Earlier this month, Bumble expanded the options that users have when sharing their gender identity in dating profiles. Working with LGBTQ+ advocates at GLAAD, the app added a more comprehensive range of choices. After selecting 'man' as their gender, for example, people are asked if they'd like to include more information; they can then pick intersex man, trans man, transmasculine, man & nonbinary or cis man. Nonbinary folks can choose from a long list that includes genderfluid, two-spirit and agender.
So far, so good. But Bumble fumbled its follow-through. The app is known for only allowing women to make the first move when two people are matched. After users changed their gender from 'woman' to 'nonbinary,' however, they were blocked from initiating a conversation with potential dates — as pointed out by TikTok user Kay, aka stupidfairyfox, in a video that racked up over 180,000 likes.
Bumble responded swiftly by updating its app and explaining: "When you choose nonbinary, you'll be able to make the first move and start the conversation with any of your matches, no matter their gender. This means that now nonbinary people and women can send the first message on Bumble Date."
