Countless people spread out far and wide and scoured the internet, en masse, for online spaces that resembled Craigslist personals — after the site was permanently shut down in 2018. After serving the needs of hordes of seekers for 20 years, Craigslist personals left a huge void in the online dating scene. Perhaps one of the best things that came out of the unfortunate shutdown was that it paved the way for dedicated dating sites to serve specific demographics. If you’ve been on the hunt for gay personals to replace Craigslist, then this article will definitely get you on the right track. Whether you’re looking for the same feel of Craigstlist personals, a serious relationship, casual dating, or hookups, our list of replacements for Craigslist gay personals offers something for everybody.
Online Dating Tips for the LGBTQ+
There are many ways that LGBTQ+ dating and heterosexual dating are the same, and there are just as many ways that they’re different. Before we satisfy your excitement with the list of all lists for gay personals to replace Craigslist, let’s have a quick look at some tips when online dating within the LGBTQ+ scene.
-
Choose the right dating site or app for your needs.
There’s a ton of choices for gay dating sites and free gay personals to replace Craigslist out there. It’s easy enough to find the right one if you’re just looking to hook up or if you want to find your one true love. -
Don’t limit yourself.
We all have a physical “type,” and that’s okay. When online dating, however, try to look beyond the person’s profile photo and take the time to read what somebody has to say about themselves. You might be delightfully surprised by what you discover. -
Be polite and respectful.
This should go without saying, but it’s still worth mentioning. This applies specifically to instances when you have to turn down the advances of somebody who isn’t your type. -
Always video call before a first-time meet-up.
This is a must. It’s not just about making sure the person actually looks the same as they do in their photos (if physical attraction is a big deciding factor for you, that’s well and good); more importantly, a video call will help you verify the person’s identity. It will also lessen the anxiety of meeting up for the very first time. -
Discuss your sexual health status.
Whether you’re just interested in a casual date, a one-night stand, or you’re hoping for something serious, discussing your sexual health status and that of the other person is always a smart and sensible move. -
Be clear about needs and expectations.
Be candid about what you’re looking for; be explicit, if you have to. This is key to making the right connection with the right person.
What Are Your Options for Gay Personals to Replace Craigslist
From mainstream dating sites to exclusively gay personals to replace Craigslist, online matchmaking platforms are now a dime a dozen, and the number of possibilities on offer is so immense that it can make one either dizzy with excitement or hopelessly overwhelmed. Every dating platform offers something different in terms of the types of connection one can find, such as hookups or long-term relationships; how they match users — from exhaustive personality questions to traditional personal ad formats; and how users can select and connect with potential mates — from swiping left or right to direct messaging. Our guide to the best of the best platforms for the LGBTQ+ community will point you in the right direction, depending on what it is you’re looking for.
Gay Personals to Replace Craigslist: The Most Inclusive Mainstream Dating Platforms for Casual Dating and Hookups
-
DoubleList Classifieds
If you’re looking for a legitimate gay personals to replace Craigslist and you’re after nothing more than fun and sexy encounters, DoubleList should be your first, if not only, stop. It ticks all the boxes: everybody’s welcome, whatever your gender identity and sexual preferences; the site offers tons of listings for casual encounters, hookups, one-night stands, FWBs, threesomes, and more; and its format/interface is similar to that of Craigslist personals, with listings categorized according to different types of matches, e.g., m4m, w4w, couples for him or her, etc, and every listing explicitly describing what the person is looking for. DoubleList lists the best matches according to your location, and the site is available in most major cities in the U.S.
-
Adult Friend Finder
This is another good choice among mainstream dating platforms that provides all gender identities a safe and welcoming space to mingle and connect. Gays, straight, bisexual, pansexuals, transexuals, and queers can freely express themselves and their desires. Take note that the site is mainly for hookups, so if you’re hoping to meet your one, true love, this is not the place for you.
-
Bedpage
Another site that’s very similar to Craigslist, Bedpage allows you to view listings according to location, and then according to your preferred personals category, such as adult or dating. You will further narrow down your selection to more specific sub-categories, such as “men seek men” or “women seek women” under “Dating.”
