Tomorrow is National Coming Out Day, and Tinder is partnering with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to continue celebrate daters’ coming out journeys. A recent study conducted around Tinder’s latest Future of Dating Report found that over half (54%) of young LGBTQ+ singles say they used a dating app before they came out to friends and family. Dating apps are often an affirming space for queer people to turn to when they don’t have community directly around them.
To support Tinder users who want to come out, the app will provide access to HRC’s Coming Out Center, which contains resources and guides for coming out and being your authentic self at home, at work, and beyond. Users will also be able to learn more about HRC’s “Come Out Against Hate” campaign.
“We know many within the LGBTQ+ community come out on Tinder first. Tinder has always been an inclusive place and we are proud to play a role in our users’ path to living authentically, on and off the app,” Stephanie Danzi, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Tinder, said in a press release. “This partnership with Human Rights Campaign creates an incredible opportunity to empower our LGBTQ+ users with helpful resources while educating their allies on the importance of creating safe spaces for self-expression.”
HRC will encourage Tinder daters to pledge their support and unite in calling out hate whenever they see it, and to create a safe environment for everyone.
“National Coming Out Day has always been about embracing and loving who you are, but it’s also about making sure LGBTQ+ people have the support and community they need wherever they are on their individual journeys. We’re thrilled to partner with Tinder in providing resources to do just that,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign’s Senior Director of Workplace Equality. “The idea of being out in both everyday life and online can be scary, even unsafe, for many. It’s imperative that we meet LGBTQ+ people where they are in these online spaces so they can feel a sense of community and support. One of the ways we can all ensure that LGBTQ+ people feel safe is by signing onto HRC’s ‘Come Out Against Hate’ campaign. We’re in a state of emergency – our community today faces historic levels of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, legislation and physical violence. But we’re stronger when we unite with allies to call out hate wherever and whenever we see it.”
