Tinder's Latest Update Allows Indian Users To Freely Express Their Genders

Tinder, the well-known dating apps, is getting more inclusive. Besides the usual options, the app users now have dozens of identity options to choose from. Prior to this update, users can only select male or female. The online dating platform mentioned that, an advisory panel consisting of LGBTQ author Pramesh Shahani and The Humsafar Trust, India’s oldest LGBTQ organization, to assist the company in developing a more comprehensive platform.

The latest update brings more diversity to people regarding gender identity. Users are now able to add information about their identity that can go beyond the gender binary. To add information, users can go to the ‘Edit Info’ option; then they can type in whatever they want that describe their gender. They can also decide to display their gender on their profile or not.

Chairperson of The Humsafar Trust, Ashok Row Kavi said that this new step of Tinder embraces pluralism and diversity, which indeed portrays the idea of India. For all Indian people who identify themselves as non-binary and trans, this will undoubtedly be their opportunity to live their true selves both in real life and online. He also showed great pleasure and enthusiasm in the association between The Humsafar Trust and Tinder.

LGBTQ author Pramesh Shahani also thinks that the ripple effect of Tinder’s bold move will be significant. He hoped Tinder users would be free to express their authentic selves. Moreover, he expressed his earnestly desire that other institutions, private or government, will be empowered by this move, to be open-minded and widen their framework to gender approach. This will provide both these institutions’ employees and customers a wide range of gender choices.

GM of Tinder India, Taru Kapoor, said that the move reflects the changes in openness for LGBT people. And it has been a great year for India regarding gender, personal autonomy, and sexuality. She also emphasized that everyone is welcome on Tinder regardless of their gender orientation.

In 2012, Tinder was founded and launched. The app has spread its popularity across 190 countries globally. Every day, 26 million matches are made on Tinder, and until now there have been over 20 billion matches been made. At present, the company has attracted more than 3 million users.

Just like all other tech companies, Tinder sees the Indian market as a great potential with smartphones’ growing popularity and cheaper data access.