Words: Tom Faber 29th November In Tokyo, oddly, dozens of users have replaced their profile pictures with images of food, since many dislike showing their faces online but have large image folders of meals they have photographed. Dating app use differs between cultures, but nowhere is the difference in Grindr more stark than the 72 countries wherein same-sex activity is illegal.
The app can be a positive force in those societies, helping to build LGBT communities in places where there are no safe spaces to congregate. But it can also be dangerous β a hotbed for catfish, thieves and undercover police, creating a society in which sharing a photo of your face can get you jailed. In such countries, Grindr offers advice in local languages about how to meet safely and disables their location feature by default, meaning it is easier for LGBT users at risk to remain hidden.
We spoke about Grindr experiences with five people from countries where it is illegal or taboo to be gay. Each is simply the perspective of one person and not representative of the whole country: experiences differ depending on social, economic and geographical context. I have close gay friends I met from Grindr. But Grindr has pros and cons. I feel it ruins some values.
It feels inhuman. Police use Grindr to entrap and arrest gay people. I was never caught, but we live in an atmosphere of fear. I have to hide my sexuality and do everything in discretion. Having to live in secrecy is its own kind of punishment. Despite the dangers, I use Grindr because I take precautions. I met one guy after chatting for a long time. We were the same age, from the same neighbourhood.
We went to a sports track to try and have sex there. We started kissing, but I soon felt someone snatching my phone from my hand. I looked up and there was another guy who looked absolutely terrible, carrying a knife. He was swearing at me and when I tried to defend myself he stabbed me in the thigh. Suddenly there were about seven guys running towards me.
