Let's Talk About Gay Hookup Apps

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are increasingly finding sexual partners through apps such as Grindr. These apps haven’t just changed the way people find partners, though, they’ve also changed queer men and gay culture in major ways, some of which have been positive, while others have been negative. So let’s talk about the good, bad, and ugly of gay hookup apps.

I am joined once again by Zachary Zane, a Brooklyn-based sex writer. He is the sex and relationship columnist for Men’s Health, where he writes Sexplain It. He is the co-author of the book Men’s Health: Best. Sex. Ever. Zach’s latest book is titled Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto.

Some of the topics we discuss include:

• How are apps like Grindr different from apps that cater more to a heterosexual audience, like Tinder?
• What are some of the ways in which these apps have had positive effects on queer men and the gay community?
• Did Grindr really kill the gay bar?
• Do hookup apps make it easier to get the kind of sex you want?
• How can we reduce toxic behavior on hookup apps?
• How can individuals use these apps in healthy ways that don’t take a toll on their mental health?

Content advisory: This episode contains very frank discussion of sexual matters.

Check out more about Zach on his website, and be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram @ZacharyZane_.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.