International Testing Week, the largest global campaign raising awareness about the importance of testing for individuals and public health, is taking place from November 18-24, 2024. Grindr for Equality is teaming up with Coalition Plus to support the fifth annual campaign by connecting users with information on local services in the Grindr app, underscoring our commitment to the health and well-being of our global community.

Connecting the LGBTQ+ Community to Vital Health Resources

International Testing Week has rapidly become the world's largest HIV and STI testing campaign, with nearly 74,000 tests conducted in 2023. This initiative offers free testing for a range of conditions, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and certain cancers like cervical and anal cancer.

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Grindr works to bridge the gap between our 14 million users and essential health services by providing in-app access to sexual health resources, partnering with organizations to offer free HIV and STi testing, and launching information campaigns on critical health issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. 

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We recognize that access to testing and healthcare can be challenging due to stigma, discrimination, and other barriers. By partnering with Coalition Plus and local organizations, we're working to make testing more accessible and to promote informed choices about personal health.

Coalition Plus’ Plan for 2024

• Testing as a Gateway to Health: Knowing your HIV status is a crucial step. A positive result can enable timely access to life-saving treatment, while a negative result opens the door to preventive measures like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Despite being a highly effective way to prevent HIV transmission, many in the LGBTQ+ community are still unaware of PrEP and how it works. Taking a moment to learn about it could be a game-changer for your health.
• The Importance of Regular Testing: Routine testing plays a crucial role in ending the HIV epidemic, and Grindr makes it easier than ever to stay informed. Simply open the app, navigate to your profile settings, and tap the “Free HIV Home Test” button to order your free test kit today.
• Access to Prevention: Testing is not just about diagnosis; it's about connecting people to resources to prevent future infections.

How We’re Supporting You

We’ll be sending messages to users in the following countries, providing information on local services where you can book a test or speak with a health navigator:

• Argentina: Fundación Huésped
• Belgium: EX ÆQUO
• Bolivia: Instituto para el Desarrollo Humano (IDH)
• Brazil: FOAESP
• Canada: COCQ-SIDA
• Colombia: Red Somos
• Ecuador: Kimirina
• Spain: Stop Sida
• France: AIDES
• Guatemala: CAS
• Hong Kong: AIDS Concern
• Portugal: GAT
• Mauritius: Collectif Arc-En-Ciel, PILS
• Romania: ARAS
• Ukraine: 100% LIFE

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For users outside these regions, we encourage you to visit our multilingual help page: Find HIV/STI Testing Services, available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, or explore resources provided by Coalition Plus.

Removing Barriers to Healthcare

We understand that accessing healthcare can be challenging. Populations most affected by HIV are often those furthest from formal health services, facing multiple layers of stigma, discrimination, and even criminalization. By investing in community-based strategies, Grindr for Equality and Coalition Plus aim to reach these groups and ensure they can access prevention, testing services, and connections to formal healthcare.

How You Can Take Action

• Get Tested: Use the resources available below to find a local testing site or access at-home testing options.
• Stay Informed: Learn about HIV, STIs, PrEP, and other preventive measures.
• Support Your Community: Encourage friends and loved ones to get tested and share information about available resources.

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For more information, please visit our Help Center or Coalition Plus.

Hello reader, I’m Mel 4Ever. I'm a pop artist living in Los Angeles, making songs about my body, sexuality, and, more recently—being obsessed with sucking dick. So if you are too (or just like slutty bangers), add my new single, “I Can’t Quit,” to your playlist now and thank me after you pick your jaw up off the ground.

I am possessed by sex right now. As a trans girl—it is still new to me—every time I close my eyes and lean in for a kiss, I think, “OMFG! HE'S STRAIGHT!” (ish). I write about sex because I know sex is in everything: the relationships we build, the advertising we see, the way we work, the way we design our bodies.

Sex is written into the code of Grindr, just like it’s been written into my code as an artist; it’s impossible to separate the two.

When I started transitioning medically, I thought the process would tear me away from Grindr, but what I’ve realized is that being trans helps me understand, fit into, and feel more powerful than ever on the app.

The Desert

My early years with Grindr felt like looking through a peephole. I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama—otherwise known to me as the “Gay Desert,” with my first gay experience being an hour and a half away from my house.

I started my Grindr experience looking from the outside in. Stepping out of the closet, one drunken toe at a time. The app was my first beacon to affirmative touch—and eventually—myself.

The Bazaar

When I first came out and moved to NY and opened Bestie (the grid), the number of penises that were physically above, below, beside, in front and behind me was… well—🤩.  An ideal escape from the brooding gender dysphoria and loud clanging of “kill yourself” that rang in my head. I knew the only thing that could silence that noise was cum. Lots of it. I fucked for revenge, I fucked for clout, I fucked for pain, and I fucked for fun. For me, the load was affirmation. The load was validation. The load was self-worth—my gold star. After being with boys, I always learned a little bit more about myself. Knowledge is power, and it’s also terrifying.

Cross Dress to Impress

What happens when you live in Bushwick for 6 years and stop numbing yourself with drugs and alcohol? Gender. The time had cum for me to look inside and honor my true self. I didn’t know where to start or how to start. So, I used sex. Grindr provided a gorgeous virtual reality where I got to try on different characters. After all, one of my biggest concerns was, “But if I'm trans, will I be loved?”

