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🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQIA+ Support

RateMyBody is a safe space for everyone — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Our Commitment to the LGBTQIA+ Community

RateMyBody fully supports and welcomes the LGBTQIA+ community. This is not a statement of tolerance — it is a statement of active inclusion.

  • All gender identities are valid. Our platform supports Male, Female, Non-Binary, and Other gender options. We will continue expanding as terminology evolves.
  • All sexual orientations are welcome. Whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or anything else — you belong here.
  • Discrimination is prohibited. Hate speech, slurs, deadnaming, misgendering, and targeted harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is a bannable offence.
  • Your identity is yours. We will never out anyone. Your gender/orientation information is only displayed if you choose to share it.
  • Categories are inclusive. Our photo categories apply equally to all genders and orientations.

🏳️‍🌈 What Does LGBTQIA+ Mean?

LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive acronym representing the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. The "+" acknowledges that this list is not exhaustive and that identity is a spectrum.

L — Lesbian
A woman who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to other women.
G — Gay
A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of the same gender. Often used for men, but can apply to any gender.
B — Bisexual
A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to more than one gender.
T — Transgender
A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender is about identity, not sexual orientation.
Q — Queer / Questioning
An umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual or cisgender. "Questioning" refers to those exploring their identity. Once considered a slur, "queer" has been reclaimed by many in the community.
I — Intersex
A person born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex is a biological variation, not a gender identity or orientation.
A — Asexual / Aromantic / Agender
Asexual: little or no sexual attraction. Aromantic: little or no romantic attraction. Agender: not identifying with any gender. The "A" never stands for "ally."
+ (Plus)
Includes pansexual, non-binary, genderfluid, genderqueer, two-spirit, demisexual, and many more identities. The plus recognises that human identity is vast and evolving.

Additional Important Terms

Non-Binary
A person whose gender identity falls outside the male/female binary. May identify as both, neither, or something else entirely.
Pansexual
Attracted to people regardless of their gender identity. Similar to bisexual but explicitly inclusive of non-binary identities.
Cisgender
A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. Not derogatory — simply the counterpart to transgender.
Deadnaming
Using a transgender person's birth name instead of their chosen name. This is considered disrespectful and harmful, and is prohibited on RateMyBody.

⚖️ Anti-Discrimination Policy

The following behaviour will result in immediate action, up to and including permanent ban:

  • Hate speech: Slurs, derogatory terms, or dehumanising language targeting someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Deadnaming: Deliberately using a transgender user's birth name.
  • Misgendering: Deliberately using incorrect pronouns after being corrected.
  • Harassment: Targeting someone for being LGBTQIA+ in comments, messages, or ratings.
  • Outing: Revealing someone's sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent.
  • Conversion therapy promotion: Promoting or endorsing practices that claim to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Exclusionary comments: "This is a straight site," "Why are there gay photos here," or similar attempts to gatekeep.

Report violations using the ⚠️ button on any photo or the contact page. We take these reports seriously and will act swiftly.

📞 LGBTQIA+ Crisis & Support Lines

If you are in crisis, experiencing discrimination, family rejection, or feeling unsafe because of your identity — these organisations can help.

The Trevor Project
🇺🇸 United States
24/7 crisis helpline for LGBTQIA+ young people. Call, text, or chat.
Text START to 678-678
Switchboard LGBT+
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Confidential listening and support for LGBT+ people and their families.
COC Nederland
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Largest LGBTQ+ organisation in the Netherlands. Information, support, and advocacy.
Seta ry
🇫🇮 Finland
Finnish LGBTQIA+ rights organisation. Offers counselling, peer support, and advocacy.
LGBT Foundation
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Services, support groups, and resources for LGBTQ+ people of all ages.
Rainbow Railroad
🌍 International
Helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution escape to safety. Emergency relocation assistance.
Trans Lifeline
🇺🇸 US / 🇨🇦 Canada
Peer support for trans and questioning people. Run by and for trans people.
🇺🇸 877-565-8860
🇨🇦 877-330-6366
QLife
🇦🇺 Australia
Phone and chat counselling for LGBTQIA+ people. 3pm–midnight daily.

🧒 For LGBTQIA+ Teens

Figuring out your identity as a teenager can be especially challenging. You might be dealing with family who do not understand, friends who are not accepting, bullying at school, or just feeling confused and alone. These feelings are valid.

Things to Remember

  • There is nothing wrong with you. Being LGBTQIA+ is a natural variation of human identity. You do not need to be fixed.
  • You do not have to come out until you are ready. Coming out is personal. There is no timeline. Your safety comes first.
  • It gets better. Many LGBTQIA+ adults who struggled as teens report that life improved significantly. Hold on.
  • You are not alone. Millions of people share your experience. The organisations listed above are there for you.
  • If someone is threatening you because of your identity, that is harassment and possibly a crime. Tell a trusted adult or call a helpline.

Teen-Specific Resources

💪 Using RateMyBody as an LGBTQIA+ Person

Here is how RateMyBody supports you:

  • Gender options: You can select Male, Female, Non-Binary, or Other on your profile. We plan to expand this further.
  • Categories are gender-neutral: All photo categories are available to all genders. There is no "men's section" or "women's section" — everyone rates and is rated equally.
  • Report harassment: If someone targets you for your identity in comments, messages, or ratings, report it. We act on LGBTQIA+ harassment reports with high priority.
  • Display name: You can set your display name to your chosen name. This is how other users will see you across the platform.
  • Body positivity: All bodies are welcome here — regardless of where you are in your transition, how you present, or who you love.

What If I Receive Hateful Comments?

  1. Do not engage. Responding to hate rarely helps.
  2. Report the comment using the ⚠️ button.
  3. Block the user from your profile page.
  4. If the behaviour is persistent or threatening, contact us directly.

💬 Pronoun Guide for All Users

Respecting someone's pronouns is a basic form of respect — not a political statement. If you are unsure about someone's pronouns, here is a quick guide:

  • He/Him: Typically used by men and masculine-presenting people.
  • She/Her: Typically used by women and feminine-presenting people.
  • They/Them: Gender-neutral pronouns. Can be used for anyone and is the default when you do not know someone's gender.
  • Ze/Hir, Xe/Xem: Neopronouns used by some non-binary and gender-nonconforming people.

Tip: If you make a mistake, correct yourself quickly and move on. Do not make it about you. Repeated, deliberate misgendering is a violation of our Terms of Service.

You belong here.
Your identity is valid. Your body is welcome. Your safety matters.
If anyone makes you feel otherwise, we want to know about it.
🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

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