meanwhile, straight dating apps mostly lack all of the above. the only one that engages with bhoc’s work is tinder. however, hecht says tinder profiles have a sparse structure that doesn’t lend itself to sharing details about sti risk, which tends to require more screen space.
dietzel says the more conservative nature of straight dating apps may also be a barrier: “the apps that are marketed towards hetero-publics tend towards heterosexual norms of marriage, family and what’s expected in that type of relationship. and the queer apps are much more open about sexual health.”
after two weeks, the straight-oriented dating apps bumble, tinder, okcupid and eharmony did not respond to my requests for an interview.
the way forward
one thing that all stakeholders seem to agree on is that users need more education. wong calls for “access to appropriate, non-stigmatizing sexual health education … our messages need to be sex-positive and empowering.” one of these messages includes regular
sti testing
, even if you have no symptoms.
takemehome
is a home sti test kit that bhoc launched in march 2020. it has since been promoted by mostly queer dating partner apps as a covid-safe testing option. currently covered by public health only in select states across the u.s., hecht hopes other jurisdictions will buy in.