The answer was not what I expected. When hot guys wanted to fuck a nonbinary no brows, no job, no make-up skills, I was like...woah. I realized there’s something for everybody. As I rowed through my gender river, each stop I made had something for me. I learned what worked for me and what didn't. I try not to think about it now… (I also tried out names. Kylie, Bella, KyBella.. fuck…)

The Double-Edged Sword

I’m still on Grindr (find me behind the handle “We Will See…”), but it’s not the same experiment it once was. Now, I’m direct and clear-headed about what I want. I know how to navigate the energy I meet, and I’m learning what to look for. The sweet boys who want to hold me, and the sweet boys I want to hold—they remind me of what feels right. Grindr served as my compass down the gender river. It helped me live and move more confidently in our imperfect world.

Grindr is a tool. I use it for me. I fuck for me. And that’s super fierce.

Dolls Run Grindr

Through the peephole, the Gay Desert, through the gender try-outs and down the river, I got what I wanted. We can make Grindr work for all of us. We can make this a safe place, we can look out for each other, and we can run it. For any of the boys out there who eye roll when they see the dolls on the grid, the NB’s wanting to side, or the people so clearly on the gender river, know that they are looking for the same thing you are.

Like boo, we have ALL been persecuted for our sexual desires, which, like it or not, is linked with gender. In our world now, where trans people are political chess pieces, and gays are "okay" as long as they follow a script—an app dedicated to connecting us and our genitals should be the absolute SAFEST place possible. We all remember our first time, so let's make it easier for everyone to get to their "next" time.

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Partnerships with the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) and IntraHealth Namibia provide users with discreet HIV testing access through the Grindr app.

Grindr for Equality, Grindr’s social impact initiative focused on advancing health and human rights for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide, is expanding its free at-home HIV self-test kit program to Australia and Namibia. In collaboration with the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) and IntraHealth Namibia, Grindr users in these countries can now order self-test kits directly to their doorsteps. In Namibia, this partnership was made possible by Equal Namibia, a youth-led social movement for equality fighting to end state-sanctioned homophobia and intersectional discrimination, who connected Grindr with Intrahealth, a community-trusted clinic.

Access to HIV testing often presents significant challenges—including geographic, economic, and social barriers—that limit many people’s ability to stay informed about their health. In Namibia, HIV prevalence is estimated to be 11%, and in Australia, an estimated 29,000 people are living with HIV. "With Grindr’s global reach, we’re ensuring GBTQ+ users can access life-saving health resources right from their phones, no matter where they are in the country,” said Owen Ryan, Managing Director of Grindr for Equality. “By expanding our network of partners, we’re providing essential tools to help break down these barriers and support the global fight against HIV.”

The program extension marks the first time the Grindr app will partner with organizations offering round-the-clock HIV testing resources on these two continents, accessible via a dedicated button within the app’s interface. With this feature, users in Namibia and Australia will have a convenient, confidential way to know their HIV status, empowering them to make informed health decisions. Depending on their results, NAPWHA and IntraHealth will guide users toward treatment or help them access PrEP to stay protected. Since launching in March 2023, Grindr’s self-test kit programs have reached users in Georgia, Ireland, New Zealand, London, and the United States, where our partnerships have helped distribute nearly half a million test kits.

About the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA)

NAPWHA is Australia’s peak non-government organization representing people living with HIV. Dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of individuals and communities impacted by HIV, NAPWHA collaborates with Grindr for Equality to provide free, at-home HIV test kits across Australia, ensuring accessible and inclusive testing options for LGBTQ+ communities.

“Our partnership with Grindr represents a meaningful step forward in expanding access to HIV testing across Australia,” said Aaron Cogle, Executive Director of NAPWHA. “By empowering individuals to test in the privacy of their own homes, we’re reducing stigma and making testing more accessible for all. We’re excited to work with Grindr for Equality to reach those who might otherwise face obstacles to regular testing.”

About IntraHealth Namibia

IntraHealth Namibia is a leading local partner in public health, supporting the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities. Through this partnership with Grindr, IntraHealth Namibia is bringing essential HIV testing resources to LGBTQ+ populations across Namibia.

“Collaborative efforts like this unique partnership with Grindr are imperative to harness resources, maximize impact, and drive sustainable outcomes,” said Helena Kataturua, Online Outreach Officer at IntraHealth Namibia. “Our aim is to reach underserved communities with HIV prevention services and to provide essential links to HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Together, we can improve health outcomes for Namibians and establish a model for equitable healthcare access across Africa.”

Our partnerships with NAPWHA and IntraHealth are making HIV testing more accessible, supporting early diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately the end of the AIDS epidemic. We encourage our Australian and Namibian users to take advantage of this free, confidential service and join us in the fight to eradicate HIV.

About Grindr for Equality

Grindr for Equality is Grindr’s social impact initiative, dedicated to advancing health and human rights for Grindr users and the global LGBTQ+ community. Launched in 2015, Grindr for Equality leverages the unparalleled reach of the Grindr app, the world's foremost social networking platform for GBTQ+ individuals with more than 14M monthly users, 80% of whom are outside the U.S., to improve lives through partnerships with public health authorities, non-governmental organizations, and grassroots advocates. 

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Last Thursday, Grindr traded pixels for pompadours and petticoats. We’re thrilled to report that the inaugural Pleasure Ball at Ideal Glass Studios in New York City was exactly what it promised to be: decadent, absurd, and the kind of night where “here for fun” truly delivered. 

