Dating apps have continued to become more inclusive in recent years, with Bumble announcing in July 2022 that non-binary users would be able to take the first step with women and send the first message, and Tinder allowing different sexual orientations to be displayed on profiles in 2019.
Now the latter app is trending on social media under its new name: “non-binary,” which, according to LGBT+ charity Stonewall, is “an umbrella term for people whose gender identity does not fit neatly into ‘male’ or ‘female’.”
However, when users set their “interested in” preferences on the mobile app, they are presented with the options of “Male,” “Female,” “Everyone,” or “Non-Binary.”
In the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of their “Gender and Sexual Orientation” help article, Tinder explains: “We use the term ‘beyond the binary’ to be inclusive of people who are gender fluid, GNC, or who don’t feel like they fit into the traditional categories of ‘male’ or ‘female.’ [gender non-conforming]intersex, etc.
“This term respects the unique experience of every user on Tinder.”
To be clear:
Gender fluid refers to “someone whose gender identity and/or expression changes over time,” while gender nonconforming refers to a gender identity/expression that “extends beyond, actively resists, and/or does not conform to current cultural or societal gender expectations, particularly in regards to males and females.” Intersex refers to “someone who may have biological attributes of both sexes, or whose biological attributes do not fit societal assumptions about what constitutes male or female.” And Twitter/X users have celebrated the terms, with many sharing memes that encapsulate a sense of connection to a higher power.
Meanwhile, others have made jokes, referring to vegan brand Beyond Meat.
Tinder users can tap the gear icon on their profile page, or the slider icon in the top right of the main swipe deck, to refine their preferences and select the option to “go beyond binary” (if they want to).
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