The Scoop: Many dating sites tailored to gay men tend to focus on casual hookups, but they don’t account for gay men looking for long-term love. Dating platform GayFriendly seeks to bridge this gap in the gay dating space by providing gay men a space for intentional dating. Their advanced matching algorithm allows men an inclusive space to connect based on shared interests, personalities, and long-term preferences.

When I was in college, most of my friends were on dating apps if they were single. Some people were looking for love, some people were looking to hook up, and some people didn’t know exactly what they were looking for.

But while my straight friends had a pretty simple relationship with dating apps, the same wasn’t true for my gay male friends. Even if they were interested in casual sex, many of them were put off by the exclusively sexual and down-low nature of popular gay dating apps. They felt like the only option they were presented with was to have casual relationships, even if that didn’t resonate with what they wanted.

It’s a common stereotype that gay men prefer casual relationships. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting casual sex, it’s simply not true that all gay men are looking for something short term. According to the Gay Therapy Center, about 70% of gay couples are in long-term monogamous relationships.

Just like straight daters, plenty of gay men want serious relationships and love. 

Fortunately, gay men can turn to the dating site GayFriendly to find singles looking for a variety of different relationship structures.

GayFriendly screenshot
Search filters help gay men connect on a local level.

“Our motivation was to support gay men seeking serious relationships and family-building opportunities – a need often overlooked by platforms focused solely on casual connections,” Viktoria, a dating manager at GayFriendly, told our team.

Gay men around the world can find love and connection on GayFriendly. “The app and website are available in English, German, Hebrew, and Arabic, with a strong focus on English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada,” Viktoria explained.

If general dating apps and gay hookup apps haven’t felt right for you, consider giving GayFriendly a try. Its features, community, and diverse user base make it a great option for gay men, wherever they are.

More Than a Hookup App

If you’re looking for casual relationships, you can definitely find that on GayFriendly. The app is welcoming to all gay men, no matter what they’re looking for.

But the GayFriendly team created the app specifically to create a place for gay men to find serious relationships, something that can be tricky to find on gay hookup apps.

“Our core difference lies in our commitment to fostering serious relationships,” Viktoria said. “For those ready to start a family, GayFriendly offers a platform tailored to their needs.”

GayFriendly logo
This niche site is a useful alternative to gamified hookup apps.

Because compatibility is so important for long-term relationships, profiles on GayFriendly can be fairly specific, helping better the site’s matching algorithm. Viktoria told us, “Our platform also features full profiles where users can detail their goals, lifestyle, habits, and preferences. With over 100 customizable polls, users can share more about themselves, enabling better algorithmic matches.”

The platform also does a great job of promoting user safety. Because of the anonymity and location-based nature of many hookup apps, singles may feel unsafe meeting up in person. But that’s much less of an issue on GayFriendly.

“We take safety seriously, with a rigorous four-step verification process that includes manual checks by experienced moderators,” Viktoria shared. “Each profile is reviewed for photos, videos, audio greetings, and bios. Our dual-review system combines algorithmic scans with human insight to catch what technology might miss.”

In Viktoria’s opinion, working hard on the site’s verification system makes the site more inclusive so all users can feel comfortable on the platform. “A robust verification system creates a safer space for genuine connections,” she said.

Still, the GayFriendly team recognizes that as an international gay platform, they have a duty to make singles in more conservative countries and communities feel welcome and safe online. 

“Recognizing that some users prioritize anonymity – especially in regions with conservative views on homosexuality – GayFriendly allows profile creation without photos,” Viktoria said. “Users can still share images privately within chats. To maintain engagement, we provide customizable avatars, allowing users to express themselves creatively even without personal images.”

Prioritizing Inclusivity

There are many different ways to be gay and many different types of gay men who use GayFriendly. Viktoria said that the GayFriendly team works hard to make sure that all users feel safe, supported, and included on GayFriendly.

“The moderation teams act swiftly to handle inappropriate behavior, ensuring a respectful environment,” Viktoria said. “We actively seek user feedback to improve features and address evolving needs. Beyond dating, we provide support for those facing challenges like coming out or loneliness, fostering a sense of community and kindness.”

Photo of two men holding hands
GayFriendly offers a chance to meet like-minded men in a curated space.

Additionally, the site’s focus on creating specific and unique profiles makes it easier for users to express their individuality. “Profiles celebrate individuality, enabling users to showcase hobbies, passions, and values,” Viktoria said. “We encourage users to complete their profiles, as it significantly increases their chances of successful matches. Similarly, the system analyzes user behavior — such as likes and dislikes — to refine recommendations further.”

When you’re looking for a romantic or sexual connection, you probably know what’s important to you in a partner. Part of inclusivity is catering to diverse interests and relationship priorities. Users are able to narrow down their match results by very specific features. They can search by age range, location, verification status, sexual preferences, body type, and of course, interests and hobbies. 

As GayFriendly grows, the team is trying to make the platform even safer and more inclusive for its users. According to Viktoria, “Upcoming improvements include enhanced verification methods for added safety, expanded search options to improve matching, screenshot protection for greater privacy, and initiatives to attract more users from smaller towns.” 

One reason GayFriendly is able to serve all the unique needs of gay men and find solutions for nuanced issues is that the site only serves gay men. “Unlike broader LGBTQ+ platforms, GayFriendly focuses specifically on gay men, ensuring a more personalized and welcoming environment,” Viktoria said. 

Find Love and Partnership on GayFriendly

Because gay men are a minority and often face pressure to be quiet about their sexuality, finding connections in person can be an uphill battle. This means that online dating is often an even more appealing dating option for gay daters than straight daters. 

According to Pew Research Center, 24% of partnered LGB survey respondents met their partners online, compared to 9% of straight respondents.

But not all gay dating platforms are the same. Some offer the closest matches based on proximity, without regard for true compatibility. For gay men using dating apps to meet romantic partners, that can be frustrating. 

“We actively seek user feedback to improve features.” — GayFriendly team

GayFriendly offers gay matches based on real compatibility so you can find the person you want to build a life with. “Our matching algorithms are designed to connect people with shared goals and values,” Viktoria said. “The more users share about themselves, the better their matches become.” 

Building out an extensive profile on GayFriendly can be the difference between an OK match and a true soulmate connection. When you meet someone in person, you often bond over the little things that offer ways to share your personalities and what you both want out of a relationship. 

“Our profile structure is tailored to highlight even minor details – like tattoos or habits – that can be pivotal in forming connections,” Viktoria said.

When you view the GayFriendly testimonials page, the reviews speak for themselves. Almost every testimonial is a user sharing that they met someone special on the site. One user, Akash, shared simply: “I found the love of my life here.”