Pandering to closeted men allows shame and bigotry to fester.įurther, the acceptance of anonymity is conducive to dangerous situations. As it stands, in my experience, the underbelly of self-stigmatisation means encountering homophobic slurs is more likely. Their introduction to the gay community - albeit a virtual one - should inspire pride and acceptance. Grindr’s dominance of gay dating since its launch in 2009 means that young, queer men are coming of age with this as their blueprint for love, sex and dating.
Senders are unaccountable while unfortunate recipients eventually learn to expect and tolerate these messages, attempting to disconnect from their more degrading or triggering aspects.
For years, in my experience, virtual mask-wearing has enabled and encouraged derogatory language, unsolicited genital pictures, and explicit, unwarranted sexual requests.
