February 20th 2025.
Dating in the Black community has taken on a new form in recent times. As Black singles explore love, sex, and relationships, they are embracing more modern experiences. The first-ever "State of Black Singles 2025" report by BLK delves into the patterns and preferences of Black dating culture without any fluff or filters.
Jonathan Kirkland, head of brand and marketing at BLK, stated that the aim was to have an open and honest conversation about the current state of Black dating. To gather insights, BLK reached out to thousands of Black singles across the country. The report revealed that 88% of Black daters consider oral sex a non-negotiable part of their sexual experiences.
But it doesn't stop there. The report also shed light on the growing openness towards group play, with 70% of Black singles expressing interest in threesomes, swinger parties, or orgies. The respondents were also candid about their preferences, with over half expressing interest in hair pulling, and significant numbers showing interest in sex toys, lingerie, and fetish wear.
As the leading dating app for Black singles, BLK also recognizes the impact of technology on the dating scene. Surprisingly, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat are shaping the narrative for Black love, with 57% of respondents using them as dating tools. And for those still hesitant about making the first move, 17% of Black singles admitted to using social media as a way to start a conversation with a potential online crush.
In 2025, social-first dating is expected to become even more popular, with features like voice notes and video bios. But for now, Black daters are already taking advantage of technology in their romantic pursuits. In fact, almost half of Black singles are into phone sex and cam play, and many have even tried remote-controlled toys.
Despite the increasing heat in the romance scene, Black singles remain firm on their boundaries, especially when it comes to practicing safe sex. According to the report, 84% of Black singles discuss STI/STD status before becoming intimate. And while some may have specific kinks, such as pet play and cuckolding, many are open to exploring different forms of physical intimacy.
The discussion on traditional versus modern relationship norms is also ongoing in the Black community. While the majority still believe in finding "the one" and getting married, there is a shift towards rejecting traditional gender roles. When it comes to parenthood, 83% of Gen Z is interested in having children, while 53% are undecided, and 71% are open to raising children in non-traditional households.
As the 2024 article in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy suggests, African American couples face higher levels of relationship distress compared to other racial groups. With increased representation in dating culture, the Black community will continue to have important conversations about topics such as relationship therapy, sexual health, consent, emotional vulnerability, and code-switching.
While romance may not be the top priority for some, dating apps like BLK and social media platforms are evolving into spaces where Black singles can form communities and build friendships first. As the saying goes, "Kitchen Wisdom" offers a new guide to romance with old-school advice, and it's clear that the Black community is embracing this new era of love, sex, and relationships with open minds and hearts.
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