Research by Bumble, the women-first dating app, has found that more than half (57%) of Black British people in the UK have experienced racism or racial bias while out on a date.
This prejudice or hostility, which manifests as everything from microaggressions to judgemental looks or comments, feelings of unwelcomeness, or even fetishisation, causes 1 in 3 (36%) Black people to cancel a date because they are anxious about the venue.
As a result of these experiences, almost two thirds (65%) of Black British people say that they actively choose to go on dates at Black-owned small businesses. In support of Black love stories and the spaces that empower them, Bumble has launched a campaign celebrating Black-owned businesses featuring Reggie Yates, Zeze Millz, and Stephanie Yeboah.
To support empowering spaces to date across the UK, Bumble is launching a new grant programme which will give £50,000 to small businesses, who are among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses can apply through the Bumble app and nominations can be made through Bumble’s Instagram: @bumble_UKI.
Bumble have also curated a Date Generator together with Black Owned London, making it easy to discover Black-owned small businesses you can visit for your dates. Enter the kind of date you’re planning, and the Date Generator will suggest IRL and virtual ideas from over 40 businesses across the UK, such as tarot card reading, yoga, and rock climbing.
“Dating, especially over the last year, is hard enough without having to experience anxiety, prejudice and racism,” says Naomi Walkland, Head of Bumble UK & Ireland. “At Bumble, we believe that both online and offline empowering spaces are critical to healthy relationships, and we want to celebrate Black-owned businesses across the UK that provide these spaces. Last year, our #MyLoveisBlack campaign was about celebrating the breadth of Black British love, and this year, we’re taking it offline. Dating should be fun, not disempowering, and we are committed to supporting the Black community. Whether its single people trying to find a date spot with the Date Generator, or small businesses with our grants, this campaign supports the wider, all-encompassing movement towards racial equality and equity, which Bumble is proud and committed to being a part of.”
If you’re looking to make IRL connections this weekend, Bumble will be hosting The Hive, a free pop-up event at Protein Studios in London to celebrate Black History Month this Saturday.
The Hive will be a full day of music, food and empowering discussions led by Reggie Yates and Sharmadean Reid. Throughout the day there will be delicious food served up by Food Junkee, Treats Club and drinks by Hacha Bar. To bring the vibes, No Signal will be on the decks all day. Tickets are free via the Bumble app and there will be space for walk-ins too.
To get your hands on tickets in advance, download the Bumble app, and match with the Hive profile in-app.
