While we’re all here for a digital detox every now and then, there’s a lot to be said for stacking your phone with high-quality apps, especially if they cater specifically for queer users.
In need of a bit of an app re-shuffle? Here are our favourite queer-centred apps from the realms of travel, dating and everything in between.
Voda
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Voda is a mental-health app created by LGBTQ+ psychotherapists for queer folks, and it consists of a wide variety of resources to support your wellbeing. You’ll find plenty of quality advice on everything from coming out to coping with gender dysphoria. Voda is also home to the Trans Library, the world’s largest free mental health resource for trans people.
HER
Looking to connect with like-minded sapphics? Look no further than HER, a dating app developed specifically for LGBTQ+ women, which focuses on community-building. What’s more, following the app’s rebrand in 2018, HER has become a more welcoming place for trans and non-binary users.
Safe Date
As thrilling as online dating can be, safety must always come first, and this is where Safe Date comes in handy. The app allows you to enter your date plans, choose your ‘Safe Mates’ from your contacts and set a safe time to check in once your date finishes.
Gay History Project
Beat brainrot with a little bit of history in your pocket. The Gay History Project is a first-of-its-kind app dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich and diverse history of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to browsing the archive, users can also contribute their own queer histories.
GeoSure
Unfortunately, queer people are not always guaranteed a safe and welcoming environment when they travel, which is why it might be handy to have GeoSure on standby. This app assesses neighbourhoods across a number of safety factors – including LGBTQ+ safety – and offers a GeoSure score.
MisterB&B
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Another safety factor to consider when travelling is accommodation. As queer people, we want the assurance that we can rock up to our booking as our authentic selves, and MisterB&B takes the guesswork out of the equation. The app lists LGBTQ+ friendly hostels, B&Bs, and private homes, and it also allows users to connect with fellow queer travellers.
Tser
Not only is Tser a dating app designed for trans people and allies, but it also offers a social community for trans people to find friendship and support. Tser users can chat with others online and share snippets from their daily lives to help others get to know them.
BOBU: Back Off Back Up
This app was designed by a mother and her son as a way to keep LGBTQ+ people safe while enjoying nightlife. BOBU allows users to connect with designated safe spaces in the UK, such as bars and restaurants, where people can go if they are at risk of attack.
Shane
This Irish-designed app functions as a bridge between the LGBTQ+ community and queer-friendly and inclusive services and safe spaces. The app is fed reliable, peer-reviewed information, so you can explore new places with peace of mind.
Lex
Anyone who has spent any time on dating apps knows that discrimination can run rampant and unchecked. Lex, on the other hand, is specifically designed for queer, trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people. The app has a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, making it an ideal app to make long-lasting connections with other queer folks.
Surge
Fed up with mindless swiping? Surge might just be for you. This dating app for gay, bi, trans and queer men has an option to send “power messages” to ensure that people read a few of your words before deciding how to swipe.
EvaF
EvaF is a voice-training app designed for trans users who want to train their voices to align better with their gender. Instruction is video-based and users can access practice routines, learning objectives and self-guided exercises to help them reach their goal.
GayCities
GayCities has compiled useful data on over 236 cities to make your next weekend away even easier. With this app, users can view recommendations for queer bars, restaurants, shops and even gyms. You can also use GayCities to suss out crowd levels as you travel.
Feeld
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Curious about exploring your kinky side? Feeld – “the app for open-minded people” – might be the one for you. Fostering a less judgmental and more supportive community, this is the best app for people who are looking for non-conventional relationship structures or to explore their kinks.
GCN
We would be remiss not to give our very own app a plug! With the GCN mobile app, you can read the most-loved, longest-running LGBTQ+ magazine in Ireland directly on your phone. Browse the archive and read the latest issue directly on your phone!
From exploring new communities to meeting like-minded folk online, where will your next app take you?
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