Tinder heralds inclusivity with 37 new gender options
A new update from Tinder is embracing the transgender community, moving away from the binary male/female fields to allow users to instead describe their gender if they wish.
Tinder's new gender fields
The IAC-owned company is allowing users to describe their gender on the bio page, helping certain users provide a more authentic description. Additionally, the update syncs up with Transgender Awareness Week.
Company chief executive Sean Rad announced the move: “Our goal is to provide a product that gives our transgender and gender non-conforming users a better experience on Tinder.
“We’re really excited about the update and believe it is the right step to take as a company to create more meaningful connections between all of our users. Everyone is welcome on Tinder.”
A statement from the company read: "We haven’t had the right tools to serve our diverse community in the past, but that changes today. In addition to this new feature, we are learning to be a better ally to transgender and gender non-conforming communities by allocating additional resources to our support team, which includes educating our staff about the challenges facing these communities."
The company consulted with GLAAD, and transgender advocate and consultant Andrea James, to guide the update.
On the inclusive steps from Tinder: “For many trans people, opening up to a new romantic prospect about being trans can be a really nerve-racking experience,” says film producer, director, and trans advocate Andrea James, who worked with Tinder and GLAAD in developing the update.
“I know this update will helps trans and gender non-conforming users feel more comfortable while forging new relationships.”
More genders are available on Tinder in the US, UK and Canada.