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In this article, we’ll look at how the popular lesbian dating app HER has taken a stand against transphobia and reinforced its commitment to inclusivity.
Key Takeaways:
- HER app, with 20 million users globally, sends a clear message to transphobes: delete the app.
- The app is committed to inclusivity, welcoming trans and nonbinary lesbians.
- In honor of Lesbian Visibility Day, HER published a blog post advocating for trans and nonbinary lesbians.
- The app faced a temporary suspension on Twitter, following interactions with TERFs.
- HER’s founder, Robyn Exton, is determined to make the app a safe and inclusive space for all lesbians.
A Message to Transphobes: Delete HER
The popular lesbian dating app, HER, has issued a clear and unapologetic message to its users who harbor transphobic views: delete the app.
In a mass notification sent to its users, the platform emphasized that it is committed to being an inclusive space for all lesbians, including transgender and nonbinary individuals.
This bold move comes as a response to the ongoing debate within the LGBTQ+ community about the inclusion of trans and nonbinary lesbians on the platform.
Celebrating Inclusivity on Lesbian Visibility Day
On Lesbian Visibility Day, HER took a stand to ensure that all lesbians are celebrated and recognized.
The app’s founder, Robyn Exton, published a blog post titled “This Lesbian Visibility Day, We Are Reclaiming ‘Lesbian.'”
In the post, she expressed strong support for transgender and nonbinary lesbians, pushing back against those who refuse to accept their identities.
The post stated, “There’s no such thing as a ‘real lesbian.’ But being a genuinely lousy human? Oh, that’s a thing. Join us in honoring trans and non-binary lesbians today and forever.”
Twitter Suspension and the TERF Backlash
Following the publication of the blog post, HER’s Twitter account faced a massive wave of backlash from those who disagreed with the message.
As a result of these heated exchanges, particularly with individuals identified as TERFs (transgender-exclusionary radical feminists), Twitter temporarily suspended HER’s account.
The 24-hour suspension occurred on Lesbian Visibility Day, which Exton believes was primarily due to the interaction with the TERF audience who repeatedly reported the account.
HER’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Safety
Despite the challenges faced on social media, HER remains determined to be a safe and inclusive space for all lesbians.
With over 20 million users worldwide, 12.5% of whom identify as transgender or nonbinary, the platform is dedicated to pushing back against the narrative that lesbian identity is solely owned by cisgender lesbians.
Exton, along with her colleagues at HER, fundamentally disagree with this notion and work tirelessly to ensure that the app remains a welcoming environment for everyone.
To minimize transgender discrimination on the app, HER suspends the accounts of users who explicitly state preferences that exclude transgender individuals.
Exton asserts that such behavior is inherently discriminatory and unacceptable on the platform.
Doubling Down on Trans Support
Despite facing heightened scrutiny on social media, HER has no intention of slowing down its support for transgender and nonbinary users.
In fact, Exton told PinkNews that they are “probably doubling down” on their efforts. As TERFs continue to question HER’s position, the platform uses this as an opportunity to make its stance exceptionally clear.
HER has always been an inclusive platform since its inception, welcoming trans women, nonbinary people, and anyone who identifies as a woman.
Exton finds it absurd that some users are now accusing HER of “promoting” inclusion when it has been the app’s core value from the beginning.
The team at HER is frustrated with the aggression and violence directed towards the app and its users by so-called gender-critical activists when all trans women want on the app is the opportunity to find love.
Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the platform has seen a rise in hate speech, including the removal of policy protections for transgender people against deadnaming and misgendering.
LGBTQ+ nonprofit GLAAD condemned these changes, describing the platform as increasingly unsafe for users and advertisers alike.
Under Musk’s ownership, conspiracy theories targeting the LGBTQ+ community have also surged, making it even more important for platforms like HER to stand up for their users.
Conclusion
HER’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and support for transgender and nonbinary lesbians sends a powerful message within the LGBTQ+ community.
By standing up against transphobia and advocating for a safe and welcoming space, the app demonstrates its dedication to ensuring that all lesbians, regardless of their gender identity, can find love and friendship.
Despite facing backlash, temporary suspension on Twitter, and a challenging social media environment, HER continues to double down on its efforts to support its trans and nonbinary users.
Through its actions and policies, HER is paving the way for a more inclusive future in the world of online dating and beyond.
