Bessa is an unapologetically queer hub for creative expression and real connections, standing out from other gay social media apps by focusing on found family. This inclusive platform is where your voice is amplified, and your community is found.
I’m Topher; I’m the creator behind Bessa, a queer social media app built with community at its core. As a queer software engineer based in Las Vegas, a transplant from Oakland, I’m focused on building an inclusive social platform where LGBTQ people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, and abilities can feel seen and connected. Bessa is more than just a queer community app; it’s a space for real connection, thoughtful design, and queer tech done right.
Queer. Open. Ours.
A social app designed to celebrate diversity without losing identity.
What does inclusivity really mean, and how far can it go without diluting the heart of a community? Bessa is a queer social media app built as a sort of experiment to find out just how inclusive an online space can be while still preserving the culture, values, and identity of the group. It’s a platform designed to strike a balance between openness and authenticity, and to pose important questions about how communities grow and evolve.
The inspiration for Bessa came while I was living in Oakland, surrounded by an incredible variety of communities. I saw firsthand how some groups created deeply rooted spaces where members could thrive, express themselves, and celebrate their culture. Some communities welcomed everyone with open arms, while others protected their identity by staying more closed. Both approaches have value, and I became fascinated by the tension between being inclusive and staying grounded.
I started Bessa because I wanted a space that actually reflects the full spectrum of the LGBTQ community. Moving past the surface-level nature of most gay social media apps, Bessa is built on the belief that our diversity is our greatest strength. It’s a place for global connection and genuine belonging. My hope is for Bessa to become the world’s most inclusive platform; a home for anyone ready to show up, speak out, and simply be themselves.