Craigslist Personals Men Seeking Men: Legacy of Connections

Doublelist Team

April 5, 2024 7 minutes read
Connect with straight, gay, bi and curious!

In the world of dating, online apps and sites are extremely popular. From swiping to smooth pick-up lines, there are many ways to approach someone digitally. Whether you’re looking for a one-night stand or a potential long-term partner, there is something for everyone online. 

Once upon a time, the Craigslist Personals men seeking men section was an effective platform for the gay community. But now, finding alternatives is essential. 

In 2018, Craigslist closed its Personals section. Due to the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, it’s no longer an option for casual encounters. Looking for a one-night stand or a raunchy rendezvous requires looking elsewhere. In this blog, we’ll reminisce about the Craigslist Personals days. We’ll also look at where men seeking men can find a casual encounter. 

Let’s get into it! 

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Remembering Craigslist Personals Men Seeking Men

Craigslist launched in 1995. The site quickly became a sensation, with people using it for all sorts of reasons. From buying and selling, looking for jobs to connecting with people, it had something for everyone. This new, direct approach altered the mindsets of many. Suddenly, it was quick and easy to engage with strangers. Whatever you wanted, Craigslist had it all. 

Before closing down, the Craigslist Personals section was an excellent place for people looking for casual encounters. The direct approach of the site meant people were straight up. This worked in the favor of many. The unique, no-nonsense approach created space for all sorts of requests.

CraigsList Personals: The Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community 

The Personals section created space for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves. The unique platform lets people explore connections with other like-minded people. The LGBTQ+ community could search freely in a non-judgemental zone. This platform allowed people of all preferences and desires to connect with others openly. Whether it was a one-night stand, a flirty fling, or a relationship, the community was free to explore. 

DoubleList graphic of a cartoon peach and cucumber character overlaying a gay couple kissing in a busy club scene.

Closing Craigslist Personals: What Are the Alternatives? 

In 2018, the closing of the Personals section created a gap for the LGBTQ+ community. Due to legal concerns, the section is no more. Creating a gap for the LGBTQ+ community to explore their preferences and desires, the need for alternatives is necessary. If you’re in the LGBTQ+ community or a man seeking men looking for an open-minded space, we’ve got you covered. 

Here are some Craigslist Personals alternatives for men seeking men:

1. DoubleList

DoubleList is an excellent alternative to the Craigslist Personals men seeking men section. The site is active in 248 locations. This means you can find someone near you for a local hookup if that’s what you want! With DoubleList, you can post personal ads similarly to Craigslist. The open-minded platform is perfect for men seeking men as you can connect with like-minded people freely. 

Signing up is straightforward; all you need to do is write a great personal ad. Be open about what you’re looking for. Chances are, you’ll find someone looking for the same thing! 

2. Tinder

Tinder is well-known for its casual reputation. Of course, it depends on what you’re looking for, but it’s usually great for casual encounters and flings. Once you’ve created your profile and set your preferences, you’re ready to start swiping! Like Craigslist, Tinder is a pretty open and free space. With all sorts of tastes and users, you’ll likely find a like-minded man. 

3. Oodle 

Oodle has categories like Craigslist, so men seeking men are free to explore. The site has a “Personals” section, so you can state exactly what you want. With advanced search features, the good thing about Oodle is that you can narrow down your preferences. This way, you’re more likely to find someone to meet your needs. 

DoubleList graphic of two fists with the LGBTQIA+ anagram on each knuckle, punching through rainbow paper to symbolize gay dating.

4. Grindr 

Grindr is essentially Tinder for gay men and the LGBTQ+ community. The app uses GPS for your location, making it easy to find people near you. When you create your profile, feel free to include any specific preferences. This may help narrow down your options. 

According to Statista, Grindr has “12.15 million active users and more than 2.89 million quarterly downloads.” The app lets you specify what you’re looking for. So, you can narrow it down and find people with similar desires. 

5. Adult Friend Finder 

Adult Friend Finder, also known as AFF, is a popular app amongst many. By filling in your location and profile, you can include your search preferences. AFF is generally for sex, flings, and casual encounters. It has a “Personals” section, so you can state what you want. 

These sites are easy to use and will help you connect with like-minded, open people. Similar to Craigslist, some apps and sites have a “Personals” category. So, depending on what you’re looking for, you can use the same no-nonsense approach as Craigslist. Once you’ve created a great personal ad, sit back and let the potential matches roll in. 

DoubleList graphic with a cucumber with cartoon face and arms laying on pile of colorful condoms against collaged backdrop.

Building Your Profile: How To Write a Personal Ad

If you’re considering signing up for a dating site, you may need to create a personal ad. Personal ads, or personals, should stand out and be direct and straight to the point. The person reading it needs to know exactly where you stand. 

How do you get started? Here are a few tips on how to write the best personal ad:

  • Understand your objective. Knowing what you want is important before you write a personal ad. Are you looking for a one-night stand? A long-term relationship? Whatever it is, knowing what you want will help you create an effective ad. Knowing what you’re looking for will narrow down your search and give you a clear idea of what to include.
  • Be honest. The only way to get exactly what you want from a personal ad is to say exactly what you want. Be honest about what you’re looking for. By being authentic, your potential match will be on the same page. 
  • Grab their attention. Whether it’s in your profile or the headline of the personal ad, show a bit of personality. The headline is the first thing someone will see, so it should be captivating. Be concise and to the point, using direct language. If you let a bit of your personality shine through, you’ll attract people. 

The point of a personal ad is to capture someone’s interest. So, try to avoid being generic. Be lighthearted, and you’ll intrigue the right kind of people. 

  • Share a bit about yourself. If you want to meet like-minded people, you’ll need to share some information about yourself. Whether it’s the job you do or a specific kink, reveal a little about yourself. You could mention any particular qualities you have or something unique that makes you stand out. 
  • Keep it relevant. Make sure your ad is up-to-date and relevant. If the information is old, it may not be helpful to someone looking. Refreshing your ad will attract new people. If your interests or desires change, update your ad to interest the right people. 
  • Proofread your ad. Make sure your ad has no typos or errors. If you want to attract people, make sure your ad is well-written. 
  • Stay safe. Staying safe online is essential. Watch out for fake profiles and avoid sharing too much information too quickly. 

Captivating personal ads is essential. The goal is to grab someone’s attention and find a like-minded person. A personal ad should reflect your interests and personality and tell people what you want. Take your time creating your ad, and you’ll be more likely to attract what you desire. 

In the ever-evolving world of online dating, there are more platforms for the gay community to express themselves. From sexual preferences to kinks, there are plenty of places to find what you’re looking for. There are alternatives to the Craigslist men seeking men section online. These sites have similar features and open-minded outlooks, like the Craigslist Personals section. 

Are you ready to sign up for an alternative Craigslist Personals men seeking men site? Sign up for DoubleList today!

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