At Grindr, we believe that sex and sexual health practices are personal decisions - which is why we're committed to providing you with the resources and tools you need to look out for yourself and your community.

We’re excited to announce two brand-new, optional additions to Grindr’s Sexual Health Practices section: the “I'm on DoxyPEP” and “Condoms” profile field and tag. Developed in collaboration with Building Healthy Online communities (BHOC), these features let you easily share your approach to STI prevention with potential partners—encouraging open conversations about safer sex and helping everyone make more informed choices.

Why DoxyPEP and Condoms?

DoxyPEP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a single-dose pill you can take within 72 hours after sex to significantly reduce your risk of bacterial STIs. According to the CDC, it can reduce the chances of contracting:

• Chlamydia (up to 70% effective)
• Syphilis (up to 70% effective)
• Gonorrhea (over 40% effective)

But DoxyPEP won’t prevent infections like HIV, HPV, or herpes. That's why condoms, among other tools like PrEP, are still a crucial part of sexual health and wellness. Condoms are also the only method that has been proven to prevent both bacterial and viral infections.

By allowing you to display “I am on DoxyPEP” or including the tag “Condoms” on your profile, we’re aiming to make it easy to highlight your safer sex game plan and encourage proactive conversations about sexual health. Because when your practices are out in the open, it invites candid conversations about protection and prevention.

How It Works

Adding these tags takes just a few taps:

1. Open Your Profile: Select “Edit Profile” in the Grindr app.
2. Find Sexual Health Practices: Look for the area to indicate your safer sex preferences.
3. Select Your Tags: Go with “I am on DoxyPEP,” “Condoms,” or both—your call!
4. Confirm Your Consent: When you add or update any health-related information (such as these tags or HIV status), a consent screen will pop up. Please review and confirm to ensure your information is stored and displayed according to Grindr’s privacy standards.

Why These Tags Matter Now

Awareness of DoxyPEP remains alarmingly low. In a November Grindr survey of 10,000 gay and bi users, 26% had never heard of DoxyPEP, and another 45% reported little to no knowledge. By giving users the option to include this profile information, we’re shining a light on a vital STI prevention strategy and chipping away at the healthcare barriers that keep people in the dark. Prevention shouldn’t be reserved for those “in the know”—it belongs in every bedroom, every conversation, and every corner of our community.

LGBTQ+ people have always looked out for each other, dating back to grassroots HIV harm reduction movements. We hope these app additions help Grindr users take control of their sexual wellness and encourage conversations around pleasure and safety.

Prevention As the Norm

Remember, no one is obligated to disclose their sexual health status or prevention plans– you control whether to share this information. But if you're able, letting other Grindr users know you're on DoxyPEP or that you use condoms can spark the sort of open dialogues that help break down stigma and close the knowledge gap. We do not share any sexual health profile information with third-party advertisers. We collect this information so it can be displayed as a part of your profile if you choose to include it. For more information on how we protect your personal information visit our Privacy Policy. 

If you're curious about starting DoxyPEP, condoms, PrEP, or other sexual health strategies:

• Talk to a healthcare provider who's informed about LGBTQ+ health.
• Explore telehealth options (QCare+, Mistr, etc.) for more discreet, convenient care.
• Check reputable sources like the CDC’s DoxyPEP guidelines or The Love Tank/Queer Health’s DoxyPEP guide.

"The Equality Spotlight": DoxyPEP—A Small Pill with Big Potential

We’re also thrilled to introduce our new Equality Spotlight series under Grindr for Equality—our social justice initiative dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ issues. Featuring Jen Hecht from BHOC, we explore the science, history, and impact of DoxyPEP. 

“At BHOC, our goal is to make it easy for dating app users to access health information and resources.  By partnering with Grindr, we’ve helped users learn more and get connected to doxyPEP AND self-testing through in-app features like the “Free HIV Home Test” button and the new health practices options. These new features help increase communication and improve sexual health,” says Hecht. 

Continuing the Conversation

Ultimately, your sexual health practices are a personal decision—but sharing them might be the spark someone else needs to feel confident about their choices. Whether you’re a full-fledged DoxyPEP devotee, a dedicated condom user, or a proud advocate of both, Grindr has your back.

It’s Friday night. Someone’s TV is stuck on the scene from Tate McRae’s “greedy” where she serves on a Zamboni. Two guys are Googling Addison Rae’s Spotify stats to win an argument no one asked for. And while the aux is a democracy in theory—in practice, it’s a high-stakes standoff. You’re either queuing up “Hiss” to reignite the Megan vs. Nicki discourse or sneaking in “Coconuts” for “camp value.” 

This is Gay Guy Music Video Night, a time-honored tradition where the living room becomes a dance floor, a stage, and a sacred space all at once. In 2025, this is how a significant slice of gay social life plays out — not at the sweaty club, but on the couch.

Need inspo for your next Gay Guy Music Video Night? Check out Grindr's playlist to get you started.

But where did it come from, and why is Gay Guy Music Video Night having a moment?

Analogue Origins

Video killed the radio star, and gay bars were there for it. When MTV launched in 1981, it gave pop music a bold visual language – and queer audiences a new obsession. Clubs adapted quickly: lounges installed screens in tandem with dance floors, turning the club into a living-room of pop spectacle. Pop idols from Michael Jackson and Tina Turner to Prince and George Michael flickered across the monitors, and some became part of the gay canon. In particular, a Madonna video premiere could pack the house.

The Midnight Sun in San Francisco pioneered the concept around the same time MTV debuted, choosing music videos over vinyl records – earning a reputation as perhaps the country’s first gay video bar. Not to be outdone, West Hollywood’s legendary Revolver Video Bar opened in 1984 with giant screens, embracing the new video-driven nightlife so enthusiastically that it was packed every night.

Streaming Developments

As technology evolved, so did the tradition. The 2000s and 2010s brought us massive flatscreen TVs, DVDs, and ultimately streaming. You didn’t have to pray MTV would play your favorite track; you could curate it yourself. By the time YouTube launched, an entire history of music videos was at everyone’s fingertips. Queer friend groups organically started their own at-home video nights, even if they didn’t call them that yet. Maybe it was after a night out clubbing when the group wasn’t ready for the party to end, so someone fired up “Bad Romance” on YouTube to keep the mood alive. Or during a house party, one of your fried club rat friends commandeered the screen demanding Charli XCX. One click led to another, and soon a full-blown video marathon was in progress. 

By the time we hit the 2020s, the Gay Guy Music Video Night was a known phenomenon. Blame it on a bit of pandemic cabin fever or just the cyclic nature of trends: staying in became the new going out. Sharing a couch with your friends while stanning the latest pop visuals felt cozy and thrilling. It’s history repeating itself in a way — smaller scale than a nightclub, but just as communal.

