If there’s one thing everyone knows about Bumble, it’s that the girl has to message first. But what happens if you’re both girls—or neither? Is Bumble only for heterosexuals? Thankfully, the short answer is no. Bumble is not just for straight people. It’s an LGBTQ+ friendly dating app that offers safe, inclusive ways to connect with whoever you’re looking for. When signing up, you can choose your gender identity and who you want to date—men, women, nonbinary people, a mix, or everyone. And if you’re not in a heterosexual match, either person can message first. Bumble has also added “Opening Moves,” giving women in heterosexual matches more ways to start conversations while keeping control.
TL;DR
- Bumble supports LGBTQ+ users and multiple gender identities.
- In same-sex and nonbinary matches, either person can message first.
- Bumble BFF is now a standalone app called Bumble For Friends.
- Bumble Bizz is being phased out.
- Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd returned as CEO in 2025.
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How Does Same-Sex Matching Work On Bumble
Although Bumble’s reputation centers around women messaging men first, the app fully supports same-sex and nonbinary connections. When signing up, you’ll select your gender (man, woman, or nonbinary) and choose who you’re interested in. These preferences can be updated anytime. Once you’ve matched, either person can send the first message. Bumble’s same-gender and nonbinary matches work just like any other—swipe, match, and start chatting before the match expires.
Additional Gender Options on Bumble
Bumble now offers broader gender identity options. After selecting man, woman, or nonbinary, users can add more detail such as trans woman, trans man, nonbinary, genderqueer, or two-spirit, and decide whether to display gender on their profile. This flexibility ensures more authentic representation for LGBTQ+ users worldwide.
Bumble Do’s And Don’ts
Just like any dating app, your experience depends on how you use it.
- Don’t swipe right on everyone; it can lower your visibility.
- Take time to create a detailed, genuine profile.
- Bumble’s algorithm aims to surface a mix of matches, not just the most popular profiles.
- Message matches promptly—expired connections disappear quickly.
Can Girls Text Other Girls On Bumble
Yes! In same-gender matches, either person can send the first message. The same rule applies to nonbinary users and same-sex male matches. Whoever reaches out first starts the conversation—no need to wait.
Is There A Male Version Of Bumble
Bumble isn’t just for women. Men can absolutely use Bumble to meet women, men, or nonbinary people. In heterosexual matches, women make the first move—or set an “Opening Move” question that men can reply to. For those seeking apps focused entirely on queer communities, options like Grindr, Scruff, or Feeld might also be worth exploring.
Is Bumble Feminist
Yes. Bumble was founded to empower women and foster respectful connections. Its feminist foundation remains central to its brand. In 2025, founder Whitney Wolfe Herd returned as CEO to continue advancing inclusive, safety-first dating experiences.
What Is Bumble Mainly For
Bumble is about connection—romantic, platonic, and professional—but it has evolved.
- Bumble Date – For dating and relationships within the main app.
- Bumble For Friends (BFF) – Now a standalone app focused on platonic connections.
- Bumble Bizz – Being phased out and no longer available.
So while Bumble is still a dating app first, it’s also about meaningful connections of all kinds.
Final Thoughts
Bumble isn’t just for heterosexuals—it’s a platform built around inclusivity, empowerment, and choice. With expanded gender options and flexible messaging rules, it’s more welcoming to LGBTQ+ users than ever. If you’re seeking a dating experience that values respect and safety, Bumble is a great place to start. And if you want a community designed specifically for queer experiences, apps like Feeld, Grindr, or Scruff are strong complements.
FAQ
Does Bumble still make women message first?
In heterosexual matches, yes—but women can now use an “Opening Move” question that men respond to. In same-sex and nonbinary matches, either person can message first.
What happened to Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz?
BFF became its own app called Bumble For Friends. Bumble Bizz is being phased out and is no longer available in the main app.
Can I change my gender identity or who I’m shown?
Yes. You can update your gender identity and who you want to date at any time in your profile settings.
Who runs Bumble now?
Founder Whitney Wolfe Herd returned as CEO in 2025, reinforcing Bumble’s original mission of inclusivity and safety.
Is Bumble LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely. Bumble offers inclusive gender and orientation settings and enforces anti-discrimination policies to support all users.
Is there still a time limit to message?
Yes. Bumble keeps the 24-hour window to encourage real connections, but tools like Opening Moves make starting conversations easier.
