Comedian’s Post About LGBTQIA+ Dating Apps Sparks Panic Over Marriage Equality
It was the social media post that sparked a million knowing smiles. A rumour spread like wildfire across X, claiming that gay dating apps were preparing to expose their closeted Republican users if the Supreme Court dared to overturn marriage equality. For a moment, it felt like the perfect, deliciously messy form of justice.
The truth, however, is that the story was a brilliant piece of satire. While the apps are not actually planning a mass outing, the viral hoax perfectly captured the frustration and anxiety many feel about the current political climate, especially with the 2015 Obergefell v Hodges ruling potentially on the chopping block. The real story is not about the threat, but why the hilarious trolling of closeted politicians resonated so deeply.
So, what actually happened?
The post originated from a self-described comedy and satire account on X called @HalfwayPost, run by comedian Dash MacIntyre. His post, which claimed apps would “reveal all the closeted Republican officials and members of Congress,” exploded online, racking up over seven million views. The account’s bio cheekily states, “I don’t report the facts, I improve them,” but that detail was lost on many who shared the post as fact. This is not the first time such a rumour has caught fire, often appearing when anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation hits the news.
“The LGBTQ community is deeply aware that some of their most vitriolic opponents are hypocrites in high places.”
The apps say your secrets are safe…
Naturally, the big players in the dating app world were quick to set the record straight. A spokesperson for Grindr told Newsweek, “This claim is false,” reinforcing their commitment to protecting user privacy. Similarly, Feeld’s press office stated, “We would never release members’ data or information publicly without the appropriate consent being given.”
Christof Wittig, the founder and CEO of Hornet, also confirmed to Newsweek that his company would not condone such actions, even in the name of advocacy. “Privacy and safety are core to our mission, and we remain committed to protecting the trust of our community,” Wittig said.
But the fantasy of revenge is powerful.
If the threat was never real, why did the idea feel so right to so many people? Experts believe it taps into a deep-seated awareness of hypocrisy. Brett Krutzsch, a scholar at New York University, explained to Newsweek that “the LGBTQ community is deeply aware that some of their most vitriolic opponents are hypocrites in high places.” He added that the idea of outing these figures “taps into a form of queer power.”
The rumour works as a release valve for political anger. As Shaka McGlotten, a professor at Purchase College, told Newsweek, these viral fantasies can redirect energy that could otherwise go toward organising.
Ultimately, the joke lands because it highlights a political culture built by conservatives themselves. McGlotten puts it best: “Republicans have exposed themselves by helping to build a political culture that weaponises sexual identity… When you participate in creating that, you shouldn’t be surprised when it turns on you.”
