Joshua LobatoJoshua Lobato encountered challenges dating in the gay community. He initially tried the popular dating apps Jack’d and Grindr. Some people use these apps to socialize. Others want to meet romantic partners. Still others just look to hook up. On the apps, on a few profiles, Joshua saw the phrase “No Fats, No Femmes, No Asians.” At first, he didn’t know what it meant. But it soon became clear. Joshua was rejected by a guy because he was too husky. The experience took a toll on him. Though confident and extroverted, he became more self-conscious due to the body shaming. “We got discriminated against by the heteronormative society,” Joshua points out. “Why are we discriminating against each other?”

Photo Credit: Luisa Madrid