My Transsexual Date, OkCupid Among Top Dating Sites for Trans Singles

LA Weekly unveiled a list of the best online dating sites for Trans singles, with OkCupid and My Transsexual Date among the top choices.

The list was created with attention to the specific needs of trans daters, notably in regard to safety, the magazine points out. While many mainstream dating platforms have a section or choices for transgender people, the transgender community is often subject to abuse from intolerant or ignorant cis users, or they are fetishized and treated as objects. This makes dating apps particularly tricky and anxiety-provoking for trans people.

Some online dating sites provide a safe space better than others, and My Transsexual Date and OkCupid are among them. 

The article highlighted several categories for consideration, including “very inclusive and non-toxic,” which earned dating app Butterfly a spot on the list. OkCupid was awarded with the most “diverse dating pool” as well as “best transgender dating experience online.” My Transsexual Date was lauded for the sheer number of user profiles on its app, as well as being the best dating app specifically for transgender women.

OkCupid made the list because there is a significant portion of trans users on the app, despite the majority of users being cis-gendered. The app is also LGBTQ+ friendly with its platform and marketing, highlighting same-sex couples and gender inclusivity. 

My Transsexual Date is aimed at trans women who want to date men. While free for trans women, the company’s fee structure requires men to pay to chat with potential matches (adding a level of commitment to cut down on the trolls). There are over 42,000 users on the site, making it a draw for many because of the number of choices, but also because it’s easy to filter down to specifics of what you want. The site is web-based only for now, though an app is in development.

Butterfly was rated overall the best app for transgender daters because of its safety features, though the majority of its users are still cis-gendered (34% trans, 43% cis men and 23% cis women). But notably, the app automatically deletes offensive terms used as slurs against trans people and ensures users can’t post “NSFW photos” on their profiles. This approach is helpful to those looking for partnerships, and who don’t want to be sexualized or fetishized by other users, and it shows by the number of users gravitating to the app. 

Trans daters are still at a disadvantage overall with dating apps, which tend to focus on cis relationships and safety protocols. But as awareness is raised about LGBTQ+ issues when it comes to dating, all dating apps and their users benefit from widening their scope to be both more inclusive and safer for all daters, no matter their gender or sexual preferences.