Q&A with leading queer dating app, Taimi
By Charlotte Colley

Growing to one of the top LGBTQ+ dating apps, Taimi has spearheaded queer dating. Established in 2017 the app aims to be a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. With 35 million registered users worldwide it includes  features such as Taimi explore for arranging romantic meets whilst travelling and a ‘vibe’s feature’ that helps you meet people with similar values and interests.

Pomegranate spoke to Edward Reese, the Community Manager and Gender and Sexuality Expert at Taimi to discuss their strive for inclusivity for all queer based identities and the importance of providing an essential space for asexual individuals.  

Edward Reese, Community Manager and Gender and Sexuality Expert at Taimi

How has Taimi integrated LGBTQ+ identities and preferences, why is it important to have that inclusive space where people feel understood?

Taimi has been designed as an LGBTQ+ dating app that caters to the full spectrum of identities. We always stood for the community and didn’t want to leave anyone behind. For many people, inclusivity and diversity mean that the business has the best intentions, even if they don’t relate to those particular experiences. Over the years, we have collaborated with and supported many queer non-profits and NGOs in the US and Europe, and we’re gonna stand with our community in any social or political climate. 

Inclusive spaces are crucial for everyone who doesn’t fit the so-called “norm”. The more we support the full range of human nature, the brighter the outcome: one day, the whole world will become an inclusive space. 

What are some misconceptions about asexuality and asexual relationships

The main misconception is that all asexual people are sex-repulsed. While this is true for some, we shouldn’t create or perpetuate the false narrative that all ace folks are the same. Additionally, there’s a persistent myth that asexuality stems from traumatic experiences. We’ve explored this topic extensively in our collaboration with the Velvet Podcast. 

How did the asexual option for Taimi come about? Was it through the need to be inclusive or lack of asexual space?

I would say both. Taimi is the app for the entire LGBTQ+ community, so how could we miss the asexual as a part of it? We’re embracing various gender and sexual identities to give everyone in the community the opportunity to find what they’re looking for. Asexual spaces are definitely lacking, so we’re offering ace people more representation on a larger platform, especially since other dating apps have yet to consider them.

How diverse is asexuality amongst your users as there are different  asexual identities people can fall into?

Since we’re an app for all LGBTQ+ folks, we can’t list every possible type of asexual identity, as that wouldn’t work well with the app’s algorithm. After consulting with GLAAD, we’ve decided to list Asexual and Demisexual, as they are the most popular identities on the spectrum. At the moment, Ace and Demi users take 4.2% of Taimi’s daily active users globally. Overall, the ace community is very diverse. Some sources list up to 10 different sub-identities under the umbrella, and some also include aroace and aromantic identities. 

How does communication and intimacy differ in asexual partnerships- Is there typically an alternate form more focussed on emotional intimacy?

According to our user testimonies, the best option is dating within the ace community. It’s easier to find people who understand you without compromises or extra rounds of communication. Acephobia is real, even among other LGBTQ+ folks, which is why Taimi is always eager to support asexual NGOs and initiatives. I’ve already mentioned Velvet Podcast, a fictional podcast about asexuality, with which we collaborated in 2025. Zanah Thirus, the author of the project, also wrote two articles about intimacy through an asexual lens: Passion & Intimacy from an Asexual Lens and How to Start Exploring Intimacy and Pleasure When You’re Ace.

Do your users tend to prioritise different things, such as romantic connection, that may differ from other platforms?

Asexual people tend to prioritize connections that are different from sexual encounters. Dating apps, in general, aren’t the best for finding genuine romance and platonic friendships, but Taimi is often described as an app for people looking for long-term relationships rather than casual hookups. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough data on what asexual users are looking for on the platform. However, according to general user research Taimi 2026 Queer Dating Report: The Authenticity Shift, 48% of Taimi users either take it slow (25%) or prioritize safety (12%), meaning nearly half of respondents prioritize caution in dating. The main priority in a partner is emotional availability and communication (38%), which is crucial for matching.

Can asexual partnerships be more emotionally rich or fulfilling and are there challenges in navigating asexual identities in long-term relationships?

If an asexual person is dating an allosexual person, someone who does experience sexual attraction to others, the relationship definitely requires more thorough communication and emotional maturity from both parties. Many such couples may turn to ethical non-monogamy to fulfill everyone’s needs and keep the relationship strong. For others, as mentioned earlier, different forms of intimacy may be the way to go. For example, many asexual people practice BDSM, shibari, cuddling, and other ways to connect physically instead of sex. Overall, communication is key: if there’s love, mutual interest, and understanding, couples can overcome any challenges.

What message would you give about the asexual community, and perhaps to someone who is figuring out their asexual identity and an inclusive space on Taimi? 

Don’t be scared to explore. Asexual spaces are scarce and less populated than other queer communities. At Taimi, we’re working to change that by creating a space where everyone is welcome and cherished. But it’s the user base that makes the app. We’re just building a convenient platform for you to find and meet each other, so please register and help our community grow. Recently, Taimi has also been focusing on offline events and activations. We’re expanding our Taimi In-Person feature to provide access to local queer events. Community events open to everyone are one of the most popular categories among our users across the U.S. This demonstrates that LGBTQ+ people, including asexuals, still value mutual support and bonding over fun activities, even in dating spaces.

So what does the future look like for Taimi? 

This year, we’re focused on two things: making the in-app experience more intuitive and on Taimi In-Person, our initiative to move beyond the screen and foster real-world belonging for our community. Queer people are getting tired of online life, and we’re, as always, following their vibe.