Privacy Policy

How we protect your data — and what we never do with it.

Last updated · February 2026
We never sell your data

Not to advertisers, not to anyone. Period.

Your identity is never profiled

No ad targeting based on your sexual orientation or LGBTQ+ identity.

Location only while you use it

We never track your location in the background.

Delete everything, anytime

Remove your account in the app — your data is gone within 30 days.

The short version, for humans. The full policy below is what counts legally.

On this page

Introduction

GayWhere ("we," "our," or "us") operates the GayWhere mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.

We recognize that many of our users are members of the LGBTQ+ community and that privacy is especially important in this context. We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy.

By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

  • Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your email address. You can sign up using email and password, Apple Sign-In, or Google Sign-In. We do not store your Apple ID or Google account password.
  • Profile Information: Any optional profile details you choose to provide, such as a display name or preferences.
  • Photo Submissions: If you choose to submit photos of venues, those photos are uploaded to our servers for review by our team before being published in the App. You may delete a photo you submitted at any time.
  • Reports and Support Requests: If you report an issue, contact support, or submit other feedback, we collect the content of your message along with your email address so we can respond.
  • Tag Votes and Favorites: When you favorite a venue, party, event, or vote on event tags, we store these preferences against your account so we can personalize your experience.

Information Collected Automatically

  • Location Data: With your permission, we collect your device's precise location to show nearby venues, events, and happy hour deals. Location data is only accessed while you are actively using the App. We do not track your location in the background.
  • Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with the App, such as features used, venues viewed, and search queries. This helps us improve the App experience.
  • Device Information: We may collect device type, operating system version, and unique device identifiers for analytics and troubleshooting purposes.
  • Push Notification Tokens: If you grant push notification permission, we collect a Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) token associated with your device so we can send notifications about new events, event reminders, and app updates. You can disable push notifications at any time in your device settings.
  • Crash Diagnostics: If the App crashes on your device, we automatically collect a diagnostic report through Firebase Crashlytics — including your device model, iOS version, and the technical stack trace — so we can identify and fix the bug. This data is anonymized and is not linked to your account or personal information.
  • Advertising Identifiers: If you have not opted out of personalized advertising in your device settings (and have not subscribed to GayWhere Premium, which removes ads), our advertising partner Google AdMob may access your device's advertising identifier (IDFA) to deliver relevant ads.

Information from Third-Party Sources

  • Venue and Event Data: We aggregate publicly available information about LGBTQ+ venues and events from third-party sources, including Eventbrite, Meta, and venue websites. This data is about businesses and events, not about you.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide and operate the App, including showing you nearby venues, events, and happy hours
  • Personalize your experience based on your location and preferences
  • Improve the App through analytics and usage patterns
  • Communicate with you about updates, features, or support inquiries
  • Ensure the security and integrity of the App
  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not use your information to:

  • Sell your personal data to third parties
  • Build advertising profiles based on your sexual orientation or LGBTQ+ identity
  • Track your location when the App is not in active use

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

  • Service Providers: We use Firebase (Google) for authentication, data storage, push notifications, analytics, and crash reporting. Firebase Crashlytics collects anonymized crash diagnostics (device model, iOS version, stack trace) so we can fix bugs that affect users; it does not collect identifying information beyond an anonymous installation ID. These providers process data on our behalf under strict contractual obligations. See Firebase Privacy Information for details.
  • Advertising Partners: We use Google AdMob to display ads in the free version of the App. AdMob may collect device identifiers and limited usage data to deliver and measure advertising. We do not share your account information, location, or LGBTQ+ status with advertisers. See Google's Advertising Privacy Policy for details. You can opt out of personalized ads in your device settings, or remove ads entirely by subscribing to GayWhere Premium.
  • Authentication Providers: If you sign in with Apple or Google, those providers receive limited information about your sign-in event. See Apple's Privacy Policy and Google's Privacy Policy.
  • Payment Processing: Subscription payments are processed by Apple via the App Store. We do not receive your payment details. See Apple's Privacy Policy.
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
  • Safety: We may disclose information if we believe it is necessary to protect the safety of our users, the public, or our rights.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to provide the App's services and fulfill the purposes described in this policy. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required by law to retain it.

Your Rights and Choices

Account Deletion

You can delete your account at any time through the App's Profile settings. Upon deletion, we will remove your personal data in accordance with our retention policy.

Location Permissions

You can enable or disable location services at any time through your device settings. Disabling location services will limit the App's ability to show nearby venues and events.

California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information we collect and how it is used
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
  • Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at the email below.

European Residents (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Object to or restrict processing of your data
  • Data portability

To exercise these rights, contact us at the email below.

Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including encryption of data in transit and at rest through Firebase's security infrastructure. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children's Privacy

GayWhere is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that we have collected data from a person under 18, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy in the App and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

GayWhere
Email: contact@gaywhere.app