While many dating sites and apps, like the massive
Gay.com, offer a chance to join an HIV-positive (or supportive) community, a handful of boutique websites cater exclusively to people who are HIV-positive and those who want to date them, with options for straight, gay, and bisexual singles. Here are some faves:
For: Gay and bi men
Website: Volttage.com
Price: Free
Members: 11,000
Fashion designer and model Jack Mackenroth, who rose to fame as the first openly HIV-positive contestant on Project Runway (and appeared on the cover of HIV Plus in 2013), launched Volttage in October 2012. Unlike some other gay matchmaking portals, Volttage does not ask its members, over 11,000 and growing, to disclose their status; the assumption is that everyone is either positive or positive-friendly. Since the minimum age requirement is 21, users do have the option to reveal height, weight, and “other” measurements through photographs. In addition, a feature called Volttage Buzz provides users with news related to HIV activism, health, politics, and more. There will eventually be a mobile version, Mackenroth says.
For: Anyone
Website: PositiveSingles.com
Price: Basic is free; Gold is $15.95 a month or $95.95 for six months
Members: 700,000
Positive Singles is an online dating and support community open to straight and
gay singles living with any sexually transmitted disease, including herpes, HPV, and HIV. This website allows users to tailor their search for men or women with more traditional search criteria, such as age, income, political beliefs, religion, and even astrological sign. While browsing is available to all users, gold membership unlocks the ability to search specifically for positive users.
For: Anyone
Website: PozMatch.com
Price: Basic is free; Premium is $14.95 a month or $59.99 a year
Membership: Thousands
Though its numbers may be small in comparison to some sites, PozMatch is one of the largest that caters exclusively to HIV-positive singles, regardless of sexual orientation. To start you’ll fill out four pages of information to describe your interests and physical appearance as well as those of your ideal mate. Even the free basic membership allows a broad range of services; you can send a virtual kiss or a message, or instantly chat with members around the world. There’s even a live video option.
