OUT offers support to queer dating app victims
The Pretoria-based OUT LGBT Well-being says it is alarmed at ongoing reports that gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are falling prey to kidnappers and extortionists on dating and networking apps. As reported by eNCA’s Checkpoint and MambaOnline.com, numerous men in Johannesburg have been lured, via apps like Grindr, to meeting a date.
They are instead held hostage and threatened with death until a large ransom is paid by the victim or their friends or family.
It’s believed that many incidents go unreported, and the police have seemingly failed to take decisive action. “While our laws are progressive, South Africa remains a socially conservative country with same-sex sexuality still frowned upon.
Networking apps are often the only way that some queer men feel they can meet other men,” said Lerato Phalakatshela, OUT’s Human Rights Manager in a statement. “Stigma, shame and fear of secondary victimisation are among the reasons why victims do not come forward,” he added. “They may fear being outed, feel embarrassed or that they won’t be taken seriously, and might even blame themselves for becoming a victim.” Online networking apps are intended to be a safer way for gay, bi and MSM to meet, especially if they feel that they cannot be open about their sexuality.
