They are visible as never before. Representation in media is rising. And yet, dating app data reveals a stark reality: most people — including many who support transgender rights — quietly swipe left.

In this episode, I explore the uncomfortable gap between public acceptance and private preference when it comes to dating transwomen. Studies from OkCupid and Tinder show that fewer than 1 in 1,000 heterosexual men have transwomen in their match pool, despite most saying they hold no animosity toward the trans community. Is this transphobia? Or is it a matter of sexual orientation, reproductive compatibility, and personal preference that society is now afraid to discuss? Based on survey data, psychological research, and interviews with transwomen about their own dating experiences, this episode does not offer easy answers. Turn down the lights, put on your headphones, and press play — because the gap between what people say and what people do has never been wider.