Dating as a bisexual individual involves more than simply selecting men, women, and non-binary people in the “Show Me” settings on Tinder. This experience, particularly on dating platforms, can sometimes entail interactions with individuals who hold stereotypes about bisexuality, such as beliefs that bisexual individuals cannot be monogamous, or those who fetishize them, such as so-called “unicorn hunters.” Contrary to the misconception that bisexual people have double the dating options compared to monosexual individuals (those attracted to only one gender), they often face rejection from matches who do not understand or accept their sexuality.
According to Reddit users who identify as bisexual, the positive aspect of dating apps is the ability to discern any issues with potential matches’ acceptance of bisexuality upfront. This means there’s no requirement to go on several dates to uncover the truth about a match’s views; it can be determined from the comfort of home.
Nevertheless, hope remains as dating apps can also be a great way to meet open and accepting individuals. Many dating platforms, including Hinge and HER, allow users to specify their bisexuality. The challenge then lies in choosing the right app.
The best dating site for bisexual individuals varies based on personal preferences. Mainstream dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble tend to cater more to a heterosexual audience. Bisexual users who are currently interested in dating individuals of a different gender might find these apps more appealing due to their broad user base and general popularity.
For those preferring a more LGBTQ-focused environment, options like HER, which caters to the sapphic community, and Archer, aimed at men who love men, may be more suitable. Additionally, there are apps specifically designed for bisexual daters, such as BiCupid and Bindr.
BiCupid, for instance, promotes itself as a dedicated app for bisexual individuals with over three million downloads. However, reviews on the App Store have raised concerns about issues like account suspensions, user experience, and the value of the subscription fee. In clarifying these issues, BiCupid stated that it offers multiple free features such as browsing profiles, sending likes and “winks,” setting basic filters, and responding to private messages. Users can also share daily activities and interact without restrictions. The company is working on expanding its user base and improving its matching algorithm.
Bindr, another bisexual-dating-specific app, has received more favorable, albeit fewer, reviews on the App Store. According to Mary Richardson, CEO, and co-founder of Bindr, the app has hundreds of thousands of users and millions of unique visitors and downloads. Despite some Reddit users indicating a perception of a smaller user community on Bindr, it offers a significant platform for bisexual dating.
When selecting a dating app, it is also important to consider whether one seeks a long-term relationship or a more casual encounter. Hinge is known for fostering relationship-focused interactions, whereas Tinder is often associated with hookups. However, these generalities can vary, as people have experienced long-term relationships from Tinder and casual connections from Hinge.
Navigating dating as an out bisexual person can be daunting, especially with fears of not being “queer enough.” Nonetheless, dating apps can serve as a platform to explore sexuality in a more private setting, making it less daunting than visiting a gay club or coming out to family and friends. Justin R. Garcia, executive director of the Kinsey Institute, mentioned that dating apps provide an unprecedented opportunity to explore possibilities and can enable individuals to date proudly as bisexuals.
Awareness of potential risks—such as stereotypes, fetishization, and general safety precautions—can make the dating experience more enjoyable. Armed with this knowledge, dating as someone attracted to multiple genders can indeed be a fulfilling experience.
In conclusion, a selection of the best dating apps tailored for bisexual individuals is provided, considering various preferences and needs.