Why Now?

Why is Gay Guy Music Video Night blowing up now? Chalk it up to the pandemic teaching us to party at home, the high cost of clubbing, and an endless buffet of content to stream. Staying in is the new going out, and queer culture has turned it into an art form. By now it’s reflex: drinks are poured, the playlist fires up. In an era of commodified queer spaces, these DIY nights feel like reclaiming community on our own turf.

And in 2025, pop fandom is participatory—so it makes sense to bring that energy home. We bond in person over stuff discovered online; a solitary YouTube binge becomes a shared ritual that celebrates queer sensibility, where nostalgia turns into communal currency.

If anything, Gay Guy Music Video Night just scratches the right itch—part tongue-in-cheek critique, part fangirl homage—proving that the most cutting-edge nightlife can be a circle of friends on a sofa, volume maxed out, reveling in the glow of a 4K (or low-fi) music video.

Grindr for Equality (G4E), Grindr’s social impact initiative, is proud to launch The Equality Spotlight—a new 5-episode series exploring the stories shaping Grindr for Equality’s mission: a world where LGBTQ+ lives are free, equal, and just. Through global partnerships, grassroots activism, and groundbreaking science, this series shines a light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities and the transformative solutions paving the way toward a freer, more equitable world.

Join us as we explore five chapters in the ongoing journey for equality.

Episode 1: DoxyPEP — A Small Pill With Big Potential (March 11th)

For decades, STI prevention relied on condoms and testing—until now. Enter DoxyPEP, an antibiotic taken post-exposure to slash the risk of bacterial STIs like chlamydia and syphilis by up to 70%. This episode dives into the science behind the pill, its journey from an acne medication to a sexual health game-changer, and the barriers still blocking access for marginalized communities.

Grindr partnered with Jen Hecht, co-founder of Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC), who shares how the organization helped integrate DoxyPEP awareness directly into the app. From in-app tags to free HIV test kits, we explore how technology bridges education and care gaps and why equity must drive the next phase of this sexual health revolution.

Episode 2: Besos Sidosos — Kissing Away HIV Stigma (March 18th)‍

In Mexico City, a bold act of love became a rallying cry against HIV stigma. The Besotón Sidoso—a mass kiss-in at the iconic Bellas Artes esplanade—shattered myths about HIV transmission through casual contact. But when a conservative politician weaponized lies online, activists like Axel Bautista turned backlash into momentum, sparking a wave of truth-telling across social media.

This episode celebrates Grindr’s role in amplifying the movement. Through partnerships with MPACT and Inspira, Grindr sent in-app alerts to users in Guadalajara, proving that solidarity can transcend borders—and that a single kiss can ignite global change.

Episode 3: Aging with Pride — LGBTQ+ Seniors and the Fight for Home (March 25)

LGBTQ+ elders now face a devastating crisis: discrimination in housing and care. In 27 U.S. states, landlords can legally deny seniors shelter simply for being queer. Enter SAGE, the nation’s largest advocacy group for LGBTQ+ elders, working to create affordable, affirming housing like Brooklyn’s Stonewall House.

Hear from Sydney Kopp-Richardson, SAGE’s Director of Housing Initiatives, on the intersection of policy, education, and community-building. Learn how Grindr for Equality supports SAGE’s mission to ensure seniors age with dignity.

Episode 4: Ending HIV — Breakthroughs, Barriers, and Hope (April 4)

HIV is no longer a death sentence. With eight people cured and tools like PrEP and injectables reducing transmission by 99%, science has delivered miracles. Yet stigma, cost, and access gaps persist. Kevin Robert Frost, CEO of amfAR, unpacks the promise of long-acting treatments like Apretude and the urgent need for systemic change.

This episode contrasts hope with reality. How do we ensure that lifesaving tools reach everyone? Through education, advocacy, and Grindr’s partnerships with health organizations, we aim to change the narrative from fear to empowerment.

Episode 5: Namibia — Breaking the Colonial Code (April 15)

In June 2024, Namibia’s High Court struck down a colonial-era law criminalizing same-sex relationships—a historic win decades in the making. Activist Omar van Reenen of Equal Namibia shares the grueling fight against state-sanctioned homophobia and how Grindr’s collaboration provided critical health resources like at-home HIV testing during the battle.

But the fight isn’t over. With government appeals in the pipeline, activists, Namibians, and LGBTQ+ organizations must stay vigilant to uphold these victories. This episode underscores the resilience of Namibia’s LGBTQ+ community and the global solidarity needed to turn legal wins into lived equality.

Join the Movement

The Equality Spotlight is a call to action. Together, we can build a world where LGBTQ+ lives are free, equal, and just.

Watch the series. Share the stories. Support the cause. Learn more at grindr.com/g4e and explore resources from our partners:

• TakeMeHome.org (BHOC)
• MPACT Global
• SAGE
• amfAR
• Equal Namibia

Watch the intro to The Equality Spotlight below

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is this Sunday, which is either a welcome reprieve from the onslaught of news headlines. Will voters cast their ballots as if to respond to the moment? Will Conan O’Brien justify his relevancy with his first Academy Awards hosting gig? We shall see! 

In the meantime, while I am an elitist snob whose favorite movies and performances weren’t even nominated this year (no Marianne Jean-Baptiste for Hard Truths, no I Saw the TV Glow for Cinematography, no Problemista for Original Screenplay or Tilda for Supporting Actress), I nonetheless have lots of opinions.

I’m here to break down who will and should win the statuettes this year, and am looking forward to seeing how the evening plays out. 

Ready to cast your own votes? We've created a blank Oscars ballot so you can decide for yourself. Download it here and keep score at home.

Best Picture

Should Win: The Substance

Will Win: Conclave

For a while, it looked like Emilia Pérez, which accrued 13 nominations (the most of any non-English language film in Oscars history), was the front runner. But star Karla Sofía Gascón’s resurfaced tweets (historic first trans acting nominee) likely dashed its chances.

Attention then would shift to Sean Baker’s Anora, fresh off PGA and DGA wins, though its sex-work subject and 2.5-hour runtime could alienate voters—a risk shared by Brady Corbet’s Golden Globe-winning The Brutalist, a four-hour epic with intermission.

This leaves Conclave, a polished papal-election drama subtly championing liberal democracy. If voters bypass Baker’s underdog story, Conclave’s comforting vision of functional electoral politics (with Christian undertones) offers a safe, humanist pick.

Dark horse The Substance, a grotesque body-horror spectacle, revels in exploitation-film audacity and cartoonish tropes. While Demi Moore seems locked for Best Actress, the film’s grotesque metamorphoses and unapologetic commitment to its schlocky premise deserve recognition—though the Oscars will likely blink at its confrontational excess.

