Hook up apps can be complicated spaces for many people in the LGBTQ+ community. While they can offer connection, validation, intimacy, and community, they can also expose people to rejection, discrimination, body shaming, racism, misogyny, and HIV stigma in ways that can have a real impact on mental health and self esteem.
Over time, repeated experiences of exclusion or judgement on apps can affect confidence, belonging, emotional wellbeing, and the way people begin seeing themselves and others. For many LGBTQ+ people, these experiences can also tap into deeper feelings connected to shame, rejection, minority stress, and conditional acceptance.
In this video, I explore hook up culture, dating apps, prejudice within the LGBTQ+ community, and the emotional impact that discriminatory language and exclusion can have on people’s mental health and sense of self. I also talk about how stigma and internalised shame can sometimes get projected onto other people within our own communities. If you’ve ever felt hurt, rejected, or emotionally affected by experiences on hook up apps, I’d really encourage you to watch the video.
If any of this resonates with you and you’d like support exploring it further, I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call.