Being transgender comes with its own set of challenges, and dating is one of them. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the magic of emotional and physical human connection. In this article, we’ll show you the best transgender dating sites and apps out there, but also talk about:
- How to act as a cis person
- Being open as a trans person
- Practicing safe sex
- Online safety
Top 5 Best Transgender Dating Sites & Apps
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Best Trans Dating Site Overall
- Verified user base
- Adult content available
- Numerous positive user reviews
Friend Finder-X
Best Transgender Dating Site for Couples
- Variety of payment options
- Extra content available
- Large dating pool
My Transsexual Date
Best Dating App for Transgender Women
- Verified user base
- Discreet
- Free for transgender women
Ashley Madison
Best Trans Dating Site for Discreet Relationships
- Very discreet
- Like-minded active community
- Both website and app available
Transgender Date
Best TS Dating Site that Doesn’t Promote Stereotypes
- Completely free
- Active and accepting community
- Great for making friends
Top 5 Sites & Apps for TS Dating and Their Reviews
TSdates
Best Trans Dating Site Overall
- Demographics: Mostly trans people
- Payment methods: Credit card, money order, check
TSdates is a dating website primarily made for transgender people. However, it’s still inclusive and remains popular across the gender spectrum. The registration process is quick and asks you disclose your gender, but also who you’re looking for. You can even sign up as a couple or as a single person looking for couples.
Once you’ve left a few other personal details, the site will automatically take you to the verification step. TSdates is considered the best trans dating website thanks to its abundance of features. That’s what makes it easy to contact other users in more ways than one. If you’re shy, make use of the flirt feature, which lets others know you’re interested in them without requiring you to start a conversation.
While you have to pay a small fee to use the features, you still have the option of sending three free messages a day. This allows you to carefully choose users and start a worthwhile conversation without having to pay for it, cementing TSdates’ title as the top TS dating site.
Being a Gold member is definitely something you should consider if you’re serious about the platform, though. This is because you can’t view other people’s profiles without the subscription.
Users claim that this dating site is well worth the money and that it has helped them overcome heartbreak and loneliness. Also, most of them say they enjoy the adult movies available on the website, as they can’t find such quality content anywhere else.
Pros
- + Verified user base
- + Adult content available
- + Numerous positive user reviews
Cons
- − Can’t view other profiles without Gold membership
Friend Finder-X
Best Transgender Dating Site for Couples
- Demographics: 60% women
- Payment methods: Cash, check, direct credit, credit card
With its 20-year long history of success, this is one of the oldest dating sites that includes transgender people. Although you can use the site as a single person, it’s also suitable for couples looking for some fun. Friend Finder-X is very sex positive and encourages their users to explore fantasies with like-minded people.
One of the biggest appeals of this transgender dating site is that it has a huge membership and a roughly equal gender ratio, making it fun and easy to find a partner/partners. It’s also interesting that most members have a Gold membership, despite the slightly higher price. This tells us that Friend Finder-X is absolutely worth paying a little extra for the full experience.
You might also like their live model shows and X-rated content. If you join their fan clubs, you gain full access to the content they post. You can sign up on your own, as a couple, or even as a group. During the sign-up process, you’ll need to state your sexual orientation and gender.
While researching for our trans dating review, we established that you can see other profiles as a free member and send Gold members messages. However, you won’t be able to talk to them unless they have a “standard contacts” add-on activated. As a Gold member, though, not only do you have full access to the website, but you can also access adult movie features, and find Sex Academy courses.
Pros
- + Variety of payment options
- + Extra content available
- + Large dating pool
Cons
- − Higher price range
My Transsexual Date
Best Dating App for Transgender Women
- Demographics: 60% women
- Payment methods: Credit card, Debit card, PayPal, Bitcoin
If you’re ready for something serious but don’t know how to go about it, this is the website for you. The gender ratio is roughly equal, making it easier to find the perfect match. This site is especially great for transgender women because they get to use it for free.
Signing up to this transgender dating app only takes a couple of minutes. You can also register with your Facebook account, simplifying the process even more. You’ll need to fill in your basic information, but note that this website only caters to trans women and cis male relationships.
You can build your profile further by sharing what part of your transition you’re in, adding a catchy headline, and filling out the about section. There, you can talk about your lifestyle, background, and appearance. Let’s not forget that you can also upload pics.
Verifying your account will be necessary and this is done through email. This ensures all users are real and minimizes the risk of getting hurt and/or scammed.
When it comes to user experience and TS dating site reviews, they’re generally positive. Many say this is the perfect way to meet people they could easily connect with without having to engage in elaborate explanations or encounter misunderstandings.
