Grindr goes political on gay issues

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The location-aware gay social app Grindr has launched a new movement to raise awareness of gay, bi and trans issues around the world dubbed ‘Grindr for Equality’.

The app has attracted over 3 million users worldwide since its launch in 2009.

Joel Simkhai, Founder and CEO said: “There is strength in numbers and Grindr for Equality will enable our users to use our platform for the greater good of our community.

“In today’s world, the power of social networks and location-based mobile technologies are playing a major role in political change and social awareness.

“We want to continue that momentum and get more people involved. We’re asking people to sign up, send us submissions regarding issues they care about and become advocates for the GLBT community.”

Grindr said today its first philanthropic act was a message to closeted US army personnel during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal.

It welcomed servicemen with a link to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network’s contribution page, with more than 5,000 user click-throughs.

Grindr also says it was involved in the overturning of Proposition 8 and the passage of equal marriage rights in New York last year.

There were more than 57,000 click-throughs to a petition calling on St Petersburg not to pass a law against ‘gay propaganda’ which eventually garnered 250,000 signatories worldwide.

Read PinkNews.co.uk’s interview with Grindr founder Joel Simkhai here.

Simkhai added: “The focus on Grindr for Equality is to continue to give our community a voice and bring to light these issues that try to suppress or silence us, especially on international issues where it can literally be the difference between life and death.”

The app released a security update last month after thousands of Australian users’ accounts were put at risk.

Grindr is also continuing to search for on-the-ground activists around the world to send regular updates on gay rights in their area with 3,700 responses received so far.

Individuals and like-minded groups are encouraged to send an email with basic contact information and a brief description of how the issue relates to the GLBT community and how Grindr for Equality could provide assistance.

Submissions can be sent via email to [email protected]. See the Grindr for Equality website for more information.

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