We all know that dating isn’t easy. For adults who don’t have the ease of walking by your crush in the school cafeteria or passing notes to that cutie behind you in class, there are basically got four options for finding love: Head to your favorite watering hole and keep your eyes open for a gal or nonbinary person who might be interested. Ask some friends with good taste (or a carefully curated checklist) to set you up with one of their friends and hope you hit it off, then pray it doesn’t make things weird if it doesn’t work out. Join a club, take a class or get involved with an LGBTQ+ advocacy or volunteer group to boost your chances of meeting like-minded folks. And if all else fails, pick up your phone and start swiping. In this day and age, most of us live a fair portion of our lives through our screens, so it just makes sense that many queer and LGBTQ+ singles are swiping through dating apps to find a new partner in crime. If you’re considering trying your luck there too, you’re in good company.
Best dating site for lesbians
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A recent study conducted by Match.com found that 56% of LGBTQ+ singles have gone out with someone they met online, with transgender people logging on the most, at 65%. Overall, half of all singles in the U.S. have created a dating profile, according to Singles in America. But for women seeking women and nonbinary partners, it can be hard to find an app that will match you with dates who actually fit the profile you’re looking for without having to swipe through a bunch who don’t. We rounded up the best lesbian dating apps out there, to improve the chances you’ll find love online. The best part? They are all free to download.
1
Lex
HASHTAG OPEN
A text-based app for queer, trans, gender non-conforming, two spirit and nonbinary people, Lex has a clear zero-tolerance policy for creepy or discriminatory behavior of any kind. It’s based on newspaper personals ads (remember those?) so it focuses on the language we use for ourselves and our relationships, rather than placing a heavy emphasis on physical appearance.
2
Hashtag Open
HASHTAG OPEN
#Open is an app for ethically non-monogamous people that’s focused on inclusivity, no matter what your relationship status, orientation or identity might be. It’s dedicated to providing a space where everyone can share their entire selves, creating a respectful and inclusive space — and it seeks to improve society as a whole through research and education that protects and lifts up vulnerable populations. What’s not to love?
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3
Her
HER
Part dating app, part social media platform, Her was created by and for queer women. Because it also features a calendar of events, it’s a great place for women, nonbinary, trans and gender-nonconforming people to find love or queer community, even if you’re not looking for a one-on-one date yet.
RELATED: My Mom and I Tried Online Dating at the Same Time
4
Fem
FEM
TikTok fans, this is the perfect dating app for you. Fem focuses on videos more than other platforms, and also allows for group chats if you’re into that sort of thing. If you’re not a video person, never fear. You can stick to still photos. And despite the name, it’s not just for femmes.
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5
Lesly
LESLY
This queer dating app helps women and nonbinary people find love, hookups or just a fun date, with a similar swipe functionality as dating app O.G. Tinder. And because the staff evaluates registered users for authenticity, you know the person you’re matching with isn’t just a bot.
RELATED: 40 Cheap Indoor Date Ideas
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6
PinkCupid
PINKCUPID
Part of a network of more than 30 other dating sites, PinkCupid has a huge community of users worldwide for those who like to cast a wider net. And because it’s been in operation since 2006, the site also has a long track record of success, plus a whole bunch of testimonials that will restore your faith in love.
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7
Hinge
HINGE
Hinge only matches users with friends-of-friends, so everyone you meet will have someone to vouch for them. Think of it like an app-based friend intro. It calls itself “the dating app designed to be deleted,” so if you’re looking to enter into a meaningful relationship instead of a one-night stand, this app might be just the thing.
8
Bumble
BUMBLE
While the woman-messages-first feature Bumble is known for doesn’t work as well when both people identify that way, Bumble does have an extra element of urgency for those of us who don’t like waiting around. Users have to respond to messages within 24 hours, so if you need help making your move, this app can help.
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9
OkCupid
OKCUPID
While it started out as an app for hetero couples, OkCupid has added lots more LGBTQ+-friendly gender identity and sexual orientation options over recent years, making it far more inclusive than other similar apps. And because dating profiles on OkCupid are more extensive than many others, this one can help ensure you’ve got plenty in common.
10
Bounce
BOUNCE
While not strictly a lesbian dating app, Bounce’s unique structure is worth a look. Users “check in” when they feel like going on a date, and get matched with other local singles in real time. You have one minute to decide whether you’re up for it, and then the app chooses a spot for you to meet up. If you’re game for a little adventure, roll the dice with this one.
11
Tinder
TINDER
There’s a reason why Tinder’s name is basically synonymous with online dating. If you want to play the numbers game, Tinder’s the place to do it due to the sheer volume of users. You just might have to swipe through a few dudes to get to your lucky lady or enby.