History of Grindr in Timeline
Grindr is a location-based social networking and online dating application primarily used by gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals. The app allows users to create profiles and connect with other users in their vicinity, facilitating relationships, hookups, and community building within the LGBTQ+ community. It's known for its focus on immediacy and location, differentiating it from more traditional dating platforms. Grindr has become a significant part of LGBTQ+ culture, impacting dating norms and social interactions.
June 28, 2009: Stephen Fry mentions Grindr on Top Gear.
On June 28, 2009, British actor Stephen Fry mentioned Grindr on the BBC motoring program Top Gear. He enthusiastically explained the app to host Jeremy Clarkson. The mention caused an instant impact with 10,000 downloads overnight, increasing Grindr's base by 50 percent.
February 2013: Top Gear mention regarded as one of Grindr's warmest media mentions.
In February 2013, journalist Jaime Woo called the Top Gear mention one of Grindr's warmest mentions in the media.
March 21, 2013: Grindr mentioned in Glee episode.
On March 21, 2013, in the Glee episode "Guilty Pleasures," the character Santana mentions Grindr to Kurt after he ordered a "boyfriend pillow" online.
November 2013: Aziz Ansari jokes about Grindr's impact in comedy special.
In November 2013, in his Netflix comedy special Aziz Ansari: Buried Alive, American comedian Aziz Ansari jokes about how Grindr's user-friendly design makes casual sex so accessible for gay men.
January 2014: HBO's Looking debuts and references Grindr.
In January 2014, HBO debuted Looking, a comedy-drama series about gay friends in San Francisco. The series title originated from online platforms like Grindr. Grindr was frequently referenced in the show.
June 30, 2014: Judge Judy episode involves a case of people who met on Grindr.
On June 30, 2014, an episode of Judge Judy featured a case between a 47-year-old plaintiff and a 23-year-old defendant who had met through Grindr. Judge Judy dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the money given to the defendant was a gift rather than a loan.
October 23, 2014: How to Get Away with Murder episode references Grindr with "Humpr".
On October 23, 2014, in How to Get Away with Murder, the character Connor used a gay hookup app called "Humpr," a reference to Grindr, to manipulate a juror.
March 22, 2015: Series finale of Looking airs.
On March 22, 2015, the series finale of Looking aired after two seasons. The show made multiple references to Grindr.
April 21, 2015: The Real Housewives of New York City mentions Grindr.
On April 21, 2015, in The Real Housewives of New York City, Luann de Lesseps tells Ramona Singer that Singer's estranged husband is active on dating sites. When asked about gay dating sites, Luann mentions Grindr.
July 2015: Trainwreck film character mentions Grindr.
In July 2015, in the film Trainwreck, the character played by John Cena mentions his use of Grindr during an argument.
July 2015: Rob Lowe comments on similarities between "The Grinder" and the Grindr app.
In a July 2015 interview, American actor Rob Lowe was asked if he was concerned that people would confuse his upcoming leading role in the legal comedy television series "The Grinder" for being on the app Grindr. Lowe answered, "It could be a good thing! I'm very current. I'm culturally significant. I could be on the Grindr app."
November 2015: Rob Lowe advertises Grindr on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
In November 2015, Rob Lowe appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and jokingly advertised the Grindr app, suggesting it was a way for fans of his show "The Grinder" to connect. The segment involved a comedic encounter with someone Lowe matched with on the app.
2015: Madonna partners with Grindr to promote "Rebel Heart" album.
In 2015, Madonna partnered with Grindr to promote her "Rebel Heart" album. The promotion included a contest where users recreated the album artwork and posted it as a Grindr profile picture. Winners received interviews with Madonna or signed copies of the album.
2015: Grindr mentioned in Danish series Rita.
In 2015, in the Danish series Rita, a character suggests using Grindr to find someone to 'hit on'.
October 2016: How to Get Away with Murder references Grindr in two episodes.
In October 2016, two separate episodes of How to Get Away with Murder referenced Grindr. Connor critiques the issues on "Humpr" (Grindr) and later uses the app for hookups.
2016: Norwegian series Skam features character downloading Grindr.
In 2016, the Norwegian series Skam featured the character Isak coming out and downloading Grindr, on which he becomes quickly overwhelmed.
October 25, 2017: Riverdale episode references Grindr with "Grind'em".
On October 25, 2017, in the Riverdale episode, the character Kevin is caught cruising and is asked why he doesn't use "Grind'em" (referencing Grindr). The scene highlights the characters' feelings about loneliness and the search for connection.
October 26, 2017: How to Get Away with Murder features Connor using "Humpr" for hookups.
On October 26, 2017, in How to Get Away with Murder, Connor uses "Humpr" (a stand-in for Grindr) to find a hookup after a disappointment in his relationship.
April 2018: Report on Grindr's data practices raises privacy concerns.
In April 2018, a report highlighted that Grindr's data bundles sold to third parties could potentially expose users' sensitive personal information, including HIV status and testing dates, raising concerns about Grindr's privacy practices. Grindr responded with a statement denying the sale of personally identifiable user information.
August 2018: The Real Housewives of Potomac features storyline involving Grindr.
In August 2018, The Real Housewives of Potomac featured a recurring storyline involving a cast member's husband's alleged affair with a young man on Grindr.
February 2019: What Men Want film character debates joining Grindr.
In February 2019, in the film What Men Want, a character debates whether to join Tinder or Grindr.
September 2019: "Looking" ranked among "100 Greatest TV shows of the 21st century".
In September 2019, The Guardian ranked Looking among the "100 Greatest TV shows of the 21st century". The show included multiple references to Grindr.
January 14, 2020: Report alleges Grindr violated GDPR rules.
On January 14, 2020, a report alleged that Grindr violated the European Union's General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR) rules by sending user data to advertisers. The concerns included sharing users' locations and device information, potentially revealing their sexual orientation without consent. Grindr was later fined €10 million for violating GDPR.
October 2020: Security vulnerability discovered in password reset process.
In October 2020, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in Grindr's password reset process, potentially allowing anyone to take over an account using only the email address.
2022: Grindr sponsors Travis Shumake in drag racing competition.
In 2022, Grindr became the sponsor for Travis Shumake, the first openly gay man to compete in a National Hot Rod Association drag racing competition.
April 2024: Grindr faces lawsuit over user data mishandling.
In April 2024, Grindr was the subject of a lawsuit at the High Court in London for mishandling user data. The lawsuit alleges the use of covert tracking technology and sharing sensitive user data, including HIV status, with third-party analytics companies.
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