Why I Founded GayHearts

My name is Sven, and I am gay. Over 25 years ago, I met my partner through one of the first dating platforms, back at the very beginning of the digital age. What started as an online encounter became an 18-year relationship full of love, ups and downs, shared dreams, and unforgettable moments.

Seven years ago, I had to say goodbye. My partner passed away, and with him, a part of my life. The time that followed was marked by grief, but also by the desire to eventually find a real connection again.

When I returned to dating years later, I was shocked. The major platforms had become superficial. Endless swiping through profile pictures, meaningless chats, hardly any real conversations. Where was the space for authenticity? Where could you truly get to know someone before judging?

This frustration became my drive. I decided to create a platform myself – one that I had wished for.