Billy Porter and Frankie Sharp led the way—corsets straining, velvet capes brushing past lace fans, beats by Kevin Aviance and Kim Ann Foxman thumping like the 18th century never ended. We painted portraits in real-time, recited bespoke poetry from your latest Grindr DMs, and had a step-and-repeat that saw no empty moments. And the cocktails? Strong enough for even the most committed to break character.

But this wasn’t just a night of spectacle. For each guest, $500 was pledged to Grindr for Equality—our night of powdered wigs came with purpose. This is only the beginning; we plan to make it bigger, bolder, and even more impactful every year.

And while most outfits made an impact, there were some that really left a mark. Here’s who absolutely turned it out at the #GrindrPleasureBall—our night of Flirts, Follies, and Finery.

To those who turned it out at the #GrindrPleasureBall—we thank you. Until next year.

Grindr for Equality proudly welcomes Owen Ryan (he/him), an accomplished social impact leader, as its new Managing Director. Ryan’s track record in advancing health and human rights spans both LGBTQ+ communities and other underserved groups, making him a vital addition to Grindr.

At Grindr for Equality, we harness the global reach of the Grindr app to improve LGBTQ+ lives worldwide. Through partnerships with public health authorities, NGOs, grassroots advocates, and over 150 organizations worldwide, we focus on decriminalization, marriage equality, family formation, and expanding access to health services, driving meaningful change in communities around the globe.

A Lifelong Commitment to Health and Human Rights

Ryan brings an extensive background in social impact work to Grindr for Equality. His dedication to addressing global inequalities began early, with a formative experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi during the height of its HIV epidemic. 

“Malawians were dying because they didn’t have access to HIV treatment that was readily available in other parts of the world,” Ryan said. “At the time, the human rights of entire communities were being ignored by global decision-makers.” 

This experience cemented his focus on addressing health disparities and advancing human rights, particularly in regions where access to healthcare remains difficult.

After returning from the Peace Corps, Ryan worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on HIV, including clinical trials for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

“In the early days, it was difficult to get those trials funded,” Ryan recalled. “But when the results showed PrEP was extremely effective, the challenge became getting access to everyone who needed it.”

Executive Leadership at the International AIDS Society

As the Executive Director of the International AIDS Society (IAS), the world’s largest association of HIV professionals, Ryan led efforts to address both the medical and social challenges of the HIV epidemic. 

Under his leadership, the IAS, which comprises more than 10,000 HIV/AIDS professionals from over 170 countries, advanced critical research and policy work, including efforts to end LGBTQ+ stigma and discrimination.

Most recently, Ryan served as President and CEO of Project Angel Heart, a Denver-based nonprofit, where he led efforts to provide nutritious, medically-tailored meals to patients with severe illnesses, including HIV/AIDS.

Ryan’s Vision for Grindr for Equality

Now at the helm of Grindr’s social impact initiative, Ryan is eager to leverage the platform’s global reach to significantly increase its impact in advancing health and human rights.

“Grindr for Equality has been partnering with communities around the world to improve health and human rights. I want more people to know about that great work and help us extend its impact even further.”

Ryan is committed to integrating health and human rights resources into the everyday lives of Grindr users. He said that issues like decriminalization, marriage equality, and reducing barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples seeking to have children are fundamental human rights that directly impact the community’s well-being. 

Under Ryan’s leadership, Grindr for Equality aims to deepen its collaborations with over 150 LGBTQ+ organizations across every region of the world. 

Getting to Know Owen Ryan

Beyond his impressive credentials, we wanted to learn a bit more about Owen Ryan on a personal level. Here’s a glimpse into his personality with a few rapid-fire questions:

What do you never leave your home without?

I’m always carrying a backpack even when there’s nothing in it. But if I’m on a trip, it’s a Kindle, as I’m a huge reader. If I don’t have my Kindle, I feel a little twitchy.

If you could only have one item with you, a holy grail item or something that’s changed your life, what would it be?

My husband makes fun of how many candles I buy. You can never have enough candles, right? My favorite candle rotates. Currently, it’s Boy Smells.

What’s your typical Sunday like?

I love an unscheduled Sunday. Start off with coffee and breakfast but then I’m on the porch with a book, uninterrupted. Our dog is the third member of the family, so I usually spend the day spoiling him.

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Halloween? It’s not just a day—it’s the Olympics of queer excellence. Forget costumes, this is a battle of who can break the most necks. And Grindr’s got the tea. We asked you, and you came through with the hottest looks for 2024.

We asked our users what they think will be the hottest Halloween costumes for 2024. Here’s what they said: 

• Brat Green: You’re not just wearing Brat Green—you’re showing everyone that Brat Summer never ended. Subtlety? Never heard of her. Brat Green is everywhere, and that’s the point. It didn’t just take 2024 by storm—it grabbed the year by the throat. Too loud? Too much? That’s exactly what makes it Brat.
• Chappell Roan: She’s canceled shows, called out her fans, and had thoughts about pop stardom— but can you blame her? Who else has had a rise this fast, going from indie darling to headlining stages in what feels like a heartbeat? Her look? Metallic pink bodysuits, glitter boots, and her iconic Pink Pony Club vibe with feathers and sequins. Chaotic, bold, the moment.
• Cowboy Carter: Rhinestones where dirt used to be, leather in places no one saw coming—this isn’t your typical cowboy. Beyoncé didn’t just tip her hat; she made it sparkle. Sequins, stomping boots, and a Stetson that’s more crown than cap. Country has gone rogue, loud, and fully unapologetic.
• Gladiator: This isn’t Paul Mescal in running shorts—it’s Mescal in slutty armor. Garb clinging in all the right places, bruised, dirty, and hotter for it. You don’t want clean; you want raw, intense, and just the right amount of mess. Mescal’s Lucius doesn’t do polished; he does survival, and looks damn good doing it.

