Many transgender individuals face the possibility of being banned on Tinder for nothing other than being trans. The app is struggling to combat the transphobic actions of some users. Transgender individuals are reported by individuals who do not understand that a they have the right to be on Tinder just as much as a cisgender individual. Although Tinder officials unban the person who was wrongfully reported, they have no way of preventing it from happening again.
If you're on Tinder, here are some Do's and Don'ts for users when you run into someone who happens to be transgender.
Do read their entire bio. Most of them include that they identify as trans.
Don't strike up a conversation with them if that makes you uncomfortable. Engaging with people you fundamentally disagree with can only lead to an uncomfortable situation.
Do use the correct pronouns. If they are a transgender woman, use "she" and "her" and vice versa for males. And, if they are genderqueer, use the pronouns they want you to use.
Don't stop talking to someone just because you realize they identify as trans. That's just rude.
Do ask them questions if you feel uneducated about trans issues and trans identity. As long as you're not being rude and offensive, there is nothing wrong with wanting to know more. If they are comfortable discussing those issues with you, it's an opportunity to widen your worldview!
And, Don't be an insensitive jerk. Seriously. Just don't.
Trans individuals face a disproportionate amount of violence than their heterosexual cisgender counterparts on dating sites. This can easily be alleviated with proper education and awareness. If you don't identify as trans or genderqueer, take initiative to educate yourself and make these spaces more inclusive and safe for trans individuals.
If you're transgender and feeling like the dating apps you currently use aren't your style, there's a new app you can look into. Thurst is an up and coming app for queer, trans and gender nonconforming individuals. Finding a dating site that is right for you may take time, but will be well worth it in the long run.