Grindr is hands down the world’s largest social dating app for Gay, Bi, Trans and Queer individuals. The purpose is to chat and make friends with people, near or far, then meet up. And amongst gay men, it’s synonymously known as “the hook-up app”. Outwardly gay or down-low, the app is a breeding ground for gay men to dish out numbers, addresses and times for them to actually meet up just to have sex.
Luckily, the app has taken notice of what their social network has become, and reminders about getting tested for HIV will now be offered to gay men who use the app.
The company, which claims to have 3.3 million daily users worldwide, will send those who opt into the service a reminder every three to six months, and also show them the nearest testing site, The New York Times reported.
Grindr will also now give free advertising to top clinics, gay community centers, and other HIV testing sites.
The reminders are being offered to "reduce HIV transmission and support ourwhole community, regardless of HIV status [and help] in living long and fulfilling lives," said Jack Harrison-Quintana, Grindr's director for equality, The Times reported. The company's decision was welcomed by HIV experts.
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"This will 'demedicalize' testing and destigmatize it," Perry Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health and an expert in gay male behavior, told The Times.
"The more you make it normal, the more people are going to access it."
As times change, it is imperative now more than ever for individuals and especially gay men, to take their health seriously. Testing every 3 to 6 months is ideal and should not be taken lightly. Knowing you and your partners status is important and should be held at value as you form a relationship with one another. If you’re not in a relationship and “hook-up” often, you should get tested after every partner or every 3 months.
Your health and life are in your hands. To find out more on HIV prevention, visit our HIV Learning Center on BlackDoctor.org.