How Early Do You Start Planning Your Costume?

Looks like 9.1% of you start planning the day after Halloween. Are we calling that ambition or just the inability to chill? Meanwhile, 46.6% take a month—enough time to plan, plot, and execute. But the real wild cards are the 27.4%. You wake up, remember it’s Halloween, and somehow pull off a look that leaves people speechless. Real.

Best Couple (or Throuple) Costume Ideas

Alright, so 37.7% of you couldn’t settle for just one—you grabbed Deadpool + Wolverine and called it a day. Then there’s the 15.2% who chose Kamala Harris + Coconut Tree. Mixing policy with palms? Legislative shade just got literal. And 12% of you went straight to Lydia Deetz + Beetlejuice. Sometimes weird just hits different.

That’s just a taste for you. For the data nerds who can’t get enough—check out the rest of our Halloween 2024 survey results below.

Happy Halloween.

Extended Survey Results

Top Costume Picks (Ranked by Popularity):

1. Gladiator — 22.7%
2. Cowboy Carter — 20.7%
3. Brat Green — 20.3%
4. Chappell Roan — 19.1%
5. Homelander (The Boys) — 16.7%
6. Agatha Harkness (Agatha All Along) — 14.2%
7. House Targaryen (House of the Dragon) — 13.5%
8. Jools - “Very Demure, Very Mindful” — 13.3%
9. Raygun (Paris Olympics) — 11.5%
10. Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders — 9.2%
11. Jonathan Bailey’s “Drink Your Milk” Moment — 6.7%
12. Queen of Melrose — 6.4%
13. MaXXXine — 6.2%
14. An Alien — 5.8%
15. Carmy (The Bear) — 5.8%
16. Moo Deng — 5.6%
17. The Boreworm — 4.9%

Best Couple (or Throuple) Costume Ideas (Ranked by Popularity):

1. Deadpool + Wolverine — 37.7%
2. Kamala Harris + The Coconut Tree — 15.2%
3. Lydia Deetz + Beetlejuice — 12%
4. Harley Quinn + The Joker (Folie à Deux) — 11.6%
5. Challengers (for the throuples) — 6.6%
6. Elphaba + Glinda (Wicked) — 5.4%
7. Sabrina Carpenter + Jenna Ortega (Taste Video) — 5.1%
8. Charli XCX + Lorde (or Billie, or Troye, or Addison) — 5%
9. Tania + Tonka (Chimp Crazy) — 1.5%

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Introducing Daddy Lessons—a series of bite-sized snackable lessons in queer history, told by those who’ve lived the kind of lives you don’t learn about in textbooks.

We’re launching Daddy Lessons during LGBT History Month—because if we’re going to teach, we might as well make it sexy. Twice a week, we’re dropping fresh episodes to bring you the history you didn’t get in school. 

No stuffy lectures here—just stories from those who’ve lived through queer history’s defining moments, with the insight and experience to back it up. That’s why we’re thrilled to kick things off with Clayton Littlewood. As one of our Daddies, Clayton isn’t just a storyteller; he’s a chronicler of LGBTQ+ life, an acclaimed writer, and someone who has dedicated himself to capturing the grit, humor, and heart of queer culture.

Curious? You should be. 

Here’s Clayton, in his own words:

Imagine living in a town with no gay bars, no clubs, no saunas, no gay magazines, no bookshops, no films, and—worst of all—no Grindr. That was Weston-super-Mare in the 1970s. I felt like a freak. Like I was the only gay person alive.

My first realization of “otherness” came at school. I vividly remember reaching the third year, and overnight, all my friends started talking about girls. I couldn’t understand what they found interesting about them. Sure, I’d fumbled with a breast or two, but it always felt like a messy business. If they were into it and I wasn’t, what did that make me?

Every Saturday afternoon, I’d catch the bus to the library and browse the Young Adult section. But this day, I was there for a different reason—research. Making sure no one was watching, I gravitated toward the Psychology section. That’s when I found a book on sexual abnormalities. I had a name: homosexual. I nearly dropped the book. I quickly put it back and rushed out of the library.

I took the back entrance, my head buzzing, and popped into the adjoining bathroom. There, I made another discovery. Inside a cubicle, the walls were covered with writing: poetry, jokes, statements like “My mother made me a lesbian” and “If I get her the wool, will she make me one too?” And then, “Stuart sucks big cock,” “Meet me on the prom at 9 pm if you wanna get fucked.” Discovering your culture in a urine-drenched bathroom wasn’t life-affirming, but it was a revelation. There were others like me out there.

Fast forward ten years. Living in London and attending Westminster University, I walked into another library. At the back, on the bottom shelf, I found a gay section—an actual gay section. Quickly, I realized we had a history—a history that had been hidden from me. Oscar Wilde, Alan Turing, Radclyffe Hall, Kings and Queens, the Romans, the Ancient Greeks. It was mind-blowing. And it set me on a course of discovery.

