Australian MP runs iconic ads on Grindr ahead of federal election

Australian MP Allegra Spender is running iconic adverts on Grinder, ahead of the country’s federal election on 3 May.

Spender, the Independent Member for Wentworth, a suburb of Sydney, took to the trans-inclusive gay dating app to advertise her re-election campaign. The series of political ads greeted unsuspecting users, who, let’s face it, are more concerned with organising dates and hook-ups, not thinking about their voter ballot.

Spender, who has long supported the LGBTQ+ community, launched the campaign with queer agency Pink Media Group and spearheaded geolocated adverts to identify voters in her constituency during the run-up to that all-important vote date.

“She’s not on Grindr. But she’s got your back,” reads one advert on the app, which only shows for users without Grindr XTRA. 

Another emulates a message screenshot on the app about voting for Spender, which reads: “Got trust issues from the major parties? Vote independent.”

“Campaigning is about meeting people where they are,” Spender said in a press release. “I know just how much our community relies on the app to communicate, make friends, find love – or just hook up. 

“The ads are a bit of fun, but the message is much more serious. I will always stand up for our community’s rights, safety, and freedom – no matter who’s in government. Wentworth deserves a representative who will stand shoulder to shoulder with the community.”

Last year, Spender spoke out against the government’s “appalling” decision not to include LGBTQ+ questions on the Australian census. She said at the time that without proper data on LGBTQ+ Australians, it would be “impossible to properly design policy to support this community and to ensure there are appropriate services in areas like health and wellbeing”. After the backlash, the government eventually overturned their decision.

Spender added in the press release: “As an Independent, I won’t engage in culture wars. I’m focused on real outcomes for real people. Wentworth is a place where everyone is welcome and everyone has a voice. I’m proud to represent our LGBTQ+ community – and I’ll never stop fighting for their rights.”

Spender is not the only MP with an unconventional campaign. Brisbane MP Stephen Bates also launched an OnlyFans account in a bid to encourage people to vote Green.

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