Dating should be fun, exciting, and most importantly—safe.
Your wellbeing matters to us. 💜
At Gatherly, we're committed to creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ connections. While we work hard to keep our platform safe, it's important to stay vigilant when meeting new people. These tips will help you navigate dating with confidence.
Take your time getting to know them
Do Your Research
Look them up on social media. Verify they are who they say they are. Reverse image search their photos if something feels off.
Video Chat First
Before meeting in person, have a video call. This confirms their identity and helps you gauge compatibility.
Take Your Time
Don't rush to meet. Someone genuinely interested will respect your pace. Trust your gut if you feel pressured.
Protect Your Personal Info
Don't share your home address, workplace, or financial information until you've built real trust.
Smart tips for meeting in person
📍 Meet in Public
Choose a busy cafe, restaurant, or public space for your first few dates. Avoid private locations.
🚗 Arrange Your Own Transport
Drive yourself, use rideshare, or take public transit. Don't rely on your date for transportation.
👥 Tell Someone
Share your plans with a friend. Send them your date's profile, the location, and check in during the date.
🍹 Watch Your Drink
Never leave your drink unattended. Order your own drinks and watch them being made.
✓ Have an Exit Plan
Set up a "safety call" with a friend. If the date isn't going well, you have an easy out. Your safety is more important than being polite.
Protect yourself in the digital world
Until you're comfortable, keep chats on the app. Moving to other platforms too quickly can expose personal info like your phone number.
Avoid sharing intimate photos, especially ones that show your face or identifying features. Once sent, you lose control over them.
No matter how convincing the story, never send money to someone you haven't met. This is almost always a scam.
Trust your instincts
⚠️ If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Your intuition is a powerful tool. Don't ignore it to be "nice."
Respect goes both ways
Healthy connections are built on mutual respect. Whether it's physical intimacy, sharing personal information, or deciding when to meet—consent matters at every step.
✓ Consent is Ongoing
Just because someone said yes before doesn't mean they can't say no now. Check in regularly.
✓ "No" is a Complete Sentence
You don't owe anyone an explanation for your boundaries. Respect others' limits too.
✓ Communicate Clearly
Be upfront about what you're looking for. Honest communication leads to better connections.
✓ Trust Your Comfort Level
Move at your own pace. The right person will wait and respect your timeline.
Extra considerations for our community
We see you. 💜
LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges in dating. We've built Gatherly with your safety in mind, but it's important to be aware of additional risks.
Consider your privacy settings carefully. It's okay to be cautious about who can see your profile, especially if you're not out in all areas of your life.
If traveling or meeting in unfamiliar areas, research LGBTQ+ acceptance in that region. Some areas may be less safe than others.
Unfortunately, some people target LGBTQ+ individuals with harmful intent. Trust your instincts, verify identities, and report suspicious behavior.
Take care of your health. Regular testing, open communication about status, and practicing safer sex are all important parts of dating.
Help is always available
🚨 In immediate danger?
Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.