Subscription Policy

Last Updated: Oct 22, 2025 | Version 0.1

Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Kind.

Welcome to Pixie — a social space created by and for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to connect, express, and celebrate freely. These guidelines exist to protect everyone's right to feel safe, respected, and represented on our platform.

By using Pixie, you agree to follow these rules across all areas of the app — including Plaza (newsfeed), Sparkles (hashtags), Broadcast (video), and Whispers (messaging).

💖 1. Respect Everyone

We celebrate diversity — and expect all members to do the same.

✅ DO:

  • Use people's chosen names and correct pronouns (ask if unsure)

  • Respect all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions

  • Celebrate differences in race, ethnicity, religion, ability, body type, and background

  • Engage in constructive dialogue and healthy debate

  • Support those exploring or questioning their identity

  • Use content warnings for potentially triggering topics

❌ DON'T:

  • Deadname or misgender anyone (using their birth name or incorrect pronouns)

  • Use slurs or derogatory language — even "reclaimed" words can harm

  • Make assumptions about someone's identity, relationships, or experiences

  • Engage in gatekeeping (e.g., "you're not really LGBTQ+ if...")

  • Promote conversion therapy or "cures" for LGBTQ+ identities

  • Share "before" photos of trans individuals without explicit consent

Zero Tolerance: Hate speech targeting any group based on identity, including but not limited to:

  • Sexual orientation or gender identity

  • Race, ethnicity, or national origin

  • Religion or lack thereof

  • Disability or medical condition

  • Age or body type

🛡️ 2. Keep Pixie Safe

Safety is non-negotiable.

Harassment & Bullying - NOT ALLOWED:

  • Targeted attacks, pile-ons, or coordinated harassment

  • Threats of violence, doxxing, or swatting

  • Sexual harassment or unwanted sexual advances

  • Stalking or obsessive behaviour

  • Creating multiple accounts to evade blocks

  • Encouraging others to harass someone

Self-Harm & Crisis Content:

  • Prohibited: Graphic self-harm imagery, suicide methods, or "encouragement"

  • Allowed with CW: Recovery stories, mental health discussions (with content warnings)

  • Resources Always Available: Crisis helplines visible throughout the app

    • Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

    • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

    • UK Switchboard: 0300 330 0630

    • Samaritans: 116 123

Reporting & Response:

  • How to Report: Tap the three dots (•••) on any content → Select "Report" → Choose category

  • Response Time: Initial review within 24 hours, urgent safety issues within 2 hours

  • What Happens: Reports are anonymous to the reported user

  • False Reporting: Abuse of the reporting system will result in penalties

📵 3. Protect Privacy

Everyone deserves control over their own story.

Personal Information - NEVER SHARE:

  • Real names of users who use pseudonyms

  • Home/work addresses or locations

  • Phone numbers, email addresses, or social media handles (without consent)

  • Government IDs, passports, or official documents

  • Financial information or passwords

  • Medical records or HIV status

  • Someone's LGBTQ+ status if they're not out ("outing")

Digital Privacy:

  • Screenshots of Whispers (private messages) are prohibited without consent

  • No recording of video calls or voice messages

  • Respect "View Once" content — don't circumvent disappearing features

  • Don't share content from private groups publicly

  • Location sharing is always opt-in and approximate only

Special Protections:

  • Closeted Users: Extra privacy controls for those not publicly out

  • Youth Protection: Enhanced privacy for users 18-21

  • Stalking Prevention: Location fuzzing and activity hiding features

  • Panic Button: Emergency profile lock for dangerous situations

💬 4. Express Yourself Responsibly

Creativity and authenticity thrive within boundaries.

Content Standards:

✅ ALLOWED:

  • Artistic expression and creative content

  • Educational content about bodies, health, and sexuality (with appropriate warnings)

  • Swimwear, underwear, and shirtless photos in non-sexual contexts

  • Discussions of sex education and sexual health

  • Political discourse and activism

  • Challenging conversations with content warnings

⚠️ CONTEXT-DEPENDENT:

  • Partial nudity in protest/Pride contexts (case-by-case review)

  • Historical or newsworthy content containing sensitive material

  • Artistic nudity (must be marked as sensitive)

❌ PROHIBITED:

  • Full frontal nudity or exposed genitals

  • Sexual acts or sexually explicit content

  • Gore, graphic violence, or death

  • Content sexualising minors in ANY context

  • Revenge porn or non-consensual intimate images

  • Spam, clickbait, or engagement manipulation

Content Warnings Required For:

  • Discussions of trauma, abuse, or violence

  • Mental health crises or recovery

  • Eating disorders or body dysmorphia

  • Substance use or addiction

  • Political content that may trigger anxiety

🎭 5. Be Authentic

Real connections require real people.

Identity Verification:

  • One account per person

  • Government ID required through YOTI (data immediately deleted after verification)

  • Chosen names welcome — legal names kept private

  • Profile photos must be of you (or clearly marked as representative)

Prohibited Impersonation:

  • Pretending to be another real person

  • Creating "catfish" accounts with fake photos

  • Claiming false credentials or experiences

  • Bot accounts or automated posting

  • Sockpuppet accounts for harassment

Acceptable Pseudonymity:

  • Drag personas and performance identities

  • Privacy-protecting usernames for safety

  • Creative aliases that don't deceive

💸 6. Respect Fair Use & Monetisation Rules

Support creators transparently.

Acceptable Commercial Activity:

  • Promoting your art, music, or creative work

  • Sharing your small business (with disclosure)

  • Fundraising for legitimate causes (with verification)

  • Affiliate links with clear disclosure (#ad #sponsored)

  • Paid partnerships transparently marked

Prohibited Transactions:

  • Selling explicit content or "premium" accounts

  • Multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes

  • Unlicensed medical advice or prescriptions

  • Controlled substances or illegal goods

  • Weapons or dangerous items

  • Financial scams or cryptocurrency schemes

  • Sex work solicitation (for user safety in prohibited jurisdictions)

Fundraising Requirements:

  • Medical/emergency fundraising requires verification

  • Community fundraisers need clear goals and transparency

  • Regular updates on fund usage required

⚖️ 7. Follow the Law

Legal compliance protects everyone.

Age Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 18 years old (strictly enforced)

  • Valid ID verification through YOTI required

  • Misrepresenting age results in permanent ban

  • Parents/guardians cannot create accounts for minors

Legal Obligations:

  • We comply with UK GDPR and data protection laws

  • We report suspected crimes to appropriate authorities

  • We preserve evidence when legally required

  • We protect user data from unauthorised government requests

Prohibited Illegal Activity:

  • Child exploitation material (immediately reported to NCMEC/CEOP)

  • Terrorism or violent extremism

  • Human trafficking

  • Non-consensual pornography

  • Copyright infringement

  • Fraud or identity theft