Best Actor

Should Win: Colman Domingo, Sing Sing

Will Win: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist

The Oscars love to celebrate The Movies, particularly in context of art as net good for humanity, and while Colman Domingo’s sensitively played John Whitfield isn’t a film director, he is a character who is guiding his fellow incarcerated compatriots on a journey toward soulful enrichment through art. But his performance stands out for its lack of bells and whistles and its unwillingness to slot his character as another totem of Black pain. Rather, with feather light breaths, Domingo looks inwards and finds transcendence in making something together in community. 

The voters will probably give Adrien Brody his second award after previously winning for The Pianist in 2002. But Domingo in Sing Sing sees light in the darkness. 

Best Actress

Should and Will Win: Demi Moore, The Substance

On the one hand, Demi Moore has what the Academy Awards traditionally adore rewarding: a comeback narrative, a transformation, and a bit of self-referentiality. And these things are indeed in the DNA of The Substance, which devours the meta-textuality of Moore’s own star persona throughout. But on the other hand, it also has a performance that violently, mirthfully vacillates between luridly sincere and glaringly parodic. 

There’s the scene where Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, prepares for a date with a very normal, plain guy from her past. Before she steps out the door, she looks in the mirror and adjusts her makeup. And then she does it again. The clock ticks by, and every adjustment just makes the cracks in her self-perception more warped, Moore’s honesty startling and bracing. And then, in another moment, she is hovering over a stove top, making revolting-looking food, her hair greying and frayed, at once filled with self-loathing and cackling in her voracious indulgence. It’s the versatility in modes, particularly in a genre movie, between taking the emotion seriously and then, in delirium, subverting it with gallows humor, that makes Moore win. 

Best Supporting Actor

Should Win: Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice

Will Win: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain

It’s a little bit surprising that The Apprentice, Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbassi’s film about Donald Trump’s tutelage under Roy Cohn, got any nominations given how the usual platforms that bring the awards season buzz to a deafening blare studiously avoided talking about it (no Variety Actors on Actors for Stan or Strong!). But nonetheless, Strong plays Cohn as both uncompromising power broker and unhinged daddy figure for Stan’s Trump, a man whose violence and dark heart can be laid down as viciously with a stare as with a terrifying, demanding shout. 

But Culkin, who has picked up a SAG Award, a Golden Globe, and a Spirit Award for his role as the capricious and charismatic cousin to Jesse Eisenberg in the latter’s A Real Pain, will probably also get the Oscar. More engaging than his patience testing rambling or off the handle flying are the simple stares into the middle distance, full of unspoken melancholy, his affect on the precipice of unraveling entirely. 

Best Supporting Actress

Should Win: Ariana Grande, Wicked 

Will Win: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez

They should give it to Ariana, who elevates Wicked beyond the realm of theater kid obsession into being an impressive work about the heartbreak of telling the story of how someone threw their best friend under the bus for the sake of political gain. Grande’s eyes are big glass marbles about to shatter in your palm, and her chops are particularly on display as she sings, “Goodness knows, the wicked’s lives are lonely/goodness knows, the wicked die alone”. All the regret, self-loathing, and pain seem to shine from her wet orbs. 

For whatever reason, though, Zoe Saldaña, a very good actress who desperately needs to be saved from herself, has been racking up wins at the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs, and the SAG Awards for playing the title character’s lawyer who helps Emilia transition and then reconnect with her family. I can’t imagine why she keeps winning; it isn’t helped by the fact that the movie around her is pretty terrible, but her range isn’t really on display, much less her singing, and it’s a musical. 

Best Director

Should Win: Coralie Fargeat, The Substance

Will Win: Brady Corbet, The Brutalist

The annual complaint about the Academy Awards is that they are out of touch and only pick self-serious, pretentious movies to nominate and award. What a fun change of pace it would be to give the Oscar to someone who has made a movie that is actually rather silly and goofy, even as it exorciates a male dominated industry and lambasts a parasitic beauty/cosmetic/medical space that preys particularly on women.  But The Substance is extremely married to its bizarre expressionistic vision of mutated identities and bodies, expendable until they’re not in entertainment. It is truly an impressive spectacle, gross and hypnotic and deliciously sarcastic. 

But Brady Corbet, once the fave of indie directors like Ruben Östlund and queer iconoclasts like Gregg Araki who then graduated to making dour movies about political trauma and culture on a budget, nabbed the Golden Globe, the BAFTA, and the directing award at the Venice Film Festival. He shot The Brutalist on VistaVision for $10 million, which is absolutely a stately accomplishment. But it’s a film so aware of how it evokes American epics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, whose grand scales are often used to interrogate American ideals and the grime beneath their surfaces, that it often feels a bit self-conscious. I was a fan of Vox Lux (the better movie about Lady Gaga than the movie with Lady Gaga!), but The Brutalist starts to feel tedious with all its grand standing. 

Best Original Screenplay

Should Win: The Substance

Will Win: A Real Pain or Anora

Eisenberg has so far won the BAFTA and the Spirit Award, and it’s definitely interesting to see him write for the screen after many years writing for the stage. Eisenberg has talked about the origins of the script emerging from the loaded irony of Holocaust tour industrial complex, and while his corrosive wit is all over the script, it sometimes feels like it stops just short of unearthing a really profound insight about the nature of closure and lack thereof. Then again, Sean Baker got the WGA Award for Anora, so he may sneak up behind Eisenberg on the night of. 

This year’s Oscars appear to still have room for surprise, which is the best kind of ceremony. Not too much has been engraved on the statuette’s base, making watching Hollywood write its own history all the more fun. Especially when everyone at the watch party has been pounding lime green jello shots in fake syringes and eating hors d’oeuvres with names like “Defrying Gravity” and “A Real Au Bon Pain”.

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Some jobs demand a suit. Others demand scrolling TikTok for eight hours a day, dissecting culture’s subtext, and knowing exactly when to slide into a Jeopardy! mention. Meet Joey Morales, Grindr’s resident Social Media Community Coordinator—a self-described “media pig” who’s equal parts strategist, shitposter, and queer community curator. Six months into the role, Joey’s already weaponized internet culture into viral gold (see below) while keeping Grindr on the pulse of all things gay.

Brands love to play catch up for relevance, but Joey helps make sure Grindr remains unapologetically forward, ruthlessly plugged in, and always, always ready to pivot before the straights catch on.

How long have you been working at Grindr, and how did you get started?

"I've been here for about six months. I came in with some previous social and creative experience, but it's definitely been a wild ride trying to represent and connect with the queer community on such a large scale. I love that it's a role where I can be authentically myself—and a little rotted—while still staying aligned with a brand that’s on the pulse of the queer community."

