Hinge Adds Feature to Help Open Up Conversation for LGBTQ+ Daters

Hinge announced a new feature called Not-so-Frequently Asked Questions to help its users discuss sensitive topics when they aren’t quite sure how to approach the subject.

The new feature is designed with LGBTQ+ daters in mind according to Gizmodo, and aims to help answer the questions many people have but that they are afraid to ask, like questions around substance abuse, gender identity, or even how to set up a date with your ex’s ex.

Some personal subjects have traditionally been off limits when you are first meeting someone or striking up a conversation over a dating app, but Hinge wants to change this. Important topics require discussion up front before delving into a new relationship – like questions about faith, substance abuse, sexual identity, and sexual exploration. Plus, discussing personal topics honestly helps people better connect, which is one of Hinge’s main promises.

Hinge’s Chief Marketing Officer Jackie Jantos told Gizmodo: “[Not-So-Frequently Asked Questions] is built to engage LGBTQIA+ daters. They are a really important growing group of individuals using the Hinge app, and continuing to grow and serve their needs is really important to us.”

Jantos also told Gizmodo that this is an evolving feature that will change and grow over time, with the intention of engaging more users. Jantos added: “[The new feature] is a resource to help LGBTQIA+ daters get answers to some of their most frequently asked questions that aren’t really being discussed in public discourse, or just don’t have easy-to-find answers or conversations around.”

The new feature will serve as a guide, accessible through the app’s Help Center. The intention is to help users both while they are setting up profiles and also navigating conversations.

Hinge NFAQ is found in the Help Center

Image: Hinge

According to Gizmodo, some questions in the new feature include: “How do I set boundaries around substance abuse?” and “I’m demisexual. What’s the best way to set expectations around waiting to get sexual?” There are also questions to help educate people around LGBTQ+ issues, including “How do I recover from accidentally misgendering when trying to flirt?”

The questions in the guide were developed with the help of experts – specifically TikTok and Instagram influencers like therapist Shahem McLaurin, author Mimi Zhu, and journalist Phillip Piccardi. Hinge has also invited its users to submit questions for future updates to the feature.

Jantos added: “One of the benefits of [the feature] is in elevating these discussions, and elevating this discourse in general, hopefully we also educate and build compassion with all of the people on Hinge.”