Online dating has become a phenomenon over a few decades now. It exploded even more during the COVID pandemic, as people fought isolation by digitally connecting with others. While many believed the end of the pandemic would see somewhat of a demise in the phenomenon, that did not happen. Today, online dating has become a fixture in the lives of many singles who look for all types of relationships, and dating apps have become an efficient method for these consumers. It’s important to note, however, that as with any consumer product, quality varies a great deal, and finding those that are both reputable and safe usually requires some “homework.”
One population that has come to use online dating apps is that of lesbians, women who seek relationships with other women for a wide variety of purposes. And if they choose the right app for their relationship goals, they may ultimately meet up in person with the right person.
What Makes a Great Dating App for a Lesbian?
There are a number of things that a lesbian should look for when selecting a dating app. Here are a few of the most critical.
Safety and Security
This is important for all online daters but even more so for lesbians who must guard against those who may be out to do them harm. Apps that have identity verification protocols (the more sophisticated the better) might include such things as live self videos while facing a camera and then a frame by frame analysis to ensure no manipulation. Then facial recognition technology can compare the face in the video with the face on a user’s profile page.
Large Dating Pool From Which to Choose
There are huge dating apps that serve a wide variety of people. But within that large membership, there should be a significant number of lesbians to “date” in digital space. Small niche apps specifically for lesbians do not tend to have the numbers to meet the variety of relationship goals that they may have.
Sense of Community
Like everyone, lesbians are social beings. Any student of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs knows that once basic physical and safety needs are met, there is a need for belonging. Dating apps that provide groups or forums for lesbians to give and receive advice, to share their life experiences, and to discuss their challenges and other issues are good choices.
With these three key criteria in mind, it’s time to have a look at some dating apps that serve the lesbian population well.
Taimi
Taimi is a massive online dating app with a current membership of more than 29 million. While it serves a huge audience, as a lesbian app, it does stand out.
Safety and Security
Members can verify their identities in a number of ways, including the live video and facial recognition protocols described above. While such verification is optional, those who do opt for it receive a check on their profile photo, and users are urged to opt in and only communicate with those who do.
Security also refers to the protection of personal data that new members must provide. At Taimi, such information is encrypted, and securely held with SSL and Firewall technology.
Large Dating Pool
Given the size of Taimi, there are hundreds of thousands of lesbians in many countries with a large variety of relationship goals, from friendships all the way up to permanent partnerships/marriage.
Sense of Community
Taimi is known for its social groups, comprising a mini social media platform within the app. Lesbians will find a host of groups that meet their needs. Further, throughout the year this platform holds games, contests, and events, urging all members to participate and make dating fun.
HER
Available only as an app, HER is focused on queer women who seek varied relationship goals and wish to be a part of a safe space to pursue their predilections. For those who prefer a website version, the app can be downloaded on their PCs. HER launched in 2013 and in the UK two years later.
Safety and Security
HER has no mandatory identity verification protocol but does provide an optional one – submission of a self photo that is then matched with another random photo. This is not a truly strong security measure.
HER does protect its users’ personal information in the standard ways and does not share, sell, or transfer personal information except when required by law enforcement agencies.
Large Dating Pool
The lesbian and lesbian-related population on HER is more than 15 million and growing regularly. This means that it can serve its members no matter what their relationship goals may be.
Sense of Community
There are a number of communities within the app that members can join to share advice, experiences, interests, and information about news and events.
Tinder
Tinder was founded in 2012 and began to include the lesbian population in 2016. Of its 10 million+ members, a continually growing lesbian membership is evident, and the app supports all relationship goals.
Safety and Security
Identity verification is optional and includes submission of a government-issued ID. That ID is deleted once confirmed. Verification puts a check mark on a user’s membership photo.
Large Dating Pool
With so many members and a rapidly growing lesbian population, lesbians do have a significant dating pool, although not as large as some other apps.
Sense of Community
Tinder has “Group Hangouts” within the app. All are free to join or create their own. Groups for lesbians are available where they can share in discussions, advice, and experiences.
Senior Match
The philosophy behind this app is that love and romance know no age boundaries. Senior Match was launched in 2001 and began to include lesbians in 2003, quite a bit before many other apps even considered it. The app is for senior singles over 50, but lesbians as young as 45 are welcomed too.
Safety and Security
This app stands out because of its mandatory self video with a new member facing a camera while moving. The video is analyzed frame by frame to ensure authenticity and then subjected to facial recognition comparison with a new member’s on-app photo. No one may become active until this verification is completed.
Large Dating Pool
Of the 2.5 million members, the number of lesbians is obviously smaller than some other apps. But they are highly active members which helps.
Sense of Community
Lesbians will find a number of discussion groups and forums, some of which are specifically for their membership. The app also publicizes localized events and get-togethers, so members may meet up in person.
Zoosk
Founded in 2007, Zoosk has grown to 40 million members and has always included the lesbian population. It uses behavioral technology to match up like-minded individuals and continues to refine those match presentations as members continue to use the app.
Safety/Security
Identity verification is optional but includes a live video, analyzed for authenticity and then facial recognition technology to compare the video face with a member submitted photo.
Supplied personal information is encrypted and securely stored with the latest SSL and firewall technology.
Users may also control how much of their public information may be viewed by others, can block others, and are urged to report any suspicious users or behaviors.
Large Dating Pool
With 40 million members, lesbians will have no problem being presented with others who share their personality traits and relationship goals. The key is to access the app and be active so that the matching algorithm can continue to refine those presentations.
Sense of Community
Zoosk has Community Boards which anyone may join, based on their interests. These serve to promote discussions, share dating tips and experiences, and provide interaction with others they may not otherwise encounter in the matching process.
Conclusion
Lesbian online dating does not have to be frightening or cumbersome. The key is to choose those dating apps that meet the criteria for quality and reputation. Following the criteria that have been set forth in this article and perhaps choosing one or two of the presented apps would be a good beginning.
