Have you heard about the popular dating app HER? Its a dating designed by lesbians for the queer and LGBTQ+ community.
This dating app is to create a safe and fun dating space for the entire diverse and welcoming community. Let’s take a closer look shall we and see how it compares to other dating apps.
First - the site caters to women, trans, and non binary individuals including all other gender identities not mentioned here. The more the merrier under this umbrella of diverse gender identities. The site likes to state that there is over 13 million queer members in over 100 countries - quite a large established base. The app also has something it calls communities - social areas where you can go and discuss certain issues and topics and share some photos among the members and people in this community.
They have over 35 such communities, and it is a great idea and very popular among the members. The types of communities are diverse and far ranging and can be anything from the 40 plus group to the bisexual group. Join and see the full list of communities they have. Unlike many other dating apps - the appeal her for all kinds of love - friendship, relationship and everything in between. A real attempt to foster a community of love in all forms, sizes, and shapes. In a nutshell, you can define the experience very simply here - which is a good thing - you want a dating site that makes the experience simple, effective and straightforward. In general, it incorporates a swiping system - common to many dating apps - that is - if you are interested in that person, than you swipe right on this dating app. If you were not interested in the person you would swipe left. Again, nothing unusual or different here, then again if it works, why mess with a winning formula.
What adds some separation from similar type dating apps is some unique features - such as their varied virtual events. For example they have a Holiday Speed Dating event. The rules are fairly simply - pay an admission fee, usually approximately 5 dollars and then use the features sent to you, to attend this live event. A very good idea, and I am sure one that is successful for them. The question that comes up to everyone’s mind when using the swipe left swipe right method is - what happens if I swiped too quickly, or by accident? What happens if I swiped left and decided to change my mind, i.e. I want to see that person again, or show that I am interested - then what? Well, the site has thought of everything and given you the rewind button - its does exactly what it sounds like. You get to go back to the profiles you may want to take a second look at - a great, great feature to have for those wonder the “what if scenario”.
What about costs?
Like all sites there is a free component to it. But to take full advantage of all the features they have put into the app, the recommendation from us would be to try out the paid app and see if it works for you. What happens if I don’t pay - well, like all apps there will be limits placed on what you can and cannot day. Most substantially, the swipe mechanism that every user is so fond of will be limited. Also, the filters which are quite extensive here and quite usefull will also be severally limited - allowing you only to search by two criteria - that would be by location and the persons age.
The costs overall are much cheaper than your usually dating apps - and that’s a good thing. One month will run you a bargain basement price of only $15 dollars approximately, and if you do the one year membership your are looking at less than 8 dollars a month - a bargain to be sure for such a good site. Another question that comes up is how to stop the constant ads from wanting me to join. Easy, join and no more constant pop ups or emails. Otherwise you will have to get used to it - although to be fair, isn’t it any more greater than other popular dating apps. I don’t know the answer to that question - but would be willing to wager it may not be the worst offender in this crowded dating app marketplace.
Interestingly enough the dating app HER is only available as an app, not for the PC. This is obviously a strategic move, although I am not sure if its a negative one or now. Some would argue that those who use PC or tablets are a dying breed, and therefore there is no use for it. I would argue they are wrong - that there is certainly a substantial minority using PCS to scroll through various profiles and look for love. Then again, I may be in the minority since a lot of new apps are launching strictly for the app audience only.
Lets be a bit more clear on the swiping features. When you do swipe right on someone you are interested that does not mean you contact them. You can only contact them when they to swipe you at right - there has to be a mutual match. Now this form of matchmaking is a risky gambit for some. For those that do not like to be bothered, it makes their job much easier. The prettier people will know, they can only get matched up by people they want to be matched up with - no stragglers allowed. This form of match making is very good for those with selective tastes, and who are popular. However, for the crowd that is batting in the average zone, for them, and them only, it limits who and what contacts them. There is nothing better, than messaging someone who may be out of your league, hoping, that your witty message somehow breakthrough and gives you a dating shot. So, on this issue, it depends on what side of the fence you are sitting one. The have or the have nots.
In the end, a more than solid app with many happy users, who commend the site for its brilliance in helping out the community in find love and friendship in a safe and inclusive environment.
Written by:
Judith Lightfeld