Grindr Reverses Ban on 'No Zionists' Phrase in User Profiles After Backlash

Grindr, one of the world's most popular LGBTQ+ dating apps, has reversed a policy that previously prevented users from including the phrase "no Zionists" in their profile bios. This decision follows media reports and user complaints highlighting that the app blocked the phrase while still permitting other exclusionary or discriminatory language, such as "no Blacks," "no Jews," and "no FFA" (an acronym for "fats, femmes, or Asians") to appear in profiles without restriction .

The ban on "no Zionists" reportedly took effect sometime in the past year, but it became widely noticed in July 2025, when users attempting to add the phrase to their bios received an error message. In contrast, tests conducted by media outlets demonstrated that the platform still allowed many other phrases that explicitly excluded or discriminated against users based on race, religion, gender identity, or political views .

After the issue attracted public attention, Grindr issued a statement acknowledging the error and confirming that the policy was "implemented following user escalations around its potentially inflammatory nature." The company stated that it "regularly examines its moderation policies" and "recently decided to reverse this one upon review" . The platform has since removed the restriction, and users are once again able to include the phrase in their profiles.

A spokesperson for Grindr did not specify how long the ban was in effect but reaffirmed the company's commitment to re-evaluating its moderation policies in response to user feedback and evolving community standards .

The reversal has sparked renewed debate within LGBTQ+ and broader digital communities about the boundaries of political expression, discrimination, and platform moderation. The term "Zionist" refers to individuals who support the movement for a Jewish homeland in Israel, but its meaning and use have become increasingly contested, especially since the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict in 2023. While some users see opposition to Zionism as a legitimate political stance, others argue that blanket statements such as "no Zionists" can be a form of coded antisemitism .

At the same time, activists and users have criticized Grindr for inconsistent enforcement of its own terms of service, which prohibit content that is "objectionable, defamatory, libelous, offensive, obscene, indecent, pornographic, harassing, threatening, embarrassing, distressing, vulgar, hateful, racially or ethnically or otherwise offensive to any group or individual, intentionally misleading, false, or otherwise inappropriate" . Critics argue that allowing phrases such as "no Blacks" or "no FFA" perpetuates discrimination within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly against marginalized groups.

Many LGBTQ+ advocates are calling for Grindr and similar platforms to apply moderation policies more equitably and transparently. There is growing concern that selective enforcement can both silence political speech and allow persistent systemic discrimination to go unchecked .

Some organizations and activists emphasize the need for clear guidelines distinguishing between protected political expression and hate speech targeting individuals or groups based on immutable characteristics. Others stress the importance of ongoing dialogue and education within the LGBTQ+ community to address intersectional issues of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bias that may manifest in both digital and real-world spaces.