Believr. Being LGBTQIA+ and Seeking Relationships with Other Faithful People On This New Dating App

 I met my partner Christian via a gay app. It is one of the primary ways that many of us--LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+--meet one another these days. Gone are the days of going to a gay bar, or meeting over a social hour, or a "blind date" (weird, not necessarily politically correct term). We met. We liked each other from the start, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I continue to meet other gay men via these apps. It is a way of making social connections, to see who else in one's social group is gay. Heck, I've used one or two of these apps in churches and large gatherings, and I am always a little surprised to see the number of gay men in certain settings, and have mentioned that more than once. There is something about me that doesn't like or respect a "closet."

There are more and more dating apps for LGBTQIA+ people, including the old familiars that have "updated" their websites, like "OK Cupid" as well as other new websites for dating and socializing, like Hinge, which is where or how Mayor Pete and Chasten met one another. 

I recently learned about Believr.com. My computer's autocorrect keeps wanting to fix the misspelling. It is missing an "e." It is like Grindr, also without an "e." It is like Grindr, except that it is for LGBTQIA+ people of faith to meet one another. 

It was begun by Adam Evers, who wanted an app that met the needs of LGBTQIA+ people of faith. He felt that some dating apps were simply not welcoming of Christians, and some Christian dating apps weren't welcoming of LGBTQIA+ people. 

So, I went on the app and opened up an account. The only difference I see from the other apps I've been on and/or used is that there are more "caring" and "helpful" messages built into the app itself. There hope is that people connect not only physically, but in terms of common values or characteristics and theological and philosophical approaches to life. 

I'll let you know what happens from opening up this app in the weeks and months to come.

To get to the app, go here: https://www.believr.app

For more on this story, go here: https://religionnews.com/2021/06/04/new-app-believr-aims-to-create-a-home-for-lgbtq-christians/

How fun to discover something new in this month of Pride!




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