Grindr research finds Brits in the dark on queer history
– 2 min read
Brits are in the dark on queer history, according to research conducted by gay hook-up app Grindr, which has launched its content series, Daddy Lessons, to engage Brits on queer history.
With a focus on Alan Turing, Lesbians & Gays Support The Miners, and Sea Queens in the 1960s, Daddy Lessons is a bite-sized content series exploring queer history in an easily digestible way.
Grindr research of 2,509 UK users, conducted in April this year, found one in four GBTQ+ Brits can’t name a single queer historical figure, while 68% of users say their history has been misrepresented, underrepresented, or erased.
Daddy Lessons aims to bridge the queer history generational gap, and spotlight the stories, moments and icons that shaped the community across the world.
Grindr’s research finds that half of queer people (49%) say learning about gay history strengthens their sense of identity, and just as many (49%) say it helps them feel more connected to the community and its progress.
Social media is now the go-to source for gay Brits learning about their history (25%), just ahead of news publications (24%). And it’s no surprise when 68% say queer history felt hidden or out of reach growing up, while over half (52%) say they’re more likely to support brands that actively shine a light on it.
Every topic and episode in the series is carefully researched and written by British queer author and playwright, Clayton Littlewood. He says, “Understanding history provides cultural awareness. It's essential for personal growth and societal development. It tells us where we've come from and where we are headed. LGBTQIA+ history has been harder to locate. It's been hidden for so long. 'Daddy Lessons' aims to keep it alive for the next generation.”
As part of the research, Grindr has revealed the top ten gay historical figures that resonate most with the British GBTQ+ community with Alan Turing, Dusty Springfield and Joe Orton making the list.
