Anyone who has ever used the app Grindr knows that many of the the predominant users aren't shy about their racism. Any random profile is likely to have a disclaimer of not into blacks, only into whites or something much more racist, as they hide behind a shirtless and faceless profile. It's a common trend that to this day has yet to be addressed by the creators of the app. That may change soon with the findings of a 2019 study on the app that's found a correlation between experience racism on the app and the effects it has on mental health.
According to a newly released study, research from one thousand Grindr users concluded that men of color experience a significant amount of racism as compared to their White peers. Furthermore, experiencing such racism on the app and others like it can lead to diminished mental health and lower life satisfaction. While this isn't at all surprising, the million dollar question is why hasn't Grindr done anything to seriously combat the racism many experience on the app? Yes, Grindr launched its Kindr initiative to discourage the use of racist language and be nice to one another online but that doesn't does anything to actually help end racism on the app. If the developers were really serious a full ban on any type of discrimination and, or, racism displayed on profiles would be placed. If a user were to violate then he would be suspended or removed like on apps such as Twitter and Facebook.
Grindr is overdue to fully address the issue of racism and the fact that they haven't is very telling. But this leads me to wonder, where are the apps that cater to and are also owned and developed by Black gay man? Surprisingly, despite catering to white gay men, the app Grindr was actually developed by Israel born Joel Simkhai. Even Jackd, the leading app among black gay men, is an extension of Online Buddies, the same developers behind the website Manhunt which also caters to predominantly white gay men.
Undoubtedly the best way to combat racism, and the lack of its correction, on Grindr and other similar apps is ultimately to develop our own. Slap on a ban to "no fat, no fem" also and it can be the next big app but most importantly the best app for Black gay men. Hmmm maybe I see a new career on the horizon...
