A young writer, exploring their sexuality, originally aligned identifying as gay with being progressive. Over time, they realized that being progressive was not bound to a single sexuality. Instead, it’s a personal journey of acceptance and understanding that goes beyond labels.
This revelation reshaped their view on identity. Through their formative years, they learned to appreciate the fluidity of human sexuality and the importance of individuality. This transformative process led them to self-empowerment and validation.
They felt strongly about the LGBTQ+ community’s oppression by Republicans. To make their views clear and avoid clashes, they included “No Republicans” on their Grindr profile, a platform popular among gay men.
Their interaction with a user named Evan, a conservative gay man who supported President Trump, further cemented this decision.
Exploring identity, politics in LGBTQ+ dating
Rather than getting into potential conflicts, the author found it simpler to state their political preference openly.
Their use of Grindr ranged from stating mundane preferences to addressing damaging stereotypes like body shaming or racial bias. However, they believe stating their political preference is similar to specifying preferences for things like body types or ages.
This stance has sparked controversy. Critics, mostly from anonymous users possibly exploring their sexuality, argued against their dating criteria. However, the author stands by their belief that political inclinations should be treated as any other preference in dating.
The inclusion of “No Republicans” on their profile heightened the author’s understanding of dating in a politically divided world. It underscored that bias and politics can influence public and personal relationships. This new perspective emphasized the deep-seated effects of political divergence in all aspects of life.
