"Grindr started up in 2009, but in 2012, a new Chinese hook-up app set the gold standard for dating, sexting, and networking. The new app soon surpassed even Grindr in user count despite the older app's strong global presence. It's no wonder why. Blued wasn't just a place for queer men to connect: it quickly became a publicly-traded company worth millions, and a source of important intel for PLWH."
"And suddenly, it vanished. Censored. President Xi Jinping started a crackdown in 2021 that's still harming LGBTQ+ residents to this day with queer advocacy groups closing and students being penalized for so much as distributing pride flags around campus. Blued and its more youth-focused sister app Finka were also impacted. Last year, not only was Blued suddenly unavailable in the app store for users in Mainland China, so was Finka. Users are still waiting for the apps to reemerge in 2026."
Blued launched in 2012 and quickly eclipsed established competitors to become a prominent global gay-dating platform, a publicly traded company, and an information source for people living with HIV. The founder received notable official recognition early on. Beginning in 2021, a state-led crackdown intensified, leading to closures of queer advocacy groups and punishments for students displaying pride symbols. The crackdown affected digital platforms as well: Blued and its youth-oriented sister app Finka were pulled from Mainland China app stores in late 2025. Users remain unable to access the apps and await any possible reinstatement in 2026.
Read at Queerty
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