What Pokémon Starter You Should Choose, Based On Your Grindr Tag

For the modern queer person, there are two huge decisions they must all make at some point in their life: what Pokémon starter to pick, and what tag to choose on dating apps. This is especially true for gay men; apps like Grindr feature tags that have become cultural norms for this group, with many not only using them to self-identify but perceiving those around them through the same terminology. Whether they view them as superficial markers or deeper categories everyone must fall into, clear the tag a person chooses says alot about them — just like selecting your Pokémon starter!

Because true fans of this legendary franchise know that choosing a starter goes beyond visual flair (though their immensely cute designs certainly don’t hurt). Many trainers pick Pokémon that they feel a genuine compassion for, with these early bonds starting them on the jaw-dropping adventure that each game holds.  

It can be just as hard picking your first pocket monster as it is your queer category. And, luckily for us all, we now have a guide on which Pokémon to choose based on your Grindr tag!

Bear — Bulbasaur

In so many ways, the Bears are the bedrock of the gay community. This term usually refers to men who are more mature, hairy, and have a larger build — but it goes much deeper than that. Bears are often the older members of the Gay community, meaning that these are the people who have helped fight for our modern rights and who help guide younger generations of queer folks today. With both the physical and sentimental value associated with the Bear tag, the best starter for this community is definitely Bulbasaur.

Part of Pokémon’s first starter trio, just like Bears, this leafy frog creature helped sculpt the modern franchise that so many people love today. Not only that, but its evolution into an imposing yet comforting figure means it’s perfect for the many Bears who flaunt their imposing figure, but are always there to offer a warm hug. 

Twink — Sobble

While twinks are often characterized by their slight figure and youth, the category goes alot deeper than superficial appearance… often in extremely chaotic ways. Because Twinks are often still finding their footing in the LGBTQ+ community by learning the ins and outs of this culture in a way that can often lead to many hilarious mishaps. They’re are a blend of youthful optimism and bold chaos, which is why the starter for them is absolutely Sobble.

Sobble’s evolutionary line perfectly captures the Twink experience; this tiny lizard is constantly in awe at the world around him and takes on various style choices and attitudes as it grows. Eventually, it evolves into the self-assured assassin Intelon, a Pokémon that is not only hairless and slight — like your typical Twink — but embodies the well-earned confidence this tag entails. Because Twinks should represent queer and youthful adventure, and no starter embodies that better than Sobble. 

Jock — Grookey

The modern Jock is a tricky category — some of them don’t even play sports! This term has always been applied to athletic men, but over time this tag has had less to do with sportsmanship and more with how much muscle a guy can squeeze into a tight-fitting shirt. Nowadays, the Jock tag is based largely on a person’s bulky build and good vibe, which is why Grookey is the best starter for members of this group. 

This adorable primate’s entire evolutionary line embodies the good-natured — yet utterly ripped — demeanor of modern Jocks. Grookey is a fun-loving rascal, and as it grows into the hulking Rillaboom it doesn’t lose that good nature (despite its newfound muscle mass). In fact, Rillaboom’s love of jamming out on the drums showing that while it may be muscular, it would much rather use those big arms for fun than any kind of battle. 

The modern Jock should be a combination of muscle and merriment, making Grookey the best starter for this category.

Daddy — Litten

What makes a Daddy in the modern gay world? There are many who believe this tag should be reserved for older men, while others think that age doesn’t determine Daddy-ness but rather a dominant, capable attitude. There are countless conversations around who gets to be called Daddy, but luckily, all of them point to the same starter for this category: Litten. 

Litten is truly a no-nonsense Pokémon; starting out as a fiery kitten, the creature’s withering stare shows how little patience it has for the fantastical world around it. This stays as it evolves into Torracat, before its final form, Incineroar, turns that annoyance into a confident conviction that only the best Daddy can pull off. 

This entire line showcases the suave yet domineering attitude that has made this tag so popular. And, with its final evolution especially, Litten offers the perfect starter for anyone who thinks that they deserve to be called Daddy. 

Clean-Cut — Cyndaquil

Clean-Cut is Grindr’s most equitable category, as any person of any body type or preference can fall into it! The Clean-Cut Gay is put together in both appearance and attitude; this group is defined by their coordinated outfits and esteemed demeanor. A Clean-Cut Gay is capable in any situation, is never one to lose their head, and is always wearing a manicured outfit to match their inner peace — which is why Cyndaquil is the best starter for them.

This may shock some fans, as Cyndaquil is one of the most frantic, teary-eyed starter pokémon. But a Clean-Cut gay isn’t built in a day! It can take someone years to reach this level of composure, just like it takes two evolutions for Cyndaquil to become the simple yet outstanding final evolution, Typhlosion. 

Typhlosion has a rather straightforward appearance, with the Pokémon’s sleek design speaking to the utter cool it keeps in any fiery situation (though, just like Clean-Cut Gays, it’s always ready to let loose if the encounter calls for it). A perfect match in both composed appearance and the journey it takes to get there, Cyndaquil is an excellent starter choice for any Clean-Cut gay. 

Geek — Fennekin

Gay Geeks are those who pair romance with fandom, who see every first date as the perfect opportunity to fill some new beau in on their favorite franchises. There are many pokémon that embody a similar level of passion, but it’s clear that no starter is more of a geek than the mystical canine itself: Fennekin. 

This excitable fox starts out in Pokémon X and Y as an excitable creature ready to learn everything it can about the world around it. As it evolves, it transforms that interest into a talent for magic, with its final evolution, Delphox, being a capable, imposing mystic. This pokémon is regal and massively strong — and also a giant Geek.

Beyond all of that magic-fueled elegance is a huge Geek desperate to learn everything it can about its special interests! Every appearance in-game and onscreen shows this evolutionary losing it over the interesting stuff happening around it, perfectly mirroring the way Gay Geeks act when they’ve finally found someone with the same interests. 

There’s nothing geekier than close-up magic. Which is why Fennerkin is the best starter for any Gay Geek today!

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