How Safe Are LGBTQ+ Dating Sites?
by Christine Kinori
Almost all dating sites do share some sort of risk and LGBTQ+ dating sites are no different. There are LGBTQ+ people who might be more vulnerable with recent research revealing an increase of 23.2% in sexual victimization compared to a mere 12.3% for their heterosexual counterparts. The statistics reveal that the LGBTQ+ community members need to be aware and vigilant of the risks whenever they are dating in person and online. Not every date will be dangerous or risky but it will be of great help to know some of the risk factors, facts and strategies that can help minimize the LGBTQ+ dating hazards.
In this article, we will be pointing how to use LGBTQ+ dating sites to ensure safety and privacy.
Using the Dating Apps Safely
Despite the alarming statistical findings, the LGBTQ+ community members are still using the dating apps with over 41% of the users in some of the top apps claiming that they do login in a day-to-day basis. The research findings also reveal that up to 80% of gay people using the sites or apps do get partners online compared to just 14% 20 years ago. The most essential thing is using the dating apps wisely and safely as well as ensuring the use of the right ones, since not all the dating apps were developed the same.
Use the most secure dating apps
One of the most popular LGBTQ+ dating apps is Grindr. However, there are still doubts if it is the safest and the best on the market.
Despite being considered by many users as having a poor security, Grindr still gets called out for its little effort when it comes to protecting its users. The users will not only have to worry about harassment by fellow app users, but they will also have to deal with potential stalking. Several countries do have laws which are quite hostile against LGBTQ+ community members — like Egypt. The country is currently carrying out an extreme crackdown on transgender and gay people. The authorities are said to be using the app to determine the LGBTQ+ individuals’ location and arrest them. This explains why internationally, most of the people consider using Hornet instead.
Fake Profile Screening to Keep Safe
Always request more pictures
In case the profile picture of the individual appears fake, or when they just post a single photo, you can always consider requesting more pictures. Most of the fakers never have many photos on hand and their reluctance in following through with your request will confirm your suspicion.
Carry out a Google reverse search for image
This is a stalker move in its own right. However, when the search returns some dozens of stock image examples, then you will have discovered your answer.
Check on Facebook
This will help you check if someone is legit or not. How many friends do they have? How many photos are up? How long has their profile been live?
If they come on too strong, you should be a bit concerned
In case the user appears to be all too eager or if they want to meet immediately after connecting, it may be time to step back and reconsider the situation. Most of the overzealous app users are propagating for harassment, prostitution scams, or porn.
Be concerned about error ridden messages and profiles
No one is perfect at grammar and spelling, and phones don’t always make it easier. However, poor wording can easily indicate that a scammer is coming from a different country entirely — or it can also be a bot.
About the Author:
Christine Siamanta Kinori grew up in a little village in Kenya known as Loitoktok near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. All she wanted to do when she grew up was to explore the world. Her curiosity led her to join Nairobi University to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She later got a job with an amazing travel magazine Nomad Africa which gave her the opportunity to explore Africa. She also writes for numerous travel websites about Africa and tries to create a new narrative in the media about our aesthetic continent.
Christine claims to have somewhat unhealthy addiction to TV and reading, as it is a fun way to keep herself occupied during the long journeys for her travel writing. She is also a believer of letting people be their beautiful selves. To her, love is love and it is the greatest gift we have as humans.
