After Lex, the hottest queer social media and dating app, was acquired by media app conglomerate 9count last year, it seemed like hope was lost for a safe, queer social app.
As Meta‘s updated regulations on Instagram and Twitter dangerously allow users to spread hate and misinformation about marginalized groups, the queer community has been left searching for a new online hub.
Related: What Meta’s New Hate Speech Rules Mean For You
Enter: Freddie.
Freddie is an independently run, queer-owned app helping users find events, friends, and community. Founded by Carmen Hernandez in 2023, Freddie is for the “lesbians, dykes, trans bbs, nbs, gncs, girls, theys, thems, queers, butches, bis, & those who live unapologetically lgbtq+ lives.”
In an introduction video on TikTok, Hernandez shares three things that set Freddie apart from other social media apps.
- Hernandez self-funds the app. No Venture Capital funding or outside (straight) influence here, folx.
- Freddie is focused on being a “resource hub” for the queer community, through events and connections.
- Hernandez listens to user reviews and feature requests.
“I’ve been in tech for a long time and I’ve seen a lot of things,” Hernandez said. “So, when I started Freddie I really wanted to operate in a way that was so different from how typical tech is run…We’re going to create an environment that’s a lot healthier, [a lot more fun], and more aligned to the community.”
Rather than “having a bunch of ads thrown at you,” Hernandez said Freddie’s goal is to “try to do right by the community.”
Related: Is Social Media Ruining Your Gaydar?
So, what does Freddie look like?
On the main Freddie feed, you’ll be met with two tabs: ‘Posts’ and ‘Personals.’ Posts serves a similar purpose as the main Lex feed—everything from photos, videos, and events to queers ranting into oblivion. Personals act as a combination of “I’m searching for…” and missed connections. You can post your own or anonymously look through others’.
At the bottom of the app, you’ll find ‘Events’ and ‘Spaces.’ Search for your next Drag Bingo night, open mic, or quiet knitting circle in the Events section or you could branch out and discover queer recommendations for your next travel destination. In Spaces, you’ll see groups to join in your area—whether that’s meeting in person for a gay book club or just chatting with other local queer people.
Your customizable profile has everything a gay person could wish for, including your Big Three—that’s sun, moon, and rising signs for our non-astrological gays. You can also add your age, pronouns, location, and what you’re looking for.
Freddie currently boasts a 4.8-star rating on the Apple App Store, and can also be found on Google Play.
“[G]od this app is so much better than Lex,” one reviewer wrote.
Happy posting!
