Straight gamers got a crash course in gay culture when “Manhunt” briefly trended on Twitter around lunchtime today.
The name “Manhunt” has been used for a lot of things. It’s the title of a video game franchise by Rockstar from the early ’00s that had something to do with prisons and snuff films. (Don’t ask.)
It’s also the name of a super popular YouTube series by the content creator Dream in which viewers basically just sit around and watch other people talk while they play a video game called “Minecraft Manhunt.” It’s apparently riveting, if you’re into that sorta thing.
We, of course, know it for being the original gay hookup app.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Manhunt first launched in 2001 as a gay cruising network and is often credited as being the inspiration for apps like Grindr, Scruff, and Jack’d. It bills itself as the “first gay hookup site” and has over 6 million users across the globe, making it “the biggest gay sex and gay video chat site for men seeking men in the world.”
When fans of the Manhunt video game and web series saw it the word “Manhunt” trending, they got super excited. Until they investigated it further. And then, well, let’s just take a look at their reactions…
GUYS MANHUNT IS A GAY HOOK UP SERVICE??? pic.twitter.com/af1o7GXqbo
— draculaura ? richie ? (@peedraculaura) March 24, 2021
What is a manhunt and why is it trending
— Jackal boyfriend (@LuciMxn) March 24, 2021
i thought a new manhunt had come out and now i am disappointed ? pic.twitter.com/JmX3UFmbUx
— daisy (@daisystressed) March 24, 2021
Manhunt is trending. I leaned that it's a hookup site for gay men.
If that's not the best name for it, I don't know what is.
— Falcon and the Wally Soldier (@therealbigWALL) March 24, 2021
How why is manhunt trending pic.twitter.com/32LGLFg8dh
— ?NightGlacial (@Night_Glacial) March 24, 2021
is manhunt trending because of dream, the game, or the gay hookup service I just found out about while scrolling through
— newton — NSFW DNI — (@TriiipleChoco) March 24, 2021
I saw "Manhunt" trending and got excited…for nothing. They're never touching this franchise again. pic.twitter.com/lwWEMTPivo
— N-35 (@UnitN35) March 24, 2021
How many of you saw manhunt trending and immediately freaked out only to realize it was completely unrelated
— Sage ? Commisions Open (DM) (@Snowballsage) March 24, 2021
There’s a Gay dating website called Manhunt, so my mind went in a different direction.
— Tony Snearly (@SeeTigerLearn) March 24, 2021
I THOUGHT DREAM POSTED A MANHUNT AND THATS WHY IT WAS TRENDING??? BUT ITS A GAY SERVICE?
— zoha???? (@scvnset) March 24, 2021
#Manhunt is trending and no its not because dreams manhunt its because its a GAY HOOKUP SITE. IM WHEEZING AHAHAHAHA pic.twitter.com/oxYoGtltVU
— emily is incredible (@emilyto11232679) March 24, 2021
why is manhunt trending i actually thought i was tripping or something
— Lin :3 (@LINR04DTR1P) March 24, 2021
The only Manhunt I care about pic.twitter.com/CuOgYr7aFe
— Days Without MCYT Trending (@MCYTnoTrending) March 24, 2021
and im never looking at manhunt trending ever again ???? pic.twitter.com/hkGy6ZGVpe
— astronomy | in love with mellohi era (@astronomy15_) March 24, 2021
Gosh, why is Manhunt trending when it's not about Dream's manhunt!!! I was so scared that I missed something important! X'D
— Nulfis (@Nulfis1) March 24, 2021
when I check why manhunt is trending and I see a dating site pic.twitter.com/vbrnXDgBTg
— XZSummer (@XZSummer_) March 24, 2021
Graham Gremore is the Features Editor and a Staff Writer at Queerty. Follow him on Twitter @grahamgremore.
radiooutmike
Now, if you happen to be a gaymer like myself; you would not be confused. Because the first thing you would of would be the gay hookup site.
shaniac
Manhunt can bill itself as the first gay hookup site as much as it wants, but gaydar was around in Australia and the UK in 1999. Pretty sure 2001 came after that.
Harley
In my day it was “park hunt”.
gruffbear
I seem to remember Squirt.org being around before 2000. I just looked and it’s still online.
Josh447
Some str8 people think being exposed to gays turns straight peeps gay. I wonder how many of these str8 viewers kept the site in their favorites folders for future viewing.
Josh447
Some str8 people think being exposed to gays turns straight peeps gay.
I wonder how many of these str8 viewers kept the site in their favorites folders for future viewing.
Troyfight
…Hell yeah, best reply!!!! LOL
WindChime
Is there any way that all these sex hookup apps can be banned? I really hate these disgusting apps and web sites that encourage, promote, and even glorify reckless anonymous sex hookups. They tarnish the reputation of gay men who live in a committed, decent, and monogamous life with their life partners.
glennmcbride
No one has to look at or use these sites. You can’t accidentally access them. You have to download the app and register with your user name and password. If you don’t like them, don’t use them. 6 million users means that there are 6 million people interested in using manhunt. Enjoy your untarnished boring reputation.
Josh447
Shouldn’t judgment be banned rather than hot sex? If only…
mailliw110
You have a very appropriate screen name. But, I think you are looking for a country like North Korea.
Troyfight
@Windchime …. just stirring the pot, and laughing… uggh next.
curranz
Invitation to a sex club – xmeet.fun
Joseph1971
Gee, I wonder why my previous post was deleted or no longer posted. I guess I spoke the truth about Manhunt. Sorry if I offended anyone.