Gay history has long been hidden—from shame, fear, or the law. Diaries have been destroyed, families denied their loved ones’ sexuality, and gay men stayed closeted. Same-sex couples were written off as “best friends.” Even in Hollywood, we’ve been coded, closeted, hidden away like a dirty secret.

Ironically, it was negative press—court cases, raids, arrests, executions—that shone a light on our world. The sensationalist coverage revealed an underground community most never knew existed. That publicity gave rise to the community we know today.

We’ve come far since then, but the pendulum swings back. As gay culture hits the mainstream, backlash follows. Living in Florida, it often feels like I’m living at the heart of it. We’re seeing LGBTQ+ book bans and “Don’t Say Gay” laws. The ACLU is currently tracking over 530 anti-LGBTQI+ bills in the U.S., and trans murders are rising at an alarming rate.

So how do we reach LGBTQ+ youth who may not have access to gay books in school so they don’t feel isolated? That’s where Daddy Lessons comes in. We’re here to get gay history across in a way that’s fun, accessible, and true to our experiences. I come from a generation of survivors. AIDS decimated my generation in the ’80s and ’90s. 

For those of us left, it’s time to give back. It’s time to tell our stories. To keep our history alive.

Don’t miss a lesson—follow us on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. 

Class is in session.

In Challengers, former best friends turned adversaries Patrick and Art (Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist) sit on a sunlit New Rochelle tennis court, sweaty, ruined, and captivating. The sport’s queer undertones are clear as Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ score throbs like the climax of a 24-hour rave. Patrick waves a banana — firm, phallic, but full of potassium — at Art before taking a dramatic, throaty bite. While the film was a triumph for queer cinema and tennis lovers alike, there isn’t a real-life crossover. In fact, men’s tennis remains one of the few global sports without an openly gay player.

Even without the banana and Guadagnino’s sensual director’s eye, skin-tight tennis whites, glistening sweat droplets, and bellowing grunts are still the name of the game—something Grindr understands with its new, court-ready “Grunt” notification sound. It’s hard to envision something gayer than two guys whacking a ball back and forth, so what’s the root of the lack of representation? The other end of the tennis spectrum evokes visions of country clubs, stuffiness, conservative elitism, pearl necklaces — and not the fun kind, either. And beyond this: the riptide of homophobia. 

On a Reddit thread entitled “Are there any out gay male tennis players?” fans wonder about LGBTQ+ visibility with a mix of trepidation and speculation. There’s the ever-looming fear of heckling; the loss of lucrative sponsorships in a highly individual sport without the backing of a team; traveling to countries where being out and proud includes the specter of hostility and even violence. (Notably, the absence of LGBTQ+ representation at the elite male level stands in stark contrast to the women's game, where notably former players like Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Amelie Mauresmo, and Daria Kasatkina have come out over the years.)

In many cases, the call is also coming from inside the house: a 2022 survey of the men’s Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour revealed that 75 percent of players had heard other players use homophobic slurs, prompting the tour to partner with You Can Play, an organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. In addition to the devastatingly high percentage, the aforementioned survey also noted a "strong fear of rejection, isolation from others on tour, and loneliness" as being barriers to players' publicly disclosing their sexuality.

It was the reality for American player Brian Vahaly, who came out publicly in 2017 — a full decade after retiring from the sport. “I heard homophobic comments all the time in the locker room: to my face, behind my back,” he told The Telegraph in 2018. “That was just a part of the culture.” No matter how many rainbow flags or LGBTQ+ charities are involved, the persistence of homophobia in men’s sports can’t be ignored. It’s locker room culture; it’s fearful alpha males; it’s the jock archetype from high school, stronger and more vicious with age.

To state the obvious: It’s all a damn shame. Two men with ripped, lean bodies grunting and swinging their rackets is a beautiful thing that has no place in the closet. As with most things in life, it’s all a matter of time. It only takes one tennis player to say, “Fuck it!” and open the doors for those in his wake. (Or perhaps the Challengers effect is already in motion? All will be revealed!) Until then, we’ll always have the grunts.

Season 2: We’re back, and yes—everyone’s still an asshole.

Last season was a light spank. Now? We’re going all in—big time. Who’s the Asshole? Season 2 is here, and Katya and her celebrity guests are getting their hands dirty, sifting through hookups and hang-outs gone awry to figure out: who’s the asshole? 

A master in chaos and off-the-wall absurdity, Katya will dig through your past, air out your dirty laundry, and make it a comedy special. Katya has that rare combination of self-awareness and biting humor that makes every punchline universal.

Season 1 was messy, but in Season 2, we’re setting up camp. Grab a seat and get comfortable.

Season 1 Recap

In case you missed it, Season 1 gave us the likes of Orville Peck, Jordan Firstman, Trace Lysette, and Saucy Santana. Check out their episodes for a refresher. 

What’s New in Season 2

This time, we’re upping the ante—Season 2 is stacked. Here’s who we’ve got:

Adam Lambert‍

He’s fronted Queen, taken over American Idol, and lit up stages worldwide with his sky-high tenor. From selling millions worldwide to reimagining glam rock for a new generation, Lambert keeps pushing boundaries.

Cosmo Lombino (Queen of Melrose)‍

Hollywood’s own gossip queen doesn’t do subtle. She’s loud, she’s everywhere, and somehow she knows everything. Hollywood’s secrets? She got them. The rest of us? Just trying to keep up with her.