What does a typical day in your life at Grindr look like?

"Honestly, it's never the same day twice, which is exciting and chaotic at the same time. My first hour or so after waking up is all about checking inboxes, scanning social platforms to see if there are any fires to put out or opportunities to jump on, and getting a pulse on what's trending.

From there, I could be working on any number of campaigns—maybe it's our influencer campaigns or maybe it's prepping for our podcast Who’s the Asshole? Then, it’s all about strategizing how to keep the community engaged, interacting with users, or brainstorming new content ideas. My main goal is always to bring fun and authenticity back to the brand, and ensure we're acknowledging our community in real-time."

How do you stay proactive in such a fast-paced environment?

"I remind myself there's always someone out there who wants this job as badly as I do. That's what lights the fire for me. At the same time, a big piece of staying proactive is media consumption. I'm on social media constantly—when I eat, when I'm out and about, you know, the works. It’s a little over the top, but keeping up with trends and community chatter requires it."

Let's talk about your media consumption habits. How much time do you actually spend online?

"I'm a straight-up media pig. It's diabolical. My screen time can reach 12 a day—truly horrifying sometimes. TikTok alone has been up to seven or eight hours in a week, and then I'm on Instagram, Twitter (X), YouTube—truly everything. Even outside of 'work hours,' I'm constantly bookmarking, saving images, and building what is basically a digital Rolodex of ideas.

That said, I do try to balance it out with mini 'digital detoxes'—sometimes I'll deactivate my personal accounts for a bit to feel more grounded (it never lasts). The nature of this role means I'm always plugged in, whether I like it or not. And I mean that complimentarily!”

What's been your biggest social media win at Grindr—perhaps something that blew up more than you expected?

"I actually have two highlights. One was the Drake tweet—our most viral tweet ever. I went all-in on a raunchy, bold idea, got it approved, and it took off. It was shocking in the best way possible.

The other was when we got mentioned on Jeopardy!. Even though it happened off-hours, I jumped on social to respond and turn it into a moment. It led to coverage on multiple platforms. That's when I realized how crucial it is to stay nimble—if something happens at 9 p.m., I need to react at 9:01 p.m."

How do you stay quick on your feet when it comes to crafting responses and content in real time?

"I actually chalk it up to my theater background and working service industry jobs where you have to think fast. With social, it's sort of like improv—always a 'yes, and…' situation. I'm constantly reading the room (or the comments) and balancing what people are saying with our brand voice. If something doesn’t hit in a way that we want it to, it's all about how to pivot quickly and keep the momentum going."

How do you decide what trends or cultural moments Grindr should tap into and which ones to avoid?

"I consume a lot of media—tweets, TikTok comments, YouTube videos, forum posts—so I have a sense of where conversations are happening and what's resonating. We also have strong guardrails: making sure everything we do is in service of making a world for queer people that is free, equal, and just. As a result, we know our 'playground,' so to speak. Within that space, we have the freedom to be really playful and boundary-pushing."

What is your favorite part about working at Grindr?

"It's creating culture instead of pushing a transaction. I'm not out here trying to sell a product in the traditional sense; I'm literally interacting with—and uplifting—my own community. That is beyond rewarding. I get to be unapologetically queer and celebrate that publicly every day."

How does it feel to be in a workplace that actively serves your own LGBTQ+ community?

"It's super fulfilling. Before Grindr, I was always trying to give back or stay connected to my community in my personal time. Now it's part of my 9-to-5. There's something really powerful about having that mission built into your day job. Sometimes I shy away from leading with 'I work at Grindr!' in everyday conversation because it comes with questions or assumptions, but at the end of the day, I love what I do."

What’s something that people don’t know about you?

“After living abroad in Florence (which was my first time in Europe), I needed to get out and leave the country again— but this time, full-time. Spain was going to be the easiest transition since I grew up around Spanish (but boy was i wrong—those Madrilleńos speak QUICK). Anyway, I left in 2020 and stayed out there for two years working as an English teacher. Those were truly the best two years of my life, leisurely working four hours a day and following that up by soaking up sun on a terraza, eating a pincho, and drinking a cerveza. I’m a big culture junkie, so living abroad in a bustling city was such a great way to satisfy my need of connecting with people from all over the world.”

Do you have a drag name or persona that you channel for extra flair?

"Absolutely—Miss Kitty Noir! It's a play on 'catty noir,' plus a nod to Selena Kyle (aka Catwoman). Very much who I'd be as a queen.

What song are you currently obsessed with?

Lullabye by Ravyn Lenae.

Give us a meme describes working here Grindr

What's the most rewarding project you've worked on so far?

"Hands down, it has to be when Lisa Rinna appeared on our podcast, Who's The Asshole. She's exactly as quick and sharp in person as she is on TV, just a total A-lister with comedic chops. It was such a blast creating content for the community featuring someone so iconic and hilarious."

Do you have a "work spouse" or a go-to support system at Grindr?

“Not to out myself… but I'm in a polycule of work spouses—Harry Lada from Marketing, Noel Kim from the Ads team, and Kimberly Escobar from IT.”

Finally, go ahead… roast yourself

"Oh, I embody that stereotype that gays can't sit in chairs like normal humans. Catch me in upward-facing dog on a couch or twisted into a pretzel at my desk. Definitely not beating the “gays can’t sit” allegations.”

At Grindr, “We Care About Your Privacy” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a core commitment guiding our work. We continually look for ways to strengthen the privacy options you have in the app, so that you have control of your personal information and your Grindr experience. In our August blog post, we mentioned that we would be transitioning to a new consent management platform (CMP), Ketch. Now, we’re excited to announce that we’re rolling out this Ketch-powered CMP. It enables our free users to choose which types of ads you see on Grindr and marks a significant step in our work to enhance your ads experience.

We prioritize your privacy in many ways, including by asking for your consent to show you personalized ads. Even if you opt into personalized ads, we share only a limited amount of Personal Information with our advertising partners, which can mean that sometimes ads aren’t as relevant as you’d expect. If you do choose personalized ads, our aim is to make them relevant while respecting your boundaries, including your privacy preferences as communicated via our CMP.

By moving to this new Ketch CMP, we’re focusing on giving you a well-established, fully native mobile experience for controlling your ad choices. From there, we can continue building a more engaging set of ad features - if you choose to participate.

Why Are We Asking for Your Ad Consent Now?

We believe in being transparent, which is why we want you to know we’re switching CMP providers. As we make this transition, you’ll have the opportunity to review the updated interface and confirm how your data may be used to serve the ads you see in Grindr.

What Does Advertising Consent Mean?

