As the world embraces Pride Month, companies across industries are showcasing their support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, for app developers and tech entrepreneurs, demonstrating genuine allyship goes beyond adding a rainbow filter to your logo. It’s about building apps that truly empower LGBTQ+ users, fostering a sense of belonging, safety, and respect.
Why should you care? Because inclusive design isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also a smart business move. By creating apps that resonate with the LGBTQ+ community, you’re not only tapping into a vibrant and influential market, you’re also driving innovation and building a stronger, more loyal user base.
So, how can you ensure your app is genuinely inclusive? Let’s dive into the actionable steps you can take to build a digital space where everyone feels welcome, celebrated, and empowered.
We at Wolfpack, a leading web, mobile, and blockchain app development company, are committed to building a more inclusive digital future. This Pride Month, we’re sharing our expertise to help you create apps that truly celebrate diversity and embrace the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ users.
Let’s explore how you can make your app not just LGBTQ+-friendly, but LGBTQ+-affirming.
Why LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Matters for Your App’s Success
Expanding Your Reach & Impact
Research shows LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to use and recommend brands that demonstrate genuine inclusivity. Crafting apps that cater to their needs and experiences unlocks access to a vast and engaged audience, driving user acquisition and retention.
Building Loyalty through Belonging
When users feel seen, heard, and respected, they become loyal advocates for your brand. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment within your app, you foster a sense of belonging among LGBTQ+ users, which translates to increased engagement, positive reviews, and long-term loyalty.
Fostering Positive Brand Image:
Incorporating LGBTQ+ inclusive design elements into your app showcases your brand’s commitment to diversity and social responsibility. This resonates with a broader audience, including allies and socially conscious consumers, attracting a wider range of users who value these principles.
Driving Innovation through Diverse Perspectives
Embracing diverse perspectives is a catalyst for innovation. By actively engaging with the LGBTQ+ community, you gain valuable insights that can lead to unique features, improved user experiences, and ultimately, a more successful app.
Practical Steps for LGBTQ+- Affirming App Development
1. Language that Embraces, Not Excludes
- Gender-Inclusive & Non-Binary Language
Avoid assumptions about gender and use neutral terms like “they” or “partner.” The health app Clue avoids gendered language and uses inclusive terms like “people with cycles” instead of “women,” making it relevant to all users who menstruate, regardless of gender identity. - Mindful Terminology
Steer clear of gendered terms like “husband/wife” or “boyfriend/girlfriend,” opting for inclusive alternatives like “spouse” or “partner.” Instagram, allows users to select their preferred pronouns, ensuring respectful communication and acknowledging the diversity of gender identities. - Pronoun Options
Allow users to specify their pronouns and ensure your app consistently uses them throughout the user experience. If collecting gender data, make it optional and explain its purpose.
2. Dismantle Stereotypes & Assumptions
- Authentic Representation
Go beyond rainbow-washing. Portray LGBTQ+ individuals in diverse roles and authentic contexts, avoiding harmful stereotypes.
- User Research
Conduct thorough user research with LGBTQ+ individuals to understand their specific needs and pain points. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews. - Sensitivity Training
Educate your team on LGBTQ+ terminology, experiences, and sensitivities to ensure respectful interactions with users.
3. Privacy & Safety as Non-Negotiables
- Data Protection
Implement stringent measures to safeguard sensitive user information. Clearly communicate your data practices and allow users to control the visibility of their personal information.
- Proactive Moderation
Establish clear guidelines prohibiting hate speech and discrimination. Actively moderate user-generated content and swiftly address any violations.
- Empowering Reporting
Make it easy for users to report harassment or inappropriate behavior, ensuring prompt responses and effective action. Tinder provides an easy way for users to report harassment and inappropriate behavior through their app.
More Than Just a Filter: How Apps Are Innovating for LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Showcasing some real-world examples of apps across various industries that are leading the charge in LGBTQ+ inclusive design. These apps have gone beyond surface-level gestures to create features, functionalities, and communities that truly resonate with and empower LGBTQ+ users
- The travel app Marriott Bonvoy allows users to search for hotels near LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods and attractions, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive stay.
- Facebook offers an extensive list of gender options, allowing users to express their identity beyond the binary. Users can also add pronouns to their profile, fostering respectful communication.
- Tinder introduced “More Genders” and “Orientation” options to user profiles, expanding beyond the traditional binary choices and allowing users to define their identities more accurately.
- The mental health app Headspace – Offers meditations specifically tailored for the LGBTQ+ community, addressing issues like coming out and self-acceptance.
- The Sims 4 game allows players to create characters with diverse gender expressions and sexual orientations, and to customize their relationships.
- The fitness app Peloton Released a Pride collection of workouts and meditations led by LGBTQ+ athletes and trainers, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ fitness enthusiasts.
- Babbel offers a dedicated course on LGBTQ+ vocabulary and phrases in multiple languages, promoting cultural understanding and inclusivity.
- Duolingo champions diversity and representation by featuring LGBTQIA+ characters like Lin, Bea, and Oscar in their language learning stories. This approach normalizes queerness and makes learning more relatable for users worldwide.
- The period tracking app Clue Avoids gendered language and uses inclusive terms like “people with cycles” instead of “women,” making the app accessible and relevant to transgender and non-binary individuals.
- Clubhouse features clubs and conversations dedicated to LGBTQ+ topics and interests, providing a safe space for discussion and community building. These clubs often discuss topics like LGBTQ+ rights, health, and culture.
- Spotify curated playlists specifically for Pride Month, featuring LGBTQ+ artists and allies. They also have dedicated LGBTQ+ music hubs.
- Hulu has a dedicated LGBTQ+ section featuring a diverse range of movies and TV shows with LGBTQ+ themes and characters.
- Maps.me allows users to add custom markers for LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and safe spaces.
- Uber has a strong non-discrimination policy and provides resources for LGBTQ+ drivers and riders
- Target App features gender-inclusive product descriptions, avoiding stereotypes in categories like toys and apparel, and offers a curated Pride collection with products from LGBTQ+ creators and allies.
- Jecca Blac, a beauty brand offering an app with virtual try-on features for their gender-inclusive makeup line, catering to all skin tones and gender expressions.
- DoorDash partners with LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and highlights them in the app, promoting visibility and support for diverse businesses.
- Mastercard‘s True Name initiative, allows transgender and non-binary cardholders to use their chosen names on their cards. It’s a moving and impactful example of how a company can use its platform to make a real difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Ready to make your app more inclusive?
At Wolfpack, we believe that building LGBTQ+-affirming apps isn’t just about following a checklist. It’s about fostering a genuine understanding and respect for the LGBTQ+ community, and translating that into every aspect of your app’s design and functionality.
By incorporating the practical steps outlined here, and drawing inspiration from the growing number of apps that are leading the way in LGBTQ+ inclusivity, you can create a digital space that empowers, uplifts, and celebrates all users. For further guidance on this important journey, we encourage you to explore resources like Google’s “Code for all: 10 principles for LGBTQIA+ product inclusion” blog post, which offers valuable insights and best practices for building truly inclusive products.
Let’s work together to build a digital world where everyone feels welcome, safe, and celebrated. Contact Wolfpack today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you design and develop an app that truly celebrates diversity and empowers the LGBTQ+ community.