engineering and analytics space.

We are excited to share our work and affirm our commitment to developing open-source tools that can benefit organizations worldwide.

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