Over 90% of Grindr users enjoy the free, ad-supported version of the app. When you consent to personalized ads, advertisers receive limited information—only with your permission—to try and make those ads more relevant to you. If you use the free version of the app and choose not to consent to personalized ads, you will still see ads but they likely won’t be as closely matched to your interests.

What Information Is Shared If I Say “Yes” to Personalized Ads?

Opting into personalized ads means that a small amount of your Personal Information is shared in a privacy-focused way with our partners. For example, consenting allows advertisers to show you an offer based on a general location (city-level, not precise location) or something that aligns with your profile interests—like an ad for a local drag brunch. Rest assured, we do not share your chats, HIV status, vaccination details, or testing reminders with third-party advertisers. No chats. No vaccination status. No testing alerts. No HIV status. We outline what is shared for both personalized and non-personalized ads in our Privacy Policy.

What Is a CMP and Why Is It Important?

A consent management platform (CMP) is a tool that enables us to ask for your permission to display personalized ads on Grindr. Typically, you’ll see it when creating an account so we can determine if you want personalized ads or non-personalized ads. Occasionally, we’ll ask you to review or “renew” your consent if we add a new advertising partner, or—as we’re doing now—switch to a new CMP provider. The CMP not only records your choice but also shares it with our third-party advertising partners, so that your preferences are honored across the app.

We’re excited to introduce you to Ketch’s next-generation CMP. Built by engineers with privacy top of mind, Ketch’s platform offers purpose-built automation and an intuitive interface. The appearance may vary depending on your location, but you can always update your ad preferences by going to the “Consent Preference Center” in Grindr’s “Settings” menu.

We hope this new CMP enhances your control and peace of mind when it comes to advertising. Whether you opt for personalized ads or prefer non-personalized ones, our priority is ensuring you can make an informed decision about how your data is used. Thank you for being part of the Grindr community. If you have questions about these updates, feel free to consult our Help Center or adjust your preferences at any time in the app’s settings.

Let’s not pretend you came to Elevation Ski Week—Park City’s annual bacchanal of snow, après ski dance parties, and slopeside shenanigans—for the charcuterie boards or the scenic Rainbow Run. Under those majestic Utah peaks, the real action unfolds in the frostbitten hours between last call and the 2AM shuttle, where altitude and frigid temps throw curveballs at your hookup game. This LGBTQ-friendly ski week draws a vibrant mix of gay skiers, lesbian snowboarders, and queer adventurers ready to blend ski and snowboard thrills with après-ski romance.

Sure, you’ll need thermal socks and neon parkas (perfect for the neon party at the host hotel), but if you plan on getting frisky in the mountains, a special stay-ready kit is essential—no one wants to end up a blue-balled Yeti in a onesie. Before you dive into your alpine amorous adventures, check out these do’s and don’ts to keep things steamy, safe, and free of frostbite.

1. Do keep your lube warm and handy. Stash that bottle near a heater – cold lube is a shocker (you don’t want an ice bucket challenge for your cock). Heat-activated lube ensures things stay slick and warm. At Park City Mountain’s elevation, lube isn’t just for comfort—it’s survival gear for your lower bits.
2. Don’t leave condoms (or toys) in the car overnight. Freezing temps degrade latex and batteries. Keep supplies at room temp. And if you brought a vibrator, bring it inside unless you’re into getting railed by Frosty the Snowman. Pro tip: gay and lesbian attendees swear by silicone toys over metal for winter play.
3. Do dress (down) for the occasion. Stripping 17 layers off your skier or snowboarder fling is foreplay, but frostbitten dick is a hard no. Keep the socks—cold toes murder boners. Science says socks help orgasms hit harder (Google it). Beanies stay on: cushion headboard collisions and stay warm.
4. Don’t get too kinky with cold metal. Metal gets icy fast—avoid cockrings, clamps, or steel toys. If you’re thinking outdoor fun, skip bare-skin-to-metal contact (keep the cock away from the gondola). Warm silicone gear? Good. Sub-zero metal? Bad.
5. Do use the hot tub or shower to preheat. A steamy soak at the resort’s lodge eases the transition from cold to hot. You gotta defrost the meat before you cook it. Bonus: you’ll both smell like the artisanal soap the host hotel provides.
6. Don’t overdo booze at altitude. Getting sloshed at 8,000 feet is easier, and hangovers hit harder. Sip that spiked cider, but pace yourself—après ski hookups are better when you’re coherent.
7. Don’t attempt full-on outdoor naked escapades. Frostbite is no joke—extremities (yes, that one) suffer. If you’re dying to enact a polar fantasy, keep it brief. Try a heated blanket on the Deer Valley Resort porch or your car with the heater blasting.
8. Do update your Grindr profile with the Après-Ski tag. Slap the Après-Ski tag on your Grindr profile unless you want to spend the weekend raw-dogging solitude. This is Elevation Ski Week, not a silent retreat—the tag helps separate the hot tub hopefuls from the actual hot tops. Whether you’re prowling the GEAR Party or pretending to know what a black diamond is, the right bio (“Looking for someone to stretch me out—on and off the slopes”) ensures your DMs stay as busy as the après bar.

By following these tips, your Elevation Ski Week escapades will stay spicy and safe. Whether you’re here for the dance parties, the LGBTQ community vibes, or the ski area’s powder, winter offers unique pleasures—like post-orgasm cuddles under a blanket as snow falls outside. Just use common sense (yes, that means your big head and little head), and you’ll maximize friction, not frostbite.

Preamble

We the proud bottoms of the world, on this glorious Bottom Appreciation Day, do ordain and establish this Bottoms Bill of Rights. No longer shall we endure lackluster lays, desert-dry entries, or half-assed aftercare. It’s time to stand up and bend over for our inalienable rights in the bedroom. In short: treat thy bottom right.

We declare these truths to be absolutely self-evident: if you can’t handle the heat (or the occasional chocolate surprise), get out of our kitchens. The era of take-it-and-shut-up bottoms is over. The reign of the respected Bottom has begun.

These are our demands, etched in silicone for all tops to obey. Tops, you have been warned. Bottoms, rejoice and lube up — your Bill of Rights is here:

Article I: The Right to Bottom Without Shame

Section 1. Declaration of Bottom Sovereignty

All bottoms, irrespective of frequency, flair, or fetish, are hereby declared sovereign entities over their own bodies and sexual identities. Whether one bottoms nightly or annually, this right remains absolute.

Section 2. Anti-Shaming Mandate

No top shall engage in slut-shaming, kink-shaming, or “bottom fragility” (e.g., “You’re too loose” or “Why do you need so many pillows?”). Any derogatory commentary, side-eyes, or unsolicited “advice” shall constitute a misdemeanor of the highest degree.

