Dating app Tinder launches new transgender and gender identity options

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Dating app Tinder has launched a new feature that will allow users to add information about their gender.

Until now, members were offered only two options when selecting their identity - man or woman.

The app was criticised earlier in the year after a number of people from the transgender community claimed their accounts were suspended after complaints from other users.

Tinder says it's now decided to make the app more inclusive.

Users will be able to add any term that best describes their gender identity, or choose from more than 30 options, and all users will be able to display their gender on their profile - or not.

Tinder

Tinder co-fonder and CEO Sean Rad talked about changing the app to make it more inclusive for transgender users earlier this year at the Code conference in California.

He says abuse of transgender members won't be tolerated.

AFP/Getty Images

Sean Rad launched Tinder with six other people in 2012

"Our goal is to provide a product that gives our transgender and gender non-conforming users a better experience on Tinder," he told Newsbeat.

"Gender is a complex topic and Tinder is a very simple platform. We wanted to make sure we provide tools that help the trans community but also keep Tinder simple for everyone, including the trans community."

This is how the new update will work.

Sean Rad also says they've taken steps to prevent bullying on the app.

"We have completely changed the moderation tools and how they handle reporting."

PA

Tinder stopped under-18s from using the app earlier this year

The update means that if someone reports another user because of their gender, it will be the person who makes the report who'll be in trouble.

Tinder says it aims to do everything it can to promote inclusion and diversity and says it's re-written its algorithms so it can identify harassment and respond to it quicker.

Find out what LGBTQQIAAP means.

Tinder says it's worked with representatives from LGBT organisation GLAAD and a focus group, including members of the trans community, on the updates.

"It sends a strong message of acceptance when a platform like Tinder clearly tells its users that transgender people are welcome," says Nick Adams, director of GLAAD's Transgender Media Program.

"Trans people who use Tinder are, like all other users, looking to form relationships and find the right match.

Watch on YouTube: Why we act like animals on Tinder.

"Tinder's update allows trans users to be themselves on the platform, and makes it clear that Tinder is committed to inclusion.

"This update reflects a growing awareness that trans people are part of the fabric of everyday life, which in turn, accelerates acceptance for transgender and gender non-conforming people."

More genders are available in the US, UK and Canada.

The different gender options available are:

  • Agender

  • Androgyne

  • Androgynous

  • Bigender

  • Female to Male

  • FTM

  • Gender Fluid

  • Gender Nonconforming

  • Gender Questioning

  • Gender Variant

  • Genderqueer

  • Male to Female

  • MTF

  • Neither

  • Neutrois

  • Non-binary

  • Other

  • Pangender

  • Trans

  • Trans Man

  • Trans Person

  • Trans Woman

  • Transfeminine

  • Transgender

  • Transgender Female

  • Transgender Male

  • Transgender Man

  • Transgender Person

  • Transgender Woman

  • Transmasculine

  • Transsexual

  • Transsexual Female

  • Transsexual Male

  • Transsexual Man

  • Transsexual Person

  • Transsexual Woman

  • Two-Spirit

Brit said he'd lost all his matches.

Sophie also said her matches had gone.

Melissa couldn't log in.

But the app now appears to be working again.

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