Tinder dating app to allow gender options beyond ‘man,’ ‘woman’

LOS ANGELES – Tinder has started giving users the option to select a gender other than man or woman.

The online dating app has announced that its latest update allows users to type a word that describes their gender identity. The West Hollywood, California-based company says in a blog post Tuesday that users also can choose to be shown in searches that best reflect that identity.

Tinder says it didn’t have “the right tools to serve our diverse community in the past, but that changes today.” It says people who believe they were wrongfully removed over their gender selection are invited back to the platform.

The app was setup with input from GLAAD, an organization that monitors media and advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.