Article II: The Right to Foreplay

Section 1. Foreplay is not optional—it is legally mandatory before any attempt at penetration. All tops must engage in substantial and enthusiastic pre-game activities to ensure the bottom is fully warmed up and begging for it.

Section 2. These forms of foreplay are not limited to:

• Analingus (Rimming): Face-first tongue service to the hole, performed with zeal and enthusiasm.
• Digital Penetration: Inserting well-lubed fingers (one, two, or hell, three if you know what you’re doing) to massage and stretch that hole.
• Oral and Physical Teasing: Suck whatever the bottom’s packing (because yes, bottoms can have dicks that need love too), nibble those nips, and kiss them on the mouth like you actually like them.
• Praises & Dirty Talk: Tell the bottom how hot their ass is, how much you’ve been dying to wreck them (or gently make love to them—dealer’s choice). A bottom should feel like a goddamn superstar before you even think about sticking it in.

Section 3. Punitive Measures: A top caught skipping or skimping on foreplay shall face swift consequences. Repeat offenders will be subject to mandatory remedial training (e.g., tongue exercises, fingering drills, and being edged for hours with no release to learn some damn patience). In short: No foreplay? No fucking way.

Article III: The Right to Lubrication

Section 1. Thou shalt not go in dry. Adequate lubrication is a fundamental right of every bottom, and using too little lube is hereby declared a heinous crime against bottom-kind.

Section 2. All tops are required to apply generous amounts of silicone lube to both the penetrative device (be it dick or toy) and the entrance of the bottom before penetration. And no, spit alone doesn’t count. If at any point the bottom so much as hints at dryness or discomfort, the top must immediately pause and re-lube the situation without rolling their eyes or making dumb comments like "but my dick’s already wet" (Pre-cum is cute but it ain’t lube, buddy).

Article IV: The Right to Paint DL Trade

Section 1. Every bottom has the full and unabridged right to "paint" any DL trade they encounter, free of shame or stigma. For purposes of this declaration, "paint" refers to the unintended transfer of a bottom’s bodily artistry (yes, we mean a bit of poop) onto the top’s cock or sheets during intercourse. "DL trade" denotes any top operating on the down-low—you know, those sneaky-link hookups with supposedly "straight" dudes who slide into your DMs at 2 AM.

Section 2. If a courageous bottom offers up their bussy, they shall not be blamed if that impromptu session produces fresh frosting on the top’s stick shift. In fact, such backdoor artistry is to be celebrated as a natural outcome of spontaneous fun. The top is required by law to either: (a) continue pounding unbothered like a champ or (b) graciously compliment the bottom’s creative expression (e.g., "Damn, baby, look at you makin' art out here") without any snide remarks.

Under no circumstances shall the top demean, lecture, or gossip about a bottom for "painting" him—violation of this will result in the top being branded a whiny little bitch unworthy of any future late-night booty calls.

Article V: The Right to Aftercare

Section 1. The duties of a top do not end at climax. Aftercare is mandatory. All tops must tend to their bottom’s needs immediately following any sexual encounter. A bottom is not a disposable cum receptacle to be used and abandoned; they’re your partner in fun and shall be treated with care and respect.

Section 2. Mandatory Aftercare Services: Upon completion, the top shall promptly provide the following to the bottom:

• Clean-Up Assistance: A warm, damp towel (bonus points if it's actually warm and not just the t-shirt you found on the floor) or appropriate wipes to clean off lube, sweat, and any other fun fluids.
• Cuddles & Comfort: Unless the bottom explicitly says “no cuddling, thanks,” the top is expected to cuddle, spoon, or otherwise physically comfort the bottom after the deed—they earned that right by getting their guts rearranged.
• Affirmations & Praise: Shower that bottom with compliments. Examples include but are not limited to: “You were amazing,” “Your ass felt incredible,” “Damn, you took that dick like a champ,” or the simple classic, “Thank you, that was awesome.” The bottom should end the session feeling like the sexual rockstar they are.
• Orgasm Equality Clause: If the bottom has not yet achieved orgasm, the top must address this imbalance forthwith. This can be via hand, mouth, toy, or any method the bottom prefers. Bottoms’ rights include the right to cum, period. The top doesn’t get to bust a nut and bounce while the bottom is left hard and dry.

Section 3. No Ghosting or Half-Assed Aftercare: Under no circumstances shall a top roll off, toss a paper towel at the bottom, and start getting dressed without providing the above aftercare (unless the bottom kicks you out—hey, sometimes a queen just wants you gone, and that’s her right).

Article VI: The Power Bottom Clause

Section 1. Bottom-in-Charge Rights: Any bottom, especially one identifying as a Power Bottom, retains the right to take control of the sexual proceedings at any given moment. When a power bottom speaks, the top shall listen. If the bottom says “slow down,” you slow the hell down. If they say “harder, deeper, to the left,” you adjust your aim like a good boy.

Section 2. Flip-the-Script Provision: A bottom reserves the right to flip the script at any time—meaning if they suddenly decide they want to ride into next Tuesday, that’s what’s gonna happen. The top shall offer no resistance.

Effective Date

The Bottoms' Bill of Rights is effective immediately, on this fine Bottom Appreciation Day. All tops are hereby on notice: obey these commandments or be prepared to face legal action.

In Witness Whereof, the undersigned bottoms (and versatiles in solidarity) have set their hand (and ass) to this decree. Bottoms of the world, unite.

Unless you count the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day is the only major holiday that comes with explicit winners and losers. Couples in love get rewarded with fancy dinners and flowers, while singles get penalized for their loneliness with pitying texts from relatives and heartbreaking husband reveals from gym crushes. 

But what about the people in the middle — pairs just starting to explore a connection, who are suddenly forced to publicly celebrate it? 

In this Super Bowl of love, if established couples are the victorious Eagles and singles are the defeated Chiefs, these in-betweeners are the Drakes: unwilling participants dragged into the festivities for the purposes of humiliation.

Okay, that was harsh. No one wants to be compared to Drake. But you get my point: the hardest spot to be on Valentine’s Day is in a delicate new relationship with everything to lose. If you're lucky enough to be seeing someone new, but unlucky enough to do it under February 14's looming shadow, here are a few survival tips.

When you’re not sure what you are

At the moment, I'm five dates in with a lovely guy. We’re cute together. We’re compatible. But one thing we are not is a couple — which wasn’t a problem until this month, when people suddenly started asking what we were doing for the big day.

Because even when you're both happy keeping things loose, Valentine's Day forces the issue — like a waiter who asks upfront if you’ll be paying together. Or a friend who plays you their favorite movie just to scrutinize your reaction to every joke. What should be effortlessly enjoyable suddenly feels like a test: are we at that point yet? Is The Big Lebowski funny?

