A straight ally founded an LGBT+ dating app. Now, his sights are on ending prejudice once and for all
Taimi founder Alex Pasykoy has a mission to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia around the world
Taimi founder Alex Pasykov, an outspoken advocate for equality, is laying down the gauntlet for LGBT+ allies to join forces in the fight for human rights.
In an open letter, Pasykov encourages straight people to speak out and stand up for equal rights by sharing their message of support using the hashtag #AllySpeaksOut on social media. At Taimi, the world’s largest LGBT+ platform featuring a social network and dating app, his mission is to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia around the world.
“Allies are a crucial component when it comes to driving change forward,” he writes.
“To me, being an ally just makes sense. But it’s more than words, it means that in your daily life you have to speak up for equality. I understand that not every straight person is ready to be an ally, but hope my story will encourage more and more people to come out as allies, to speak up, to fight, to raise awareness.”
Pasykov built a career for himself in information technology, and Taimi is one of his successful ventures. He launched it when he saw a huge need for a space for LGBT+ people to feel safe, to be able to express their thoughts without judgment or fear, and to communicate with one another in a way where their conversations could lead to something more than just a short romance.
In less than two years Taimi went from a dating app to a fully-fledged platform that gives LGBT+ folk a place to socialise, network and date.
Sounds utopian? Perhaps, but it is a society that we should all strive towards.
“I want to see a world where people are just people, no matter their gender, sex, race, or religion,” he continues. “Sounds utopian? Perhaps, but it is a society that we should all strive towards.”
In 2020 Taimi has grown to include more than eight million users worldwide, and the company continues to expand around the world. Pasykov hopes to see Taimi available in markets where those who are LGBT+ face hate – since his ultimate goal is to end prejudice.
“Unfortunately, in more than 70 countries in the world [being openly and legally LGBT+] is not possible to this day. Not to mention the many societal prejudices queer people face even in countries where they have legal protection,” adds Pasykov.
Taimi has fairly ambitious plans in the works. The platform continues to expand on its partnerships with NGOs, Pride festivals, foundations and activists. Ideally, Taimi wants to see a legislative change in countries where being LGBTQ+ is still illegal.
To join the cause, meet new people and become part of Taimi community, download the app here.
Taimi is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ platform that features a social network and dating app. Taimi has several verification layers, 24/7 profile moderation, around-the-clock live support, and PIN/Fingerprint/Face ID. Taimi has zero-tolerance for judgment, discrimination, hate, or aggression. Taimi is free and available to download in the App Store and Google Play. A subscription-based premium version is also available.
