In the heart of Philadelphia, 25-year-old Sophia Schiaroli dedicates her evenings to creating something she wished existed during her own search for connection: a safe digital platform for queer individuals. Her app, Cherry Social, is designed to provide a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ people, particularly gay women, trans, and nonbinary individuals, to build friendships and foster community.
“I’m so passionate about it, and I really believe in what we’re creating,” said Schiaroli, who balances her full-time job with her ambitious project.
Unlike traditional dating apps, Cherry Social focuses on connecting users through shared experiences and events. The idea came to Schiaroli in 2021 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. Despite Philadelphia’s lively LGBTQ+ scene, she found it challenging to meet like-minded people outside of nightlife.
“Lesbian bars are declining,” she noted. “Most spaces are centered on men, leaving women and trans individuals with limited options.”
From Gay Girl Walks to a National Movement
In search of connection, Schiaroli turned to TikTok, organizing a casual meetup she called a “Gay Girl Walk.” The response was overwhelming, with dozens attending the first event. Encouraged by the turnout, she organized more gatherings, including picnics, yoga sessions, and pumpkin farm visits, under the name “Philly Gay Girls Plus.”
The initiative resonated deeply with attendees like Kary Santayana, who shared, “I didn’t really have a ton of queer community. It’s just so nice to find people who understand your perspective.”
As participation grew into the thousands, Schiaroli expanded the movement to other cities and launched a dedicated Instagram account and a group chat on the Geneva app, which became the hub for over 6,000 members. To ensure sustainability, she pursued a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership at Penn.
“What started as something fun quickly became something bigger. I realized how much people needed this space,” Schiaroli said.
The Birth of Cherry Social
The overwhelming demand inspired Schiaroli to create Cherry Social, a mobile app where queer individuals can discover events, connect with others locally, and build meaningful relationships in a safe, inclusive environment.
“We decided to build something entirely new from the ground up,” she said.
With support from community volunteers, including graphic designer Olivia Bowman, the app began taking shape. Bowman believes Cherry Social will be transformative, particularly for those in areas with limited LGBTQ+ resources. “It ensures queer people across the nation have access to a safe space, even in places where it might not be easy to find publicly,” Bowman explained.
Personal Connections and Future Goals
In January, during a Gay Girls+ event in Washington, D.C., Schiaroli found a personal connection of her own—her now-partner, Jess Plaza. While Cherry Social wasn’t designed for romance, it has sparked several relationships, even leading to a few engagements.
“She puts her heart and soul into everything she does,” Plaza said of Schiaroli. “I’m so proud of her and this incredible app she’s building.”
Cherry Social launched a Kickstarter campaign in November and plans to roll out a prototype to select users, with a full launch set for 2025. For Schiaroli, the journey is more than professional—it’s personal.
“I’m truly grateful to spend my time on something I believe in, knowing our app will make a difference,” she shared.
Source: CBS News
