Like a lot of twenty-somethings Dane Noonan wants to find love, but he is tired of online dating.
“The experiences that I've had! A lot of the men…that I noticed on some of the apps are either in open relationships, (and I'm completely monogamous), or they're looking for NSA (no strings attached)".
While continuing to scroll diligently through Scruff and Grindr;, the 26-year-old has decided to absorb the exhaustion of dating to focus on his work as an actor and model; going to therapy and self-care.
“I've been on all the apps! I'm sort of taking the time for myself and working on myself. If that man comes along, so be it,” he said.
Dane Noonan. Source: Supplied
“I just want it to happen naturally, at the end of the day so as far as dating, that's where I'm at,” he concedes.
Noonan admits finding love in a disposable online dating culture that privileges hook-ups and unrealistic body ideals can be emotionally draining.
“Society today, I feel like it paints this perfect picture of what a person is supposed to look like. There's a standard as well, you've got to be over six foot tall with, a masculine build which is not me, it's never going to be me.
Noonan who has MPS type 6, says this is compounded by ableism and discrimination he has experienced when online dating, which at times sees him the recipient of some cutting messages.
"I think from looking at me, they think I'm a child, I can't speak for myself or do they have to look after me?" Noonan says.
“I have fully accepted myself as a person with a disability and a gay man so I don't really have any issues around that.
“(But) when I go on a date it's, it's almost like the person, they don't know how to interact with me or how to take me, if that makes sense. They obviously see a four-foot-tall person (and) they don’t how to interact, and the thing is I'm quite confident. I am quite extroverted.”
Noonan’s dream man is respectful, kind-hearted and treats him and his loved ones well.
“I love going to drag shows. (I want) someone that's quite fun, likes to dance and loves to travel. I also like the small things like going on a picnic, walking my pups, going to the theatre or going for a walk."
Despite the frustrations Noonan has not lost hope he will find Mr. Right soon, either online or the old fashioned one through social connections.
"I think everyone wants to feel loved," he said.
"I don't ask for much just someone to share memories with, my life with, and to love me for me, all of me.”
Watch season four of the Swiping Game on SBS airing in January.