Pros
- + Verified user base
- + Discreet
- + Free for transgender women
Cons
- − Only focuses on trans female/cis male relationships
Ashley Madison
Best Trans Dating Site for Discreet Relationships
- Demographics: Mostly men
- Payment methods: Credit card, PayPal, prepaid Mastercard/VISA, major-retailer gift card
While Ashley Madison is most popular among cis people who are already comitted, it’s also a convenient place for transgender people looking for discreet adventures. Not only does the site offer a special search function that allows you to find other trans people easily, but it also treats privacy as a great priority.
Women have the upper hand on this TS dating website because they don’t have to pay to start conversations. In addition, there’s the option of sending virtual gifts to people you like to get their attention more quickly. For extra anonymity, you can use the traveling man or traveling woman feature, which allows you to meet people even when you’re not staying in one place for long.
The registration process itself is simple and quick. There’s also an app you can use instead of the classic website. The way it works here is that you actually purchase credits that you can use as virtual money. You use them to purchase gifts and contact other people.
What makes this one of the best transgender dating apps is that your purchases will be marked as “online services” on your credit card if you opt for the premium subscription. In other words, you’ll get to keep everything completely private. Users have also shared how fulfilling it was to finally feel desired after being stuck in a one-sided relationship for a long time.
Pros
- + Very discreet
- + Like-minded active community
- + Both website and app available
Cons
- − Making first contact only free for women
Transgender Date
Best TS Dating Site that Doesn’t Promote Stereotypes
- Demographics: 80% male
- Payment methods: N/A
Those who want to share ideas with others and have a more profound understanding of the transgender community while also dating should check out Transgender Date. It’s one of the rare dating sites that’s completely free. If you want to use the site to its full potential, you’ll need to upgrade to a VIP membership. And here’s the kicker—all you have to do to become a VIP member is verify your account.
This policy truly makes Transgender Date one of the best TS dating sites out there. Since 90% of the users are verified members, you know you’re in a safe environment. The registration process is pretty straightforward and generally takes only a few minutes. Once your profile is verified, you can participate in chat rooms and use an IM system, which allows you to chat with people individually.
If this isn’t enough to get you active in the LGBTQ+ community, the blog certainly will be. Here, you can read about various topics, not all of which are even related to being transgender. This allows you to connect to others based on common interests instead of just your gender identity.
Your profile is also very interactive because you can put as much detail into it as you want. From adding music to posting pictures and asking questions, you can catch other users’ attention quite easily.
TS dating reviews created by numerous users claim it’s quite refreshing to have such an accepting and caring community. Not only did they manage to find love, but most of them basically found a new family.
Pros
- + Completely free
- + Active and accepting community
- + Great for making friends
Cons
- − No app available
Your Guide to Trans Dating & Trans Dating Sites
The transgender dating scene can sometimes be difficult to navigate, whether you’re cis or trans.
Respect for and Communication with Transgender People
If you’re a cis person interested in dating transgender people, there are a few things you need to remember.
Pronouns on and off TS Dating Websites
Using the right pronouns is very important because it shows your understanding and respect for the person, regardless of whether you’re talking offline or online. Trans women are women, and trans men are men, so you should treat and address them as such. Of course, some trans people may prefer the neutral they/them pronouns or even something else.
When you first meet someone, the most respectful way you can approach them is by addressing them as they/them. Use their name and try to avoid pronouns. Once you get to know each other a little bit, you can openly ask them what pronouns they prefer.
When using a TS dating site, you’ll notice some trans people state their preferred pronouns openly in their profile. So, you won’t have to worry so much about accidentally upsetting or offending them.
You should also talk to your new friend/partner/potential love interest about how you should react if someone misuses their pronouns. Some people prefer handling the situation themselves, others like it when you step in. Not everyone has entirely come out of the closet and they might not use the same pronouns with different people.
Your Sexual Orientation
Using transgender dating apps can leave cisgender people wondering whether falling for a trans person changes their sexual orientation. While you can label yourself however you feel most comfortable, your orientation doesn’t necessarily need to change.
If you’re a cis female dating a trans male, your sexual orientation doesn’t have to change even if he’s in the early phases of his transition.
Respectful Language
Even though we choose to believe we live in a progressive era, there’s still a lot of stigma around transgender people. Before you start dating someone with a completely different life story and experience than yours, it’s best to read up on what terms to use to remain respectful and considerate.
Language you should avoid:
- Transgenders, or a transgender. They’re people, not things, so always use transgender person/people.
- Shemale, shemale dating, shemale dating sites, and similar terms. This is just as dehumanizing as other derogatory terms, and it also adds an element of fetishism.
