Hornet Reinstated in Turkey App Store

Hornet is once again available for download in the Apple App Store in Turkey after its removal in response to an August 2021 court order

Available to read in Turkish here

West Hollywood, Calif., February 25, 2022 — Apple and Hornet have cooperated to give back to the queer community in Turkey by reinstating Hornet, one of the last remaining places where they can safely embrace their authentic selves. A new app, Hornet Stories, has been custom-built for Turkey to allow for a new listing while the original app remains blocked.

Hornet, the world’s queer social network, boasts more than 3 million users inside Turkey and has long been the backbone of the country’s queer community. As the only remaining digital platform for the nation’s LGBTQ population, users rely on Hornet for the latest in LGBTQ-centric news and health resources in addition to personal connections.

In a global first, Hornet was removed from Turkey’s Apple App Store in August 2021. Apple informed Hornet the action was taken in response to a court order issued by the Turkish government. Hornet took up legal counsel to object to the decision through the court system, which was immediately rejected without a hearing or fact-finding. As a result, Hornet has filed an individual application with the Turkish Constitutional Court (case 2021/53680), which is now awaiting consideration.

“What we are seeing take place around the world, over and again, is the attempt to silence queer voices,” says Hornet Founder and CEO Christof Wittig. “It is a clear indication that the work Hornet does as the world’s queer social network is as vital today than it has always been. Hornet will continue to meet the needs of our community, whatever it takes.”

Hornet Stories is available for download in the Turkish Apple App Store here. Hornet is available for download in the Apple App Store here (excluding Turkey) and in the Google Play Store here.

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About Hornet

Hornet is the world’s queer tech platform, already providing a community home base to 35 million users to connect with their community — anytime, anywhere. Amplifying the radical, affirmative power of the queer community with cutting-edge technology, users can safely embrace their authentic selves. Founded in 2011, Hornet has disrupted dozens of markets such as France, Russia, Brazil, Turkey and Taiwan, to become the number one queer app and is rapidly expanding its sizable user base across Europe and the United States.

More information at hornet.com

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Press contacts: press@hornet.com