Social media site OutMilitary has
launched what it describes as the first location-based mobile app
dedicated to gay service members.
The app, available for Android-based
smartphones and the iPhone, launched on Monday.
“Since its inception, OutMilitary.com
has served as a springboard for gay and lesbian service members to
connect with each other,” Shaun Knittel, a spokesperson for
OutMilitary.com, said in a statement. “We began to notice that
members were finding love on OutMilitary.com because the website's
primary function is to serve as a resource for gay and lesbian
service members, but we saw a need for a same-sex dating or hookup
site based around the military.”
“[G]ay men are already used to using
phone apps for gay dating,” he added. “OutMilitary.com is just
giving them one that is military-specific.”
The app is available in 16 different
languages and it also updates users on news items and other postings.
OutMilitary is launching its latest
offering nearly a year after the military ended the “Don't Ask,
Don't Tell” policy.
“While gay service members no longer
have to violate their oath of honesty and integrity in order to
serve, knowing who is gay on base or aboard ship can be nearly
impossible,” said OutMilitary founder John McKinnon. “Now, the
app gives them a powerful tool to find and connect with one another
right on their smartphone, they can literally 'see' other gay service
members on their base, ship, wherever.”