Gottmik‍

Drag queen, makeup artist, and the first trans man to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Gottmik knows how to beat a face—and if you think that’s impressive, just wait until you see how else she turns up the heat. 

Bowen Yang‍

Quick with the punchlines and quicker with the stings, Bowen Yang is your resident scene-stealer from SNL, now set to make waves in Wicked as he brings his sharp wit to the big screen.

Brandon Kyle Goodman‍

You know him from Big Mouth and Human Resources, but get ready for the kind of real talk that doesn’t come with an animation filter. He’s bringing the laughs and leaving just enough to let your imagination do the dirty work.

Evan Ross Katz‍

Pop culture journalist and podcast host (Shut Up Evan) Evan Ross Katz reads the headlines before they’re written and asks the questions you didn’t realize needed answers. If it’s happened, he’s already there.

The Grindr Voicemail

Full inbox. Fuller confessions. You sent us your juiciest voicemails, and we listened. Now it’s time to air them all out. Katya and her guests will comb through every detail and decide: were you in the right, or were you just another asshole? 

One thing’s for sure: whatever you confessed—good luck hiding it now. This season, nothing’s off-limits, no one’s safe, and we’ve got the receipts.

Whether your story has us clenching or cracking up, we’ll be right here, judging every last detail. So tune in. It’s going to be one hell of a ride—straight to the… well, you know where.

The first episode of Season 2 premieres on September 12, 2024, and can be viewed on YouTube and streamed wherever you get your podcasts.

At Grindr, we're constantly exploring ways to improve your experience and expand the Global Gayborhood in Your Pocket^TM. In doing so, we know that privacy is uniquely important to our community. Unfortunately, in many places around the world, sometimes even in the U.S., the consequences of coming (and being) out can still be serious. So we take a privacy-forward approach to our work. Today, we're excited to share some upcoming changes to our privacy policy that will lay the groundwork for innovative features designed to make your Grindr experience even better.

What's Coming Soon

Transparency first

Our Privacy Program is guided by three core principles: transparency, user control, and data minimization. We update our Privacy Policy regularly, and each time we make updates we strive to make it clear and informative, though we realize this can mean more reading. Since 2021, we have organized the Privacy Policy in a layered manner so that you can navigate to the section that is most important to you.

We're rolling out the product and policy changes described below thoughtfully, step by step, to ensure we're getting it right. And we're providing advance notice explanations of the choices you have in personalizing your Grindr experience.

Nearby connections and more 

Since Grindr’s inception, users have found great value in the app's location-based interface. We also know that how people make connections has changed since our start in 2009. While proximity remains a core element of the Grindr experience, we know some users are interested in connecting with people who have similar interests, even if they're not the closest geographically. We also know that some might like advice on how to craft an intro message beyond ‘Sup’. So we're excited to announce a brand new section to our Privacy Policy called "Our Connection Algorithms." This new section explains how your data can be used to better connect you with people, chatbots, services, and experiences through Grindr by further personalizing the Grindr experience, providing AI features tailored to individual interests (e.g., profile recommendations and a personal chatbot), and continually improving these features for the Grindr community. We’re excited to offer a more personalized experience through AI-powered features, but we understand it’s important for you to choose what’s right for you. Soon you’ll see an in-app pop-up where you can give explicit consent for Grindr to use certain data¹ that privacy laws define as sensitive for AI development – before this data can be used. You’ll also have in-app control over whether even your non-sensitive data, e.g., city-level location, can be used for AI development. 

More relevant ads

We know that more than 90% of our users enjoy the free version of our app. If you prefer an experience without third-party ads, you can always upgrade to a subscription. With a subscription, you can browse and message other users with no third-party ads interrupting your pursuit of a new connection, and no Personal Information is shared with advertising partners because no third-party ads are served.  

Making a free tier of Grindr available is important to us, and we’re able to do so because advertising revenue subsidizes some of the costs of providing this service. For ad-supported accounts, we currently share very limited information with advertisers (no Personal Information beyond IP address and an advertising identifier – with consent), but we recognize that this sometimes results in ads that may not be relevant to you. 

If you choose to receive personalized ads, we’d like to provide ads that are relevant to you while respecting your privacy. Therefore, if you choose personalized ads, the manner in which Personal Information is shared will be done in a privacy-preserving way. For example, we will allow advertisers to reach Grindr users based on general categories. This could involve sharing non-sensitive profile details like your general location (think city-level, not your exact location) or interests you’ve tagged in your profile (like your love for Sunday brunch), but only with your consent. Finally, Grindr does not share any information about your vaccination, testing, or HIV status with third-party advertisers. No vaccination status. No testing reminders. No HIV status. 

It's important to emphasize that sharing certain Personal Information for ads remains entirely optional—you’re in full control of whether you receive personalized ads and therefore what data is shared with advertising partners. As always, you can accept or decline to receive potentially more relevant ads via the Consent Preference Center within the app. For more information, please check out this help center article. 

Data retention and more

In this update, we have made efforts to address some commonly asked questions. For example, we include that all accounts with no log-ins for the past two (2) years are considered “inactive,” and are deleted from our systems in line with our Privacy Policy. We have also updated how European users can contact our EEA and UK representatives. And we are transitioning our Consent Management Platform, which lets you manage personalized ad choices, to a new provider– Ketch. 

