Grindr Launches Host or Travel Online Series Exploring Gayborhoods

Gay dating app Grindr has launched a new online show called Host or Travel, which explores different “gayborhoods” (or gay-friendly neighborhoods) around the world, launched in tandem with testing its new travel-friendly “Roam” feature.

According to the trailer for the show, Host or Travel features specific cities with prominent LGBTQ communities, and looks at their local cultures, nightlife, and events that might interest Grindr users. The show has featured destinations like Madrid, Spain; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Los Angeles, U.S.; Zipolite, Mexico; Berlin, Germany; and Malta.

The show centers on singles traveling to these key destinations and using the Grindr app to meet locals who can share insider knowledge and give them a peek into the gayborhood in each city, including private parties and hole-in-the-wall bars.

According to Mashable, Grindr is developing an interactive map to help users find LGBTQ-friendly hotspots in their cities like those featured in the show. The company is also highlighting its Roam feature which lets Grindr users temporarily set their location to anywhere in the world so they can chat with local matches and make plans ahead of a trip (similar to Tinder’s Passport feature).

Grindr acknowledges not everyone has access to a local gayborhood where they live to connect with other LGBTQ people, so it wants to create more connection and experiences through its app.

The company said in a press release about Roam: “For decades, the global LGBTQ+ community has physically connected in cities around the world, creating hubs, or Gayborhoods, for local gay, bi, trans, and queer people to freely express themselves, enjoy a sense of safety and intimacy, and foster community through spaces created specifically for us. However, not all of us are able to access a physical Gayborhood.”

The company went on to say: “By expanding Grindr to serve as the digital Gayborhood, we are bringing a crucial form of community, rich in information and connection, to you on your phone.”

Mashable also noted that Grindr says its users already employ the app when traveling, not only to connect with locals but to get recommendations for LGBTQ-friendly restaurants, events and accommodations.

"Roam is the first of many future Gayborhood features we are launching, and it unlocks new travel functionality to bring you one step closer to other Grindr users around the globe," George Arison, chief executive officer of Grindr, said in the company’s release.