Look, are dating apps in their flop era? I mean, kind of, yeah. But if there’s one major bright side to navigating the otherwise over-swiped, oversaturated online dating scene in this, the year 2024, it’s that dating apps have never been more inclusive. Once helmed by platforms created primarily by and for straight folks looking for love, a new class of queer, kinky, and LGBTQ+-friendly apps have officially entered the chat. Which means that if you’re a queer/bi/lesbian woman or femme looking to link up with like-minded ladies, you’ve pretty much never had more options at your fingertips when it comes to lesbian dating apps.
This is great news, because, as any queer woman who’s lived the swipe life will tell you, traditional dating apps have historically…not been the easiest places for an LGBTQ+ gal to date in peace! From the armies of unicorn hunters searching for a third (*rolls eyes*) to the general male-gazey heteronormativity that tends to dominate the dating scene (and, you know, pretty much all of society), it can be, shall we say, a little tough out there. Luckily, in more recent years, a number of both new and existing dating apps have taken note of the unique and oft overlooked needs of queer women/femme daters. Yes friends, the times have changed, and whether you’re looking for your next relationship, hookup, or casual sitch, there are some legitimately solid options out there that are actually worth downloading.
Below, 11 of the best LGBTQ online dating options for women, from lesbian dating apps to kink and poly-focused finds to all-around inclusive picks, these apps are here to make queer dating easier (and better) than ever.
1. Fem
Fem dating is a predominantly video-based app (pics too!), which encourages you to create a video that eligible matches will "heart." Use texts, photos, and vids to communicate once you’re matched, or opt for the public group chat, which is a less intimidating setting than just speaking one-on-one.
2. Lex
Lex is a queer and lesbian dating app that does things a little differently. Whereas most apps are super visual and emphasize your photos, Lex is all about your smart, sexy brain. It’s a “text-centered” app meant to connect queer folk in a variety of ways, not just sexually or romantically (though that’s definitely an option). Their website says it’s all about “text first, selfies second,” so start stockpiling those one-liners now.
3. Zoe
Branded as “the world’s best ranked dating app for queer women” on their site, Zoe is a great download for those of you looking to meet local women. Oh, and If you’re tired of having limited options and seeing the same old profiles, good news: The app boasts a 3.9+ million registered user database, which is, like, a lot of profiles to sort through. Another bonus: Since Zoe is a “primarily visual app,” they reject any photos of users wearing sunglasses, nature views, or kitten photos, which = way less fake profiles to sort through.
4. Feeld
Feeld is kind of amazing in that it’s not only ranked as one of the best dating apps for polyamorous and kinky folks, but it’s super, super inclusive. (Like, they offer 20+ sexual and gender identities to choose from when signing up.) When you make your profile, you can specify your “interests” and “desires,” including kinks and preferences like whether or not you’re interested in solo or group sex. You can also tailor the experience to strictly seeing female-identifying profiles, too. Highly, highly recommend.
5. Her
Specifically for lesbian, bisexual, and queer people, Her has a community of more than 4 million users looking to match. With in-app communities and Her-hosted events, this app not only empowers women to find what they’re looking for but to actually get off the app and do it IRL.
6. Bounce
If you’re based in NYC and find yourself more than a little exhausted by the endless swiping, ghosting, and half-hearted messaging that goes nowhere on the apps in this city, meet Bounce, the app designed to get you off your phone and on a date, stat. Basically, Bounce only matches you with people who are down to go on a date that same night. The app will even pick a date spot for you based on your preferred neighborhoods. While Bounce isn’t strictly for queer/lesbian daters, it does serve up an all-around inclusive, welcoming vibe designed with daters of all genders, orientations and persuasions in mind. (Bounce is currently limited to NYC-based users but plans to expand to other cities in the future, per the site.)
7. PinkCupid
PinkCupid is a digital platform specifically designed for lesbian dating, and it’s been around since 2006, so you’ll find tons of profiles to choose from. It’s part of Cupid Media, a company that runs over 30 niche dating sites, so you’re in good hands. Plus, the adorable testimonials and success stories on their site prove its success.
8. #Open
#Open is a community for ethically non-monogamous singles and couples. It’s dedicated to being inclusive of all gender identities and orientations, so you’re sure to find plenty of like-minded queer women to chat up. The app lets you state what you’re open to, what you’re looking for, your interests, and more.You can also choose the labels that describe you from a comprehensive list, and unlike most other dating apps, you can use hashtags to search for people with similar interests.
9. Taimi
Taimi calls itself the app that’s “totally free from hetero limits,” specifically designed for LGBTQ+ folks of all genders, ages, and sexualities. It can be used for dating, but it can also be used to make friends and meet up with people near you. (Check out the “MetOnTaimi” and “Lovestories” Highlights on their Instagram for v cute testimonials from couples who found each other on the app!)
10. OkCupid
Of the more well-known dating apps on the internet, OkCupid is one of the most inclusive. You can choose from over 60 different gender identities and sexual orientations, highlight your pronouns, and filter through dozens of highly-specific qualities and interests, so you’re matching with people you actually have things in common with.
11. Tinder
Ok, hear me out: Tinder has been around forever, so just by the sheer number of profiles on the app, there’s a good chance you’ll find someone to connect with. Like with most other apps, you can use filters to specifically see other queer women only, and it also has tons of features like Photo Verification (so you can make sure you’re not getting catfished), and video chatting (so you’re not wasting an outfit and a whole night on someone who isn’t what you’re looking for).
Emma Glassman-Hughes (she/her) is a freelance writer for Cosmopolitan and a part-time editor at the Boston Globe. She was formerly a staff writer at Elite Daily, where she covered sex, intimacy, and queer topics. She is a graduate student at Boston University, where she’s pursuing a master’s in journalism with an emphasis on narrative and investigative reporting. She has a Twitter but her website is way more fun.
