Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

In a polarised society, the meaning of gender is in flux. People want to be liberated from outdated norms – but many hold on to the gender binary as a source of stability in an uncertain world. How can brands navigate the changing gender landscape without leaning on stereotypes?

Everyone’s heard of Grindr. More than five million men in 192 countries use it to hook up. It’s transformed the gay dating scene. But with the closure of many LGBT venues, how are all these virtual encounter platforms affecting bars and clubs? Has Grindr killed the gay bar?

As people grow more aware of the vast spectrum used to define gender and sexuality, there’s an expectation for the media to wise up and represent LGBTQ issues faithfully. With digital magazine Them, Condé Nast is giving queer voices a platform to talk about pop culture, politics and news.

As swiping right has become the default in digital dating, OkCupid is reinforcing its core value of ‘substance over selfies’ with an ad campaign that reclaims the acronym DTF. By exploring the ways people get to know each other beyond the physical, it’s making a statement against hook-up culture.

Finding romance over the web can be tricky; 53% of Americans who use dating sites lie on their profiles, and women often face harassment on such platforms. Through its female-first approach and verification measures, Bumble aims to give users a safe and transparent way to meet new people.