It's important to always be mindful of your safety when making new connections online. This is particularly important for us FLINTA  / LGBTQ+ community members who face unique risks when meeting others. In this article, we'll provide you with some useful guidelines that we recommend to be mindful of and protect yourself with while setting up dates or hangouts online.

Keep Your Personal Information Safe

Protecting your personal information is key when using dating apps. Avoid sharing things like your full name, phone number, or home address until you really trust the person you're talking to. Stick to using the app's messaging feature until you feel comfortable sharing more.

Trust your gut

If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. If a person is making you uncomfortable or if their behavior seems strange, listen to your intuition and take action. Don't be afraid to stop talking to someone or end a date early if you don't feel comfortable.

Meet in a public place

Meeting in a public place with lots of people around is a great way to stay safe. Choose a popular coffee shop, restaurant, or other public spot for your date. It's also a good idea to let someone you trust know where you'll be going and who you'll be meeting.

Tell a friend

Let a trusted friend know where you're going and who you're meeting. Give them the name and photo of the person you're meeting and share your location with them. Check in with them during the date to let them know you're okay.

Video chat first

Video chatting with someone before meeting in person can help you get to know them better and feel more comfortable. Use the app's built-in video chat feature or a separate video chat app to have a face-to-face conversation before meeting in person.

Be careful with alcohol and drugs:

Drinking or doing drugs can make it harder to make safe and informed decisions. If you do decide to drink, do it in moderation and never leave your drink unattended. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point during the date, don't hesitate to take action and protect yourself.

Always prioritize your safety when using online platforms to meet others. Protect your personal information, trust your instincts, meet in public places, let someone you trust know where you're going, video chat before meeting up, and be cautious with alcohol and drugs. Remember, you have the right to take action and protect yourself if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Stay safe out there, friend!