From apps to alphabet potatoes: A queer love story

 In 2023, Ben and Diogo made it off the apps and into each other’s arms – and now they’ve even immortalised it on a plate.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HINGE

76% of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters wish they had seen more examples of healthy LGBTQIA+ relationships in the media growing up –  which is why it’s important to celebrate queer love whenever we can. 

Enter: Ben and Diogo. 

Originally from Manchester, Ben moved to London to study graphic design with a dream of becoming an art director. Diogo is originally from Portugal and moved to London four years ago, where he completed an MA in music production. 

The couple – who are 25 and 23, respectively – first met on Hinge back in March 2023. However, this wasn’t the first time they matched. This actually took place six months before, with Ben messaging Diogo, and Diogo committing the cardinal sin of ~not replying~. 

Luckily, however, when Diogo liked Ben half a year later, there wasn’t too much hard feeling. After some back-and-forth, they quickly wound up going on a date to a Camden pub. Adorably, they got on well from the off-set, with Diogo loving Ben’s smile and Ben noting how well the conversation flowed. 

For their second date, Ben made Diogo a home-cooked meal and Diogo turned up with flowers. It wasn’t long (two months!) before they made it official – and they did so in the cutest way. 

Ben’s Hinge prompt, which Diogo replied to, told the story of his coming out – when he cooked his parents a “coming out pie” with the words ‘I’m gay’ spelt out in wilted spinach on top.

In order to take the relationship to the next level, Ben riffed off of this earlier detail from his and Diogo’s digital meet-cute – spelling out “be my boyfriend?” in alphabet potatoes and presenting it to Diogo. Of course, Diogo said yes!

Now, over a year later after meeting on Hinge, they’re still a couple. They describe their relationship as a harmonious blend of creativity, mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s individuality. And to mark their one-year anniversary, Ben gave Diogo a cheeky nod to their early days: a plate printed with the iconic alphabet potato proposal. Because why stop at alphabet potatoes when you can make it dinnerware official? 

Looking towards the future, they’re excited to continue growing and exploring together. Recently, Diogo took Ben to Portugal to meet his family and friends, a trip that turned out to be incredibly special for both of them. Now that they’ve shared that meaningful experience, they’re looking ahead to what’s next: moving in together, traveling, and navigating the ups and downs of life together.

Looking to find your own queer love story? Try out Hinge for yourself by downloading here. 

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