“A first date is like a job interview,” said Finding Cupid founder David Cruz on Dating PrEP’s debut season. But in the age of ghosting, breadcrumbing, and left-on-read, I couldn’t help but wonder — am I searching for romance or just trying to dodge another dating disaster?
Lucky for us, Out’s latest season of Dating PrEP is here to help navigate the ever-evolving world of love and first dates. Premiering this spring on Out.com/DatingPrEP, Season 4 of the viral dating series will feature an exciting mix of queer personalities and multicultural experiences, from the unapologetically bold RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Yuhua Hamasaki to the ever-vibrant Out100 honoree and Instagram creator Matt Bernstein. Also joining the new cast are makeup artist and fashion influencer Briel Adams-Wheatley, performer and podcast host Anania, and social media sensation Kevin McDonald.
(L-R) Briel Adams-Wheatley, Yuhua Hamasaki, Matt Bernstein, Anania, and Kevin McDonaldPhoto Courtesy of Roland Fitz
Before we dive into the new season, let’s revisit some of the most iconic and viral moments from previous seasons — these gems of wisdom from LGBTQ+ icons show that self-love and confidence are always in style, whether you’re swiping right or stepping out in real life!
Production Courtesy of X2 Production
“Take care of yourself first and see if the people that you meet up are genuine and if they really, truly care about you.”
Photo Courtesy of Roland Fitz
“You have to be funny. You have to be able to make fun of yourself. Also communication — I love a good communicator and nothing else matters if you’re not open with the person that you’re with.”
Photo Courtesy of Roland Fitz
“I definitely think taking care of your body is the most important thing. Being on PrEP and making sure you have all the materials to be safe is a must and I like doing a face mask. I feel like that’s my kind of self care.”
Photo Courtesy of Roland Fitz
“My self-care as a trans woman differs from other people in the community. In the morning time I’m making sure I’m centering myself and that I have the best outfit for me. I’m making sure I’m taking care of my mental and sexual health; I’m taking my PrEP! I feel like when I check off those things from my list, I’m able to go out in the world and be my best self.”
Photo Courtesy of Roland Fitz
“One of the greatest blessings of disability has been learning that our bodies can experience pleasure in the most dynamic of ways that most people wouldn’t think about. And I think that everyone can benefit from a new idea about sex.”
Production Courtesy of X2 Production
“It's important to feel good when you're going out into a vulnerable situation and, you know, putting on a shirt that you love, like a color that you love them. That makes you feel like a bad bitch.”
Production Courtesy of X2 Production
“A main advice that I would give to anybody entering into any dating space is to be open, because a lot of times, something that comes your way, you've never seen before you've never interacted with before, but for some reason, you vibe with it. Don't be afraid to explore that. Be open to whatever the universe may bring to you.”
Production Courtesy of Shawn Adeli
“I gave myself grace. I never considered myself to be perfect in any type of way. You can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the exact same time.”
Production Courtesy of Shawn Adeli
“Get out there, say yes to more things, and just live your life, and just have no regrets, and have no fear. For everybody, just don't forget what we went through and be excited and just live your life to the fullest.”
Production Courtesy of X2 Production
"I only want to be with people who either love themselves or like attempting to love themselves because it's obviously really hard to do that and we're all trying. But loving yourself is really hot.”
