The ABCs of LGBTQ+ Dating

(A guide no one asked for — but here it is anyway)

A is for Attitude

Necessary. Weaponized. Sexy. Unavoidable.

B is for Bed

Let’s be real: it’s either the goal, the battleground, or the therapy couch.

C is for Chemistry

Hard to fake. Impossible to define. Often just poppers.

D is for Drama

If you say you hate it, you are it.

E is for Exes

They’re everywhere. They’re friends now. They’re in your DMs.

F is for FWB

Friends With Benefits… or Feelings We Bury. Choose wisely.

G is for Ghosting

An ancient queer tradition dating back to Grindr 2012.

H is for Hinge

For when you’re “looking for something real” but still crop your ex out of your pics.

I is for Intimacy

Scary. Rare. Worth it. Vulnerability kink sold separately.

J is for Jealousy

Ugly… but kind of hot when it’s their problem.

K is for Kinks

You have them. They have them. Talk about it or end up accidentally in latex on a Tuesday.

L is for Long Distance

Emotional support FaceTime and $200 flights for mediocre cuddles.

M is for Messaging Etiquette

Respond within 3 minutes or 3 business days — there is no in-between.

N is for Nudes

A fine art. Lighting. Angles. Consent, darling.

O is for Open Relationships

Like IKEA furniture: sounds easy, instructions are a mess, needs tools.

P is for Pronouns

Ask. Respect. Even is this new era. Get it right — or get blocked.

Q is for Queer Joy

The rarest, purest drug. Side effects may include spontaneous dance parties.

R is for Red Flags

If you see one, ignore it. If your friends see it, argue. Classic.

S is for Subtext

Where most queer communication lives — glances, memes, and thirst traps.

T is for Thirst

Literal dehydration from dancing and/or scrolling Insta stories at 2AM.

U is for U-Hauling

The second date joke isn’t just for lesbians anymore. Queer culture = second date → joint lease.

V is for Validation

Swipe for it. Thirst for it. Therapy about it.

W is for Whining

Honestly, half of gay flirting is just elaborate complaining.

X is for X-rated

If you wanted wholesome, you wouldn’t be here.

Y is for Your Type

Spoiler: It’s usually unavailable or emotionally constipated.

Z is for Zaddies

If you don’t have one, become one.