Many people use random chat sites like Emerald Chat to meet new people around. But Emerald Chat is not always safe or friendly for gay and LGBTQ+ users. Some users say they face harassment, judgment, and identity issues.

Because of this, LGBTQ+ people look for chat rooms that are safe and inclusive. In this blog, I will share 8 better alternatives to Emerald Chat for LGBTQ+ users and also real tips to pick out the one that fits best for your choice.

The reason LGBTQ+ users should have safe chat alternatives.

Online life can be rough. Many gay and lesbian people are more likely to be harassed and experience safety threats than others:

  • According to a Pew survey, 41% of adult Americans have been exposed to some form of online harassment (name-calling, threats, embarrassment). Two out of every three lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults reported being abused online, and 51 out of every 100 reported being abused more severely, such as through stalking or sexual harassment. 

  • In scholarly studies of arXiv, LGBTQ+ teenagers are more likely to have high-risk online threat events, and their mental health is more affected. 

Due to such dangers, most LGBTQ+ individuals do not feel comfortable in random chat and seek more secure spaces that they can feel safe in, self-identify in, and form a sense of community in.

Why Safety Matters More for LGBTQ People

For tons of LGBTQ people, the internet offers both freedom and fear. While online platforms can produce spaces for connection and self-expression, they also expose people to importunity and discrimination. Research from the Pew Research Center shows that 41% of U.S. grown-ups have endured online importunity, but this number is far advanced among LGBTQ people. 

According to Pew Research Center’s 2021 report on online abuse, nearly two-thirds (64%) of lesbian, gay, or bisexual grown-ups report being harassed online, with 51% describing the abuse as severe, similar to stalking or sexual abuse. The follow-ups of this abuse extend beyond digital spaces. Studies show that online hostility contributes to mental health issues, anxiety, and isolation among LGBTQ individuals. 

A 2023 GLAAD Social Media Safety Index report set up that none of the major social platforms; Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram; scored above 50 out of 100 for LGBTQ people's safety by the GLAAD report. These findings highlight the critical need for safer, more inclusive spaces that prioritize respect, identity protection, and emotional well-being.

8 best Emerald Chat Alternatives to use as an LGBTQ+ user

Pride Location 

Created simply for LGBTQ people, Pride Location focuses on safety, sequestration, and genuine exchanges, offering a secure space for people to connect without fear or judgment.

  1. What it does: It is a live video chat platform specifically designed to support and make LGBTQIA+ more welcomed in online spaces.

  2. What makes it special: All the features are aimed at safety, inclusion, and true identity.

  3. How it works:

  • You can use Google or email to log in, where your name, gender, and country are required.

  • Then video chat with LGBTQ+ users across the globe one-on-one.

  • It has features like follow/reconnect, history of last five chats, block and report, camera on/off, privacy filters, and cool emojis.

  • It is possible to swipe or skip to find someone new within a few seconds.

  • Pride Location seems like a worldwide LGBTQ+ community where a chat is a new path to new places.

Grindr

Grindr is a trendy LGBTQ+ application among gay, bi, and queer men.

  • It has more than 14.5 million monthly active users.

  • At some point, Grindr had 5.5 million active daily users, sending more than 111 billion chats in one year.

  • Advantages: Has a huge number of users, rapid location-based search.

  • Cons: It has toxic profiles, a lapse of respect, and it is not necessarily inclusive to non-male users.

Blued

A global LGBTQ+ app with group chats, live streaming, and groups where people can connect and share in a safe space online.

  • Blued began in China and has gone international.

  • It boasts of more than 40 million users in over 190 countries.

  • It is alleged to have 49 million registered users.

  • Besides the dating features, Blued provides live streaming, community features, and social feeds.

Scruff

A social app for gay and queer people looking for friends or caregiving/travel companions when they take part in life. Friendly and community-focused. Like many other LGBTQ+ apps, it has community standards, which create more sharing and belonging. 

  • More than 15 million users all over the world.

  • Places more emphasis on community, events, features of traveling, and user forums.

  • Feels friendly as compared to applications that simply do hookups.

Taimi

A hybrid dating and social app for dating and socialization. LGBTQ+-friendly with a focus on respect and safety, with validation of hybrid matches.

  • Integrates chat, dating, and community network.

  • Emphasis on safety and moderation was strong, and choices of gender/orientation were numerous.

  • Beneficial to LGBTs who desire friendship and dating.

OkCupid

A dating app with many genders, orientations, and preference options when signing up. OkCupid encourages real matches in a safe space.

  • Reputation for being inclusive: 60+ gender and orientation choices.

  • Admits sophisticated profiles and profound matching questions.

  • Not only useful with random chat but also with LGBTQ+ users.

Tinder

A dating app that was well known. Now Tinder is advocating and approving LGBTQ+ social dating. Users can decide what information and choices to share with Tinder’s privacy options for safety.

  • An app practiced in the mass market has become more LGBTQ+ recently.

  • Provides an increased amount of gender and orientation options.

  • Due to its massive number of users, matching opportunities are increased.

  • Certain attributes allow you to manage who views you and what types of matches you desire.

Lex

Lex is a text-based app for LGBTQ+ people to talk and experience friendships and talk not based solely on appearance or photos.

  • Text-based LGBTQ+ social application (no photo-based).

  • Perfect for making friends, gatherings, and networking in the community other than dating.

  • Smaller and more personal community, yet usually more supportive.

Advice on How to Select the appropriate LGBTQ+ Chat space

When you attempt to select a chat or dating application, consider the following:

  • Inclusivity: Does it provide you with the freedom of choice of your gender/orientation identity?

  • Safety & Moderation: Do they have good rules, reporting tools, and human moderators? 

  • Privacy Settings: Do you want to be able to hide your profile or choose with whom you share your profile?

  • Connection style: Do you seek friendships, dating, random chats, or a safe community?

  • Availability & Language: Does the app work in your country and your preferred language?

  • Culture & Vibe: Are the community helpful or judgmental? 

  • Cost & Premium Features: How much do you get complimentary, and is premium worth it?

  • Legal & Risk in Your Region: In locations that are LGBTQ+ unsafe, anonymity and privacy are particularly relevant.

You can use such criteria and do little tests to find out which app will suit you. To know more about on how to choose the right platform visit HER and Fulminous Software.

The Uniqueness of the Pride Location.

The choice of Pride Location is definitely the most outstanding among all these options. It was made from the ground up to help LGBTQ+ people.

All its features, values, and safety policies are focused on helping the users in connecting without fear in a more real way. It is not just another chat site; it is a place where you would belong, be proud, and feel supported.

Pride Location is built on the pillars of community, support, safety, and identity pride, in contrast to general apps that later integrated the LGBTQ+ features. By chatting here, you communicate where there is an understanding of you. 

Conclusion

Emerald Chat can be fun and fast, but it is not always safe. It also cannot always give the right choices for identity or include most LGBTQ+ users.

The eight options above, Pride Location, Grindr, Blued, Scruff, Taimi, OkCupid, Tinder, and Lex, have different styles. Some are for random video chats, some are social sites, and some are for dating.

Each app has good and bad points. We choose the Pride location because it is made especially for LGBTQ+ people. It focuses on safety, support, and inclusivity. Everyone needs a place where they can meet others, be themselves, and feel respected. Pride Location is that place.