The international gay dating app Jack’d has just announced its support for activist DeRay Mckesson’s run for Baltimore Mayor. The openly gay candidate first came to prominence with his participation in the protests in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore, Maryland, against the deaths of black people in killings by law enforcement officers…ultimately leading to the beginning of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. As part of its Change the Game initiative-  focused on facilitating conversations about LGBTQ progress and inclusion, Jack’d is making a $6,000 contribution to Mckesson’s campaign, in hopes of also facilitating more conversations about self-empowerment, stereotypes, body-shaming, transgender inclusion, and bisexual acceptance…turning the dark side of gay social apps and sites into a more positive experience for everyone.

“The fight for justice is long,” says DeRay Mckesson. “It is a fight to ensure equity within systems and structures that affect so many of us from communities that have traditionally been marginalized because of race and/or identity. As a proud black gay man, I’m honored by the support of Jack’d to help mobilize the young, LGBTQ voters of Baltimore. Let’s use our platforms to continue to build community and honor the complexity of our identities.”