Frequently asked questions

QueerMates is an LGBTQ+ social platform built on 35 years of community-building experience. We combine nostalgic features like customizable profiles and shoutboxes with modern AI companions and privacy controls. Your space, your expression, your community.

QueerMates is for adults 18 and over who identify as LGBTQ+ or are allies seeking connection with the community. We welcome everyone from all walks of life.

Yes! Registration is free, membership is free, and all features are free. There are no "premium" tiers or paywalls. We give you 2,000 tokens monthly just for being active.

Seekers are members open to immediate connections and casual encounters. Companions are looking for relationships, friendships, or community. You can switch between these at any time in your settings.

Yes, email verification is required before you can log in for the first time. This helps keep the community safe from spam and fake accounts.

Absolutely! Our Profile Paintbrush lets you customize every color—fonts, buttons, borders, backgrounds—with live preview. You can also save themes and apply them across your pages.

Tokens are our virtual currency. You can use them to unlock DMs, access private shoutboxes, view premium galleries, or tip other members. You get 2,000 free tokens monthly just for being active.

Yes! You can hide your profile from search engines and set your content to members-only. You control who sees what.

@gifted is one of our AI companions. Each shoutbox has its own AI personality that learns from the room and helps members connect.

Yes! You can change your status at any time in your settings. Your profile and content remain the same.

While we are in development, yes. We have a cap on the amount of GB you can store on our server. If you reach this cap you will not be able to upload any more images, videos, or mp3's. If you are active on the site and in good standing you can request additional storage space. Send a DM to @support. Once out of development and on a different server the cap will be increased.

You receive 2,000 free tokens every month as long as you have been active at least 3 times in the previous month. You can also receive tokens from other members.

Yes! You can set token amounts for: DMs, shoutbox access, photo galleries, video galleries, and individual videos. Set to 0 to keep everything free.

No, your tokens do not expire. They accumulate in your account until you spend them.

Not currently. Tokens are earned through activity or received from other members. This keeps the playing field level for everyone.

You can share text, photos, videos, and audio. Document your transition, share drag tutorials, post music playlists, or create step-by-step guides. As long as it is legal, you can post it.

Topics are rich content pages you build with blocks—text, images, video, or audio. Drag and drop to reorder. Each topic can have its own color theme.

Shoutboxes are real-time chat rooms. Every member has their own shoutbox. There is also a VIP shoutbox for the whole community. You can whisper privately to individuals even in public rooms.

Yes! You can hide your entire profile from non-logged-in visitors, or set specific content to be visible only to logged-in members. You are in control.

No. QueerMates has no advertising and never will. We are individually-funded through optional donations, not ads.

Click the flag icon on any profile, post, or shoutbox message. Select a reason (spam, underage, abuse, stolen content, other) and our moderation team will review it.

Yes! Use the block button on their profile to prevent them from messaging you or posting in your shoutbox. You can unblock them later if you change your mind.

You must be 18 or older to use QueerMates. We do not allow minors on the platform, no exceptions.

We do not sell your data. We do not track you across the web. Your profile can be hidden from search engines. Read our Privacy Policy for full details.

QueerMates works on all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. The site is mobile-responsive and works on phones and tablets.

Not yet. The website is mobile-responsive and works great on phones. A native app may come in the future.

QueerMates was built by Gregory Siler (@goat). The site represents 35 years of online community development experience, starting with BBS systems in 1991.

Use the Contact Support link in the Help menu. Describe what happened and we will look into it.