- Tranny or hermaphrodite. Both of these are derogatory terms and have a lot of negative connotations even if you don’t mean them to be offensive.
- Deceptive, pretending, posing, etc. No one is pretending to be something they’re not, they just want to be who they really are. Always bear that in mind.
Transgender People on Dating Sites and Apps
The fact is you may encounter some narrow-minded people or those who fetishize you even on the very best transgender dating sites. The most important thing to remember is never to apologize for who you are.
Your ideal partner will understand that being trans is a unique experience and that it isn’t your whole identity. You are you, not just because you’re making your outside match how you feel on the inside, but also because of your personality traits, hobbies, interests, talents, strengths and weaknesses. If a person fails to see beyond one single aspect of you, they’re not right for you.
Being Open on TS Dating Apps
Being open entails knowing what you want, whether it be a casual hookup or a long-term relationship. This is something you should think through before joining a transgender dating website, but also something you should clearly state on your profile.
Also, it’s helpful to be open about the pronouns you prefer. It’s much easier for people to talk to you with respect when you give them a clear way to do so, especially if you hit it off with someone and things develop to the point of intimacy.
When should I tell a potential partner I am trans?
There is no definite answer to this question. It’s all about what you feel comfortable with. Some people like getting to know the person first and then sharing such personal information, while others are open about it from the outset.
The good news is, when you use a TS dating app, you don’t have to worry about this question a lot. You can make this information about yourself explicitly stated in your profile, but you also don’t have to. Anyone using the same app or website you’re using will already have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Exploring Sex on TS Dating Sites & Staying Safe
Sex is a wonderful thing and certainly the reason many people use dating apps in the first place. However, you need to make sure the experience is comfortable and safe.
Using Toys
Toys can be a lot of fun in the bedroom, regardless of your sexual orientation and gender identity. Whether you use them during foreplay or penetrative sex, make sure you and your partner are both comfortable with them.
You can find out your potential partner’s preferences while you’re still talking on transgender dating sites and learn if you’re compatible. This way, you won’t be wasting time with someone who isn’t a good match.
Some trans men can enjoy penetrative sex with the help of strap-ons, while other prefer not to use them. If your partner likes using a strap-on, make sure to ask them if you should treat it as a toy or as an extension of their body.
Foreplay
Foreplay is available to everyone and can even be more fulfilling than penetrative sex. It allows you to get to know your partner and feel closer to them while also giving them a lot of pleasure. If you’re new to sex or if you’ve met someone new on a trans dating site, perhaps it’s best to ease into things with longer foreplay and see how you both feel about taking things further gradually.
Staying Safe
Practicing safe sex is extremely important, especially if you introduce new partners to the bedroom often. Using condoms is one of the best ways to avoid contracting an STD and ensure your safety, as well as your partner’s. This is especially true for trans women, as they are just as much at risk of contracting HIV as gay men.
Make sure to talk to your partner about safety before you get off the trans dating app and move on to real life. You don’t want to bring yourself to a potentially dangerous situation. If they’re hesitant or pushy about not using condoms, it would be better to call it a day and not risk it.
Aside from using condoms, you should also get tested regularly if you’re sexually active.
Staying Safe Online
To ensure your safety while exploring online dating, here are some tips:
- Don’t post personal info. Just your basic interests and hobbies are enough if you want to keep your privacy.
- Don’t use your real name. For full anonymity, use a pseudonym or a nickname. This is especially helpful if you’re not completely out.
- Crop your pictures. Posting pics of yourself is normal and encouraged on trans dating apps, but make sure not to include any easily recognizable features if you want to stay under the radar.
- Only communicate on the dating platform. Moving communication to another channel leaves you without customer support and protection against potential danger.
Conclusion
Though being transgender can make things harder when it comes to dating, you’re not destined to be alone. Just like everyone else, you are worthy of someone who will love you for you. Hopefully, this guide and the apps we supplied will be enough to give you what you’re looking for.
FAQs
Does liking trans people make me gay?
If you identify as a heterosexual cis male or female, your sexual orientation doesn’t have to change for having a trans partner. A cis male dating a trans female is still considered straight. The same goes for cis females dating trans males.
How to tell a potential partner I am trans?
This is your story to tell and there’s no one better to answer this question than you. Make sure you’re in a safe environment and communicate openly about your feelings and concerns. Remember that you don’t have to justify yourself to anyone, but also that not everyone will want to stick around. If your partner’s reaction was negative, perhaps it’s time to move on.
Online dating can make one thing easier from the very start, though. The best transgender dating sites will give you the option of stating your gender directly in your profile, so you won’t have to worry about explaining anything to anyone.