If you make a big romantic night of it before you’ve even decided you’re together, you’re letting Hallmark dictate your life. But if you avoid it completely, it becomes the elephant in the room… and you’ll be forced to wonder who they are going to spend that day with.

‍The solution: Acknowledge the big day — but as a universal holiday, in the same way your office sets out candy, or your friends send you chain texts saying "👨🏻DADDY CUPID💘💘 is 💦cumming💦 for you⚠️‼️." Wish the person you’re seeing a Happy Valentine’s Day without asking them to be your Valentine. 

You can even spend the evening together — just don’t take them out on the town among candles and clinking champagne glasses. Stay in and watch a romcom. Or, better yet, a horror movie. Or split the difference with Jennifer’s Body.

When you’re newly official

It’s even tougher in the early stages of a new relationship when you want everything to be perfect.

One year, I made things official with a guy on literally February 10th, after a protracted will-they/won’t-they courtship that was... not as cute as they make it look on TV. I was thrilled we were finally boyfriends, but I also 100% assumed we would skip Valentine’s Day.

Until he texted me an OpenTable invitation. For the night of February 14. For Omakase. Four dollar signs. 

Clearly, we were doing Valentine’s Day. I panicked, assumed he had something amazing planned, and impulse bought a way too expensive gift.

The night of the dinner came, and I presented him with a watch. And he presented me... with nothing but a sheepish apology. It was impossible to convince him this was fine — that I only bought my gift in self-defense against whatever thoughtful thing I feared he’d bought — and it was awkward all night.

The solution: We had the right idea by making a moment of our first V-Day together. But I should have known: in the honeymoon phase, it’s the little things that are most delightful: a kiss hello, a phone lighting up with their name, a look on the face of your most hated rival learning you locked it down. 

The same goes for gifts and restaurants: steer towards sweet and away from expensive. If they like Italian, take them to a quiet neighborhood spot, not a Michelin-starred bistro. If they like cooking, buy them some fancy salt, not a Le Creuset. They'll appreciate the gesture no matter what, and there's far less risk of a drastically uneven exchange. Just don't blindly assume you're on the same page. Especially...

When you’re gay

Actually, that isn’t the end of the Omakase story. Because while my boyfriend didn’t get me a wrapped gift, he did have a surprise in store: tickets to a post-dinner circuit party.

This was so much worse than getting nothing. I got him a watch (!!) and he got me a guarantee our romantic evening was going to be spent soaked in other men’s sweat. (To be fair, his tickets did come with neon green wristbands, so I guess we both got some sweet wristwear.)

I was insulted because, in my mind, coupling up meant winding down that kind of activity. But then I realized: we knew plenty of serious couples, even married ones, for whom that wasn’t true.

The fact is, for LGBTQ+ people, there’s always an inherent tension between doing things the traditional (read: heteronormative) way and doing things the queer way: “For Valentine’s Day this year, dear, are we exchanging flowers, or are we inviting our third?“ 

Our “lifestyle” is all about bucking norms — so how was he supposed to know which norms I wanted to keep?

The solution:  The beauty of being queer is you get to make your own rules. You just have to actually make them. If things are good enough to be declaring yourselves a couple, they should be good enough that you can directly ask, in advance: what kind of night are we looking to have? What’s romantic to us? In our case, both of our issues would have been solved with some clearer communication (a problem that persisted and killed the relationship FYI, happy Valentine's Day!!!).

So that’s the boringly predictable answer: this Valentine’s Day, speak from the heart. Be straight up about what you want. Or, if it’s too much pressure, just bail and pretend to have the flu. It's going around right now. Problem solved!

It's almost Valentine's Day and I need to make out with someone ASAP. Uncharacteristically, that might be all I need this Valentine’s Day. This isn’t me giving up on love—I’m just hitting pause.

This isn’t typical for me. Casual isn’t my brand. My exes (fine, ex-situationships) would attest when I like someone, I like them hard, and I don’t have any problem making that clear. Passion isn’t the problem but it does crank up the pressure. This year, though, I’m thinking there might be another way.

‘Can We Just Be?’

I used to think love had to come with a label—something clear-cut, something certain. But certainty, I’ve learned, is a luxury not always on offer.

Take Caden (not his real name, I’m not that crazy). We’d been seeing each other for a bit, kissing in his kitchen, at coffee shops, even at a bowling alley—like a montage from the kind of rom-com that promises a happy ending. But when I tried to define what we were, that’s when things stalled.

“So… are we just… not going to text until the next time we see each other?”

Caden and I stood uncomfortably by the front door of his apartment. I was on my way out, which was going exactly as it was supposed to, until I slowed, stopped and gave him a helpless look that said, “We need to talk.”

He hid the disappointment on his face poorly. I couldn’t blame him, not really. I had, after all, assured him a month prior that I could handle the “gray area.” I had been wrong, obviously, and we both knew it.

“Can we just… be?” he replied.

His response could scarcely have been more predictable, but it stung all the same.

It seemed incompatible to me then that Caden could tell me I look beautiful between kisses against his kitchen counter and pinned on his couch, at the bowling alley and at the coffee shop and, through it all, still feel no need to name our relationship or imagine a future with me. That we could just be.

In the end, a month or so later, when it had become impossible to ignore the hopeless sense we had run out of ways to slice the situationship pie, that no amount of communication was going to make things work, Caden still swore he cared for me. He had said this before, but that final time, he had nothing to prove, and so I believed a man with no reason to lie.

Taking Romance Less Seriously

It’s February 10th as I write this, and barring a whirlwind meet-cute rom-com in the next 96 hours, I will be single on Valentine’s Day.

And I really don’t mind.

Platonic love is almost as revered as romantic love on Valentine’s Day, with the famed Galentine’s Day, but I’m ready to look even further past tradition. Hookups, one-off dates, even a flirty chat that goes nowhere—they’re all spaces to show up (Thanks for that, Caden). It’s like the not-so-famous words of Maisie Peters in her song, “There It Goes,” “I’m dating, but I’m dating for sport / I’m getting coffees for free.”

Choosing to view romantic love as black and white, have or have not, makes it harder to notice the moments in which love shows up in unconventional and surprising ways.

Casual, Not Clueless

Being casual doesn’t mean you don’t communicate. You can maximize the success of any relationship, no matter how temporary, by communicating your expectations, needs and asserting boundaries.

Grindr is a good place for that, frankly. It offers the tools to be even more direct than traditional dating apps (that define dating intentions in nebulous terms like “Short term, open to long”) — maybe this Valentine’s Day, you can set your intention for friends and dates, or even just let it be a chat that exists on the app (rant sesh about the state of the world, anyone?).

