“Flower”

👏 Sr. Product Manager, Z-Team at Tinder — Emoti-Con Judge

As someone who actually works at a dating app, I love this idea, especially when it comes to targeting a younger demographic (more specifically, people of color) that may need more emotional support around their sexuality than adults. In a time when we are the fight for more inclusivity and cater to the needs of LGBTQ+ community, I think that an app that offers a safe space for both friendships and budding relationships can help them feel less like an other, as well as less alone. I really love that this isn’t just a dating app, but a forum for overall mental health for the LGBTQ+ community. First of all, the attention to trust and safety was impressive; I like how all accounts must be verified in order to message and send friend requests. Fake accounts made to harass or defraud others is an unfortunate feature of the dating app space. I was also drawn to the fact that you can track your moods and speak to an actual mental health professional as a part of this app. I think this is definitely a differentiator. I also thought the inclusion of friends as support in the dating community was a fantastic idea. It certainly helps to make dating not such a solitary experience.

This is already such a well thought-out idea, but there’s always room for examining how we can make these interpersonal connections stronger in the future. Perhaps you could have a section for hosting events (both digital and IRL). Perhaps you could have groups based on interests, hobbies, passions, etc. Then people could connect on an even deeper level, and find further support through those interests. It could also help foster a better mental health state by inspiring each other through common interests and activities. And to add to Trust and Safety, maybe you could have an alert system between friends if you’re caught in an unsafe situation and need help. None of these ideas are mandatory to make this app a success, but I think it could be useful to dig deeper into your next round of user interviews by asking what kinds of communities they’d like, and what features could foster even more of a safe space for your users.

Overall, I think this is a fabulous idea with a ton of potential and caters to a very underserved demographic. I have no doubt that as long as you’re listening to the unique needs of your users, your hearts appear to be in the right place and great ideas will continue to come forth from that. Very well done!

👏 Youth Services Manager at Saint Paul Public Library, George Latimer Central Branch — Emoti-Con Judge

Great work here, I think you've really honed in on an idea that is relevant to young LGBTQ+ folks; I would have really appreciated a tool like this when I was in middle and high school! I especially liked the different options a user has for this app, be that romance , friendship, or just chatting. It's clear that you spent a lot of time considering how to involve users in a way that makes them feel safe and comfortable. This is even reflected in the design elements, with the soft color scheme and the inconspicuous flower icon- well done!

It's clear that you care deeply about the LGBTQ+ POC community, and I look forward to hearing more about how this technology could continue developing beyond the format of a traditional dating app. You've definitely already begun on this in your inclusion of mental health services through the app, which is a great idea especially for those who might not feel comfortable discussing these issues with their peers. Going forward I would love to see how this technology could contribute to widespread collaboration and activism! Your thoughtfulness in targeting underserved communities is extremely valuable, and this project showcases your technical prowess as well as your passion for the community!

👏 Co-Founder & COO at QueerTech — Emoti-Con Judge

What a beautifully designed app that is visibly made with tons of care! Navigating the world as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is complicated at any age, and these problems that you are solving for are so very important.

You did a great job thinking about the whole person that you are serving and the many different experiences that exist for this community. From the app icon & name to the access to resources (loved the mood check), the thoughtfulness incorporated around user safety and mental health truly shines through. You have a great understanding of how many different use cases while still keeping the app user friendly and well designed.

Again, fantastic work!

👏 Associate Professor of Media Design at Parsons School of Design — Emoti-Con Judge

This is an amazing project and very important. I love how you are thinking about how to create spaces of connection and community between LGBTQ+ PoC, ensuring that young people are not left feeling isolated or disconnected. While we hear a lot about the perils of social media, projects like this remind us that there is also great opportunity and potential to create channels for people to establish an authentic expression of self and find others who can support them along a journey. Wonderful work and keep it up!