Beyond the 'binary' standards in dating
LetsTalkGender.in, a manual and dictionary created in
cooperation with Gaysi Family, was launched by dating service Tinder to promote
dialogue about how people define and express their gender.
Users were able to express themselves in ways other
than binary for the first time on a dating app in 2016.
The LGBTQIA+ community as a whole collaborated to
build this dynamic, living dictionary and guide, drawing inspiration from the
Tinder app's 50+ gender identities and 9 sexual orientations.
"The way we perceive and feel gender is
developing, and the only way to keep up with it is to keep having these
talks," Gaysi Family co-founder Sakshi Juneja said. Not just within the
community, but also in broader social contexts, as it affects how we manage
permission, how we access resources and institutions like marriage, and how we
relate to one another in both intimate and non-intimate contexts. And it's
crucial that companies like Tinder, who have a significant impact and presence
in society, encourage the development of such spaces to foster inclusivity and
foster an atmosphere where such expressions can be openly explored.
Let's Talk Gender is a long-term commitment for us
that strengthens our support for the LGBTQIA+ community in India and promotes
inclusive dialogue in the dating industry. Aahana Dhar, director of
communications for Tinder India, continues, "This living lexicon, produced
by professionals, provides a more personal sense of identity and moves us
closer to creating a future where everyone is able to have total control over
their choices and self-expression.
LetstalkGender.in addresses a variety of issues,
including what the binary is, why it is constrictive, the need for and usage of
pronouns, the implications of a partner's queerness for someone dating them,
and answers to frequently asked questions and enquirers.
As one navigates the microsite, it develops into a
lexicon of gender identities and adjectives based on the lived experiences of
community members.
These identities, as they appear on the Tinder app,
are composed of several umbrella terms, some of which are fluid and others that
cover a range of gender identities.