Your Privacy, Our Priority

We understand that privacy is of paramount importance to our users given our community’s unique needs, and we recognize that Grindr is a special space for our community. Privacy is also at the heart of what makes our space inviting, comfortable, and fun. We are committed, now and always, to being transparent, keeping you informed, and earning– and maintaining– your trust. 

We know you might have questions, and we are here to help. We have worked hard to create a policy that gives you the information you need to make informed choices, and this blog is intended to explain the most important changes in clear, easy-to-understand terms. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us directly at [email protected]. 

¹ The in-app consent allows you to choose whether limited, optional profile fields (ethnicity, pronouns, gender, looking for, tribe, tags, and position); chat message content; and precise location can be used to help build AI features. You remain in control of what you include in your profile. 

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We just landed in Malta for our latest episode of Host or Travel, and while the island might be pint-sized, it’s got a swagger bigger than its borders. Ready to stir up some Mediterranean mischief? Let’s get to it.

We wasted no time, starting with a stroll through Barrakka Gardens. This perfect slice of greenery offers more than just breathtaking views; the daily cannon blasts from the Saluting Battery serve as a powerfhomosexualschul reminder of Malta’s history. Originally used to signal the time to ships in the Grand Harbour and display the island’s readiness for defense, this tradition has been shaking Valletta awake since 1566. Today, it’s a ceremonial nod to the island’s rich past, echoing the enduring spirit of the Knights of St. John.

Our next stop was Strait Street, where our guide Artur led us through the alleys that once buzzed with British sailors in the 1940s. These narrow streets were playgrounds for a little ‘after-hours diplomacy,’ and the secluded courtyards were ideal for off-the-record R&R.

With Valletta’s lively history behind us, we cranked up the adventure with a trip to Gozo, Malta’s quieter, more rugged cousin, where “everyone’s got a jeep.” Hidden beaches? Check. Scenic views? Double check.

The next day, we traded the jeep for a peaceful walk through Mdina, the Silent City. With medieval cobblestones and ornate door knockers, it’s no wonder Game of Thrones filmed scenes here—wandering through Mdina felt like stepping straight onto a medieval set.

We capped our Malta visit with a stop at Café Society, one of the island’s few LGBTQ+ bars. During the day, it’s all about relaxed vibes, but by night, the scene transforms with multicolored lights, creative cocktails, and music that turns a laid-back drink into a lively mini rave.

And if you think that’s all Malta has to offer, keep reading—we’ve got plenty more to uncover.

Malta Food

Elephant Shoe — Elephant Shoe in Valletta is the kind of spot that makes you glad you skipped the hotel breakfast. Tucked away in the city’s bustling core, this place knows how to do brunch without pretension. The “Merry Ducking Christmas” might sound like a gimmick, but it’s the dish you need after a morning of wandering the narrow streets. Meanwhile, the “WAP” waffles are a playful nod to pop culture without trying too hard. The vibe here is effortlessly cool, a mix of locals and savvy travelers who know a good thing when they find it.

Balance Bowl — In Valletta, Balance Bowl serves plant-based food that’s good enough to make you wonder why you don’t eat like this all the time. The menu is carefully put together, offering dishes like the “No Calamari Crunch.” Made from oyster mushrooms, it’s nothing like calamari, which is the point—it’s something uniquely delicious. Here, the food speaks for itself, subtly convincing you that making healthy choices doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.

Barracuda — At Barracuda, everything unfolds exactly as you’d expect from a seasoned establishment. The menu offers a masterclass in Mediterranean seafood—grilled octopus, sea bass—all arriving just as they should, without any unnecessary fanfare. Large windows frame the sea, serving as a constant reminder of the luxe experience you’re paying for. 

Malta Nightlife

Queerlesque — Queerlesque is a spectacle of glamorous and occasionally shocking burlesque acts. Featuring an all-queer cast, the show celebrates a vibrant blend of diversity, creativity, and empowerment. Performers hail from the USA, Poland, Syria, and beyond, showcasing the beauty of all body types, colors, and identities. 

A Little Crush — Every Wednesday evening in the summer, “A Little Crush” takes over Surfside Beach Club in Sliema, Malta, offering sunset music, cocktails, and a breeze that’s as cool as the vibe. Organized by a group of music enthusiasts, this event is all about the simple pleasures—sweet melodies, crashing waves, and cocktails that go down easy. Expect dreamy DJ sets from names like Simon Sauter and Nicky Slim, alongside the occasional b2b performance.

Kaktus Caffee — In Malta and in need of a pick-me-up? Kaktus is probably where you’ll want to end up. Tucked near Stella Maris Church in Sliema, this café serves Berliner pastries that set the bar high, paired with coffee that’s worth the detour. Pleasant, relaxed, and with service that makes you feel like a regular. That’s Kaktus.

Malta Arts & Culture

Rosa Kwir — The Rosa Kwir project celebrates diverse masculinity through the stories of trans, non-binary, and masculine-presenting LGBTQ+ individuals in Malta. Inspired by Rosa Mifsud—a trailblazer who, in 1774, successfully petitioned to have her legally recognized sex changed from female to male—this archive brings together donated objects, photos, videos, and written materials, alongside vibrant events.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral — St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is where Baroque drama hits its peak. Built by the Knights of Malta in the 1570s, it’s home to Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist—a 12-by-17-foot reminder that subtlety was never his strong suit. Caravaggio left his mark here in more ways than one, literally, as this is the only painting he ever signed.

