But is this a trans thing or does it just suck for everyone?

A little lot of both. But in your situation (trans, GNC, ENM), I also think your experience is going to drastically vary from app to app. You'll have much better chances on a service like OkCupid than on ones like Tinder or Bumble. Gosh, it seems like at least 90% of the lesbian/bi women on OkCupid are GNC and ENM.

But yeah, it's never going to be a great experience. Even as a single person, I've been using online dating for most of the ten years I've been out as trans, and I've only gotten three dates in that time (that never went anywhere). Honestly, I feel lucky to have gotten that many. So don't have high expectations. Or any expectations, really.