Users will now be able to select any term that best describes their gender identity
In this brave new world of backward politics and social regression, some good news: Tinder is announcing a new genderfluid, transgender-inclusive update. From today, users will be able to venture outside the gender binary to choose any term that they feel best describes their gender identity. According to Tinder, the expansion will help people to “break beyond the boundaries of labels”, and allow them to present their “authentic selves” on the platform.
Up to this point, the app had only presented ‘male’ and ‘female’ options – a feature which made the process considerably more complicated for trans users. However, from now, the settings screen will offer people the option to choose any gender term they feel comfortable with. They can also choose to withhold from displaying any labels.
“There have been incredible strides in recognising and embracing all gender identities – in media and pop culture – but there is still a long way to go,” a Tinder spokesperson told Dazed. “As a platform, we wanted to do our part and show our users that everyone is welcome on Tinder – that we embrace inclusion of all genders and that we want all of our users to have a safe space to form new connections.”
“With the amount of division around the world right now, we believe we have a responsibility as a global platform to send a clear message about the importance of inclusivity, acceptance and equality” – Tinder
The update comes just one week after the US election, which saw Donald Trump gain presidential power in the country. While Tinder claims that the update was “unrelated” to result, it admits that it is a “very timely” addition. “With the amount of division around the world right now, we believe we have a responsibility as a global platform to send a clear message about the importance of inclusivity, acceptance and equality,” they added.
“We want users to be able to express their gender on Tinder and represent their authentic selves. We welcome everyone to use Tinder, and we hope this makes Tinder a more comfortable and authentic place for users of all genders. Ultimately this is about our commitment to the entire LGBTQ community: that we hear them and want to make sure they have the same opportunity to make meaningful connections.”
“It sends a strong message of acceptance when a platform like Tinder clearly tells its users that transgender people are welcome,” said Nick Adams, director of GLAAD's Transgender Media Program. “Trans people who use Tinder are, like all other users, looking to form relationships and find the right match. Tinder's update allows trans users to be themselves on the platform, and makes it clear that Tinder is committed to inclusion. This update reflects a growing awareness that trans people are part of the fabric of everyday life, which in turn, accelerates acceptance for transgender and gender non-conforming people.”
The update is available to download in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom from today.