Valletta Contemporary — Tucked in Valletta’s lower east end, Valletta Contemporary is where old-world charm meets cutting-edge art. Opened in 2018 inside a 400-year-old warehouse, this independent gallery—run by the Norbert Francis Attard Foundation—seamlessly blends modern exhibition spaces with historic architecture. Year-round, it hosts dynamic exhibitions from both local and international contemporary artists, while also engaging the community through outreach and educational programs.

Don’t let Malta’s size fool you—it’s packing a lot more than you’d expect.

Got more hot spots we missed? Head to our YouTube channel and drop your recs in the comments!

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Wedding season is upon us, and if you’ve ever wondered how to navigate the social waters of a queer wedding—or better yet, how to make sure you’re not that guest—this guide is for you. Grindr surveyed thousands of its users to gather the tea on what flies and what flops when it comes to queer weddings. From avoiding awkward questions to understanding the nuances of queer wedding traditions, we’ve got you covered.

The Don’ts: What Not to Say or Do

Don’t Play the Groom/Bride Guessing Game

It might seem innocent, but asking, “Who’s the groom?” and “Who’s the bride?” rank as the ultimate no-gos, with 54.9 percent of respondents marking it as the worst nuptial question. Let’s be mindful, alright?

Avoid Intrusive Relationship Questions

Curiosity is natural, but there’s a limit. Asking, “Who’s the top and who’s the bottom?” isn’t just rude; it’s also none of your business. With 29.8 percent of Grindr users placing this as a major faux pas, it’s clear that some things are better left unasked.

The Icks: Straight Folks, Take Notes

Weddings Are Not Spectacles

A queer wedding isn’t a novelty celebration. They should be treated the same as yours. The biggest ick? Straight people treating the ceremony like a spectacle. At least, that’s what 26 percent of respondents said, wishing that straight folks would just kick back and enjoy the moment. And for the love of all things sacred, no one needs to hear how “brave” you think queer weddings are.

Ditch the Heteronormativity

Comparing queer couples to straight ones? Not cute. It’s not a compliment to say, “You two are just like a regular couple!” or “Your relationship is so traditional!” Queer love doesn’t need to be validated by how closely it mirrors something else. Let us live.

The Dos: How to Be the Perfect Wedding Guest

Get Involved in the Fun

It’s a party, y’all, so now’s not the time to hold back. If we don’t see you on the dance floor, we’ll be taking notes…

Respect the Couple’s Wishes

When the couple asks for something—whether it’s sticking to a dress code, using the right pronouns, or honoring a unique tradition—your job is to follow suit (or dress). After all, it’s their day, not a choose-your-own-adventure. So, if the invitation says black tie, don’t show up in flip-flops.

Avoid These Phrases at All Costs

And then there are the things that just don’t need to be said. Here’s what Grindr users flagged as the biggest conversational landmines.

“How many of these guys have you hooked up with?”

It’s invasive, it’s cringy, and it’s got all the charm of an unsolicited LinkedIn message. Save everyone the discomfort and just… don’t.

Calling a Partner a “Friend” or “Roommate”

This isn’t a sitcom from the ’90s, m’kay? Our respondents suggest you drop the euphemisms and call it what it is. If you’re unsure, “partner” works just fine.

“I support your lifestyle.”

Being gay is not a lifestyle brand. 25.5 percent of users think this is one of the most patronizing phrases. We’re here to celebrate love, not seek approval.

Matchmaking? Think Again

Feeling like playing Cupid? Resist. 60.3 percent of respondents suggest you let love find its own way without your help. The wedding is about the couple in front of you, not the potential couples you’re dreaming up.

Gendered Traditions: Time for a Change?

Weddings aren’t a box to tick off. Grindr users know this, and they’re here to show that the only rule is to toss the rulebook. Here’s how they’re shaking things up.

Mix and Match — 51.8 percent of respondents prefer to pick and choose which traditions to follow, blending them to suit their preferences.

Go Gender-Neutral — 15.1 percent are all about adapting traditions to be more inclusive.

Complementary Yet Distinct — 44.6 percent of respondents favor outfits that complement each other without matching.

Individual Styles — 27.4 percent prefer expressing their unique identities through clothing choices.

Keep Your Original Names — 31.6 percent of respondents are all for keeping their own last names.

Hyphenate — 31.1 percent opt to hyphenate both last names, blending them in a way that feels right.

Music and Entertainment: Keeping It Queer

Interestingly, 59.4 percent of respondents don’t care too much about incorporating queer culture into the music and entertainment at their wedding. But for those who do, queer DJs, LGBTQ+ anthems, and drag performances are top choices.

For Straight Weddings: Inclusivity Matters

You call the shots—after all, it’s your wedding. But if inclusivity is on your radar, these minor tweaks could add a nice touch and earn you some extra queer street cred.

Attendants of Honor — 25.8 percent of respondents feel this term resonates most when replacing the traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen.

No ‘Gay Table’ Please — 85.2 percent of respondents say a firm no to segregating guests based on their sexual orientation (we hope this seems obvious).

And That’s a Wrap

Weddings, queer or otherwise, are really just about showing up, having a good time, and letting people celebrate the way they want. If you’ve picked up a few tips here, great. If not, just remember: smile, don’t ask weird questions, and play by the rules. Everything else? Just go with the flow.

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