I’m still a lover boy. I still want commitment, but I know it doesn’t have to be right now, with the next guy who walks through the door. I've got a few days before Valentine’s Day, and a good kiss will do just fine. Maybe a nice conversation that leads into the kiss, too. Yeah.

So, take a look at your February 14th  — You aren’t setting a lower bar, just a different one. Can you set your own terms for success? There are many different kinds of love to celebrate on the day of love ;)

If you’ve been online in the past few months, you’ve probably seen someone accused of “reheating nachos.” What started as an offhand reality TV moment has evolved into a full-fledged internet metaphor for recycled ideas—whether it’s a musician revisiting an old sound, a brand rehashing a past campaign, or a celebrity trying to relive former glory. The phrase has spread across stan Twitter, TikTok, and beyond, but as with all viral slang, its meteoric rise begs the question: how the hell did we get here?

Origin

One moment on a reality show is all it took for the internet to adopt “reheating nachos." The phrase’s origin story is legend at this point: Natalie Nunn, a reality TV firecracker, accidentally birthed a meme in late 2023. Caught on camera eyeing another girl’s food, she launched a thousand jokes about “stealing nachos”.

The internet took that idea – wanting what someone else has – and ran. Eventually, we got “reheat nachos” to describe trying to grab someone else’s glory or redo your own past success and failing. It’s giving copycat with extra steps. Stan Twitter, TikTok, and fandom circles ran with it, and soon the metaphor jumped everywhere.

Timeline

Late 2023 – Origins on Reality TV

• The phrase's backstory starts with a late-2023 episode of Baddies West. During one scene, cast member Natalie Nunn was visibly eyeing co-star Stunna Girl's nachos with a bit too much interest.
• Viewers seized the moment, coining "wanted nachos" as a stand-in for envy. Stan accounts on Twitter soon embraced it, joking that "X wants Y's nachos" whenever a star seemed to crave another's success or following.

2024 – From Envy to Leftover Nachos

• As the meme spread through 2024, it morphed from simply "wanting" someone else's nachos into calling out stale ideas.
• Fans started referring to "leftover nachos" to describe recycled content, implying an artist was reusing an established formula instead of innovating. By mid-year, the term "reheating nachos" surfaced.

January 2025 – Doja Cat and a Meme Goes Viral

• In early January 2025, a viral social media post jokingly requested Doja Cat "reheat those nachos" for her next album, essentially asking her to revisit the sound that made her earlier hits successful. The tweet racked up tens of thousands of likes, instantly elevating "reheating nachos" from niche slang to a mainstream meme.

• Within days, stan communities piled on with nacho metaphors, accusing every artist with a similar new single or throwback vibe of "reheating someone else's nachos."
• The meme jumped to TikTok and Instagram, where influencers and content creators joined in with parody skits, reaction videos, and commentary.

February 2025 – Lady Gaga's Abracadabra & Mainstream Moment

• By February, "reheating nachos" reached its pop culture zenith when Lady Gaga released a surprise single titled "Abracadabra." Its electro-pop style quickly drew comparisons to her older hits, prompting fans to use the nacho metaphor in full force.
• Some joked Gaga was "reheating her own nachos," while others praised the track for doing just that—fans appreciated that old Gaga was back.

• Corporate accounts and high-profile individuals began referencing "reheating nachos" in social media posts, confirming the phrase had gone fully mainstream.

From Meme to Mainstream—Peak Nacho?

As often happens with internet slang, the phrase's sudden ubiquity signaled it might already be nearing peak usage. Marketing campaigns and morning talk shows picked it up, risking overexposure.

Despite that, "reheating nachos" remains a prime example of stan culture's creativity in repurposing everyday concepts—turning a random TV clip into a broad commentary on recycled trends. While it may eventually go stale, for the moment it stands as the go-to roast for any artist or franchise accused of repeating past glories.

(We're guilty of this, too, but let us plug our nachos for a sec...)

Where Do We Go From Here?

“Reheating nachos” began where most viral slang does — in the creative kitchens of Black Twitter — before leaking into the mainstream. Like every internet trend, its lifespan follows a brutal script: niche communities mint it, brands microwave it into oblivion, and by the time Kleenex starts quoting it? Consider it soggy.

Kind of feels like we’re getting to that point. Let’s see how long it lasts.

At Grindr, we prioritize creating a space where the LGBTQ+ community can connect with confidence and peace of mind. Today, we're excited to introduce our new, in-App Safety & Privacy Center, available to all users worldwide—a clear, user-friendly hub designed to help you understand and manage exactly how your data is collected, used, and protected.

Why This Matters

Transparent, Easy-to-Access Information

We know that clarity and access is key. Our Safety & Privacy Center puts all privacy and safety-related information in one place, making it easy to find the answers to questions you may have. With just a few taps, you can understand how to control your advertising preferences, access your data, or access a vast trove of sexual health and safety information without having to leave the Grindr App.

Community-Focused Protection

The Grindr community spans a wide range of locales and legal landscapes. Our privacy and safety features and content are developed with our LGBTQ+ users in mind. You can find safety information available in over 20 languages including Arabic, Thai, and Malay. 

A Principled Approach for Future Expansion  

Our privacy and engineering teams use a principled approach to design your app experience designed to protect your information today and be flexible enough to adapt to tomorrow's challenges. As laws evolve and new technologies emerge, the Safety & Privacy Center will continue to grow and improve right alongside Grindr. There’s still much more to come as we continue to build out this feature for you. 

Key Features

Unified Dashboard

• One-Tap Toggle: Rather than toggling settings directly, our Safety & Privacy Center gives you a clear, centralized overview of features like AI model training and personalized ads. You’ll find straightforward instructions and links to the relevant app settings—making it easy to update your preferences across Grindr.
• Clear Explanations: Short, plain-language descriptions clarify what each setting does so you can make informed decisions.

Easy Access to Help & Resources

• In-App Guidance: Find best practices, FAQs, and step-by-step instructions all in one place.
• Community Support: We’ve enhanced our Help Center with dedicated guidance tailored for LGBTQ+ users, ensuring you have quick access to answers, resources, and best practices that reflect our community’s unique needs. It’s just a tap away whenever you need advice or want to learn more about staying safe on Grindr.

What's Next

Your feedback is essential to helping us refine and evolve our privacy measures. We'll continue to refine our approach and listen to the community to ensure our Safety & Privacy Center remains best-in-class—keeping you and your data protected.Experience It for Yourself

1. Open Grindr on your device.
2. Swipe to open the sidebar (or tap your profile picture in the top left corner).
3. Click “Safety & Privacy Center” in the bottom left corner. 
4. Explore the new features and choose the privacy levels that feel right for you.

‍

We're dedicated to earning your trust whenever you open Grindr—so you can focus on connecting, discovering, and enjoying the app on your terms.