Queer dating during social distancing using a text-based app.

Abstract

Sex and gender queer people experience feelings of isolation in a vast array of ways. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, queer people have been forced endure additional isolation not only from people, but also from much needed sources of acceptance for sexualities and genders. As queer-focused dating apps have increased in popularity and acceptance, they have become one way in which otherwise isolated queer people are able to connect, see, and be seen. While queer physical community spaces can no longer be safely accessed due to social distancing, dating apps remain available as an essential opportunity to reach out to other queer people and to access large numbers of fellow queer people. This study reviewed a sample of 1500 Lex personal ads during the summer of 2020 that directly or indirectly reference the COVID-19 pandemic posted by users in the United States. The researchers saved and recorded appropriate text messages. These text-based personals posts were then analyzed to gain a greater understanding of both the isolation that is experienced by queer people who are not cis-men, as well as the attempts to reduce isolation through the app.