Meeting Up Safely on LinkLads

3 min read

When you’re ready to take your connection from LinkLads into the real world, prioritize your safety by informing someone you trust about your whereabouts and who you’re meeting. Always arrange to meet in public initially and proceed with caution.

Sharing Location Safely

Modern smartphones enable you to share your location with a trusted friend or family member discreetly. This ensures someone knows where you are without needing constant updates.

You could also provide a trusted contact with the address where you’ll be meeting, a screenshot of the person’s profile, and any other relevant details.

Communication and Safety Codes

  • Agree on a specific time to touch base via call or text.
  • Set up a safety codeword to indicate everything is okay.
  • Plan what your friend should do if they don’t hear from you or if you don’t use the safety codeword, such as contacting the police.
  • Consider using personal safety apps with a “silent alarm” feature that alerts your contact if you fail to check in.

If discretion is required, you can leave the person’s picture and contact details open on your computer, along with a note of your location.

Comfort and Safety in Meeting

  • Choose to meet at LGBTQ+-friendly locations if possible.
  • Ensure your phone is fully charged, or bring a charger or portable battery.
  • Be mindful of your alcohol consumption, watch your drinks, and avoid substances from unknown sources.
  • If you feel uneasy, seek help from someone nearby, like a waiter or bartender, to assist you in exiting the situation safely.
  • Manage your own transportation to ensure you can leave independently when needed.
  • Have multiple ride-sharing apps installed as backups.

If Meeting in Private

  • Hosting: Opt for hosting only if your residence has adequate security. Keep valuables and potential weapons out of sight. Stay vigilant throughout the visit.
  • Visiting: Inform someone of your exact location and how long you plan to be there. Use a silent alarm app. Avoid accepting drinks unless you see them poured.
  • General Precautions: Maintain alertness, keep your phone accessible, and leave immediately if you feel unsafe.

Understanding and Setting Boundaries

Before any private meetings, discuss your intentions and boundaries clearly. This helps set the tone and ensures both parties are on the same page.

Unexpected Company

Be cautious if the person you meet brings others along unexpectedly. Avoid moving to a private setting with multiple people.

If Hosting

  • Ensure your home is secure, and do not let unexpected additional guests inside.
  • Keep your phone accessible and all communication devices charged.
  • If necessary, have a plan for asking someone to leave, and know what to do if the situation escalates.

Consent is Key

  • Always seek affirmative consent and clearly communicate your boundaries.
  • Utilize profile information to understand what others are seeking.
  • Remember, you can change your mind about consent at any time.
  • Read more about Consent here.

Safer Sex Practices

  • Regularly get tested for STIs.
  • Have open discussions about safety expectations with new connections.
  • Educate yourself on STI prevention.

If You Need Help

No safety plan is foolproof. If you encounter any issues, our moderation team can review communications and assist you, even if the other user has blocked you. You can also reach out to Human Rights or LGBTQ+ organizations, and, if safe, involve law enforcement. For more detailed guidance, explore our Sexual Health Resource guide or consult BHOC for additional support.

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