-
Reddit Personals
Reddit Personals has a subreddit called “r4r”, which stands for “redditor for redditor” “and is meant to be the de facto Reddit community for people meeting people for almost anything” — from dating, hookups, and marriage to gaming, meme-sharing, celebrity gossips, etc. If you find swiping on photos too impersonal or superficial, you may enjoy the r4r community. Take note, however, that the site has very strict rules; especially if you’re interested in hooking up, dating, or a long-term relationship, you must be 18 and up, you must keep posts civil and respectful, posts must be tagged “NSFW” when appropriate, and post titles must follow the proper format.
Gay Personals to Replace Craigslist: Where to Go to Find Your Soulmate
-
Hinge
This gay personals to replace Craigslist is marketed as “The dating app that’s designed to be deleted.” You should give Hinge a go if you’re serious about finding your “perfect match.” According to the site: “Hinge is built on the belief that anyone looking for love should be able to find it. It’s also built on an acclaimed Nobel-Prize-winning algorithm, so we can succeed in getting you out on promising dates, not keeping you on the app.” The catch? Be ready to answer an exhaustive questionnaire and to shell out $7 per month to access the app’s advanced features if you want to “fast-track” your search.
-
eHarmony
eHarmony has been around for more than 20 years and is one of the most trusted names in online dating, especially among people who are serious about finding lasting love. While the LGBTQ+ community might find the site somewhat lacking in terms of inclusivity, it’s still worth a try if you’re sick and tired of playing the dating game, you’re ready for something real, and you believe in the importance of compatibility in a healthy relationship.
Gay Personals to Replace Craigslist: Dating Platforms for the LGBTQ+ Community Only
-
Adam4Adam
This list of gay personals to replace Craigslist won’t be complete without mentioning one of the pioneers in gay online dating — Adam4Adam. Whether you’re looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now, you’ll feel right at home on this site. Enjoy unlimited messaging and easily set up dates with men within your vicinity and who share your sexy interests.
-
HER
It’s HER turn to find a match. “HER is the world’s most loved LGBTQIA2S+ dating & community app” “made for queers by queers.” All all lesbian, bi, queer, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming folxs are welcome and can feel safe and free to be themselves. If you’re interested in making friends, in dating, or finding a serious relationship, your needs will be well-nurtured here.
-
Bicupid
Established in 2003, Bicupid has grown to become one of the largest platforms for bisexual dating, hookups, threesomes, and swingers. The site also warmly welcomes straights, gays, lesbians, BDSM singles, the LGBT community, and couples who have a “love for bisexual passion and bisexual romance.”
-
Out Personals
This site is for men looking for other men for dating, hookups, or long-term relationships. It’s a matchmaking and social media platform in one designed exclusively for gay men, with profile pages, blog posts, video chatting, and chatting features. This can be an exciting gay personals to replace Craigslist if you’re looking to connect with gay men from all over the world or if you’re interested in setting up a sexy date with someone in your area.
The Only Gay Dating Platform You’ll Ever Need
You can easily have your finger in every pie and get a taste of as many gay personals to replace Craigslist as your time would allow; or you can focus all your attention on meeting like-minded individuals on a gay dating platform that offers the most enticing possibilities for casual encounters, hookups, threesomes, and more — we’re talking about DoubleList classifieds!
You’ll discover sooner rather than later that the oceans of choices out there can actually be more limiting than they are fulfilling. If what you want is nothing more than a wild one-night stand, a titillating chat, or a sexy casual encounter with a gay, bi, or queer man/woman or couple, you’ll feel right at home on DoubleList!
Signing up is a breeze and you’ll be guaranteed anonymity. You’ll soon be browsing listings within your area, according to whatever type of match you’re in the mood for. And membership is completely free! DoubleList is available in most major cities in the U.S. so you have great odds of finding potential matches in your area. Sign up for a free account now!
