Reflecting on Gay Dating Apps in China

When the apps suddenly disappear

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About a month ago, two popular gay dating apps — Blued and Fanka — were removed from app stores in China. I started using Blued back in 2017 when I was just beginning to recognize and accept my identity. Through it, I met many people “like me,” and I began to feel less alone. Fanka appeared a few years later, and I also used it to meet people — including a few who almost became boyfriends. In China, Blued is nicknamed “Little Blue,” and Fanka “Little Red,” after the colors of their app icons.

Blued works much like Grindr.

You see nearby users sorted by their distance from you. I used Blued much more than Fanka. Most people don’t use their real photos as profile pictures — including me. I used an image of Wangzai, the cartoon mascot of a popular drink brand. Many people are still afraid of exposing themselves publicly. And because the users you see are often nearby, there’s a real chance you might run into them in daily life. The idea of being recognized — especially when you don’t know whether the other person is open or safe — can be uncomfortable.

Even in today’s China, being openly gay still isn’t something people feel proud or secure about. Many continue hiding their identity well into their 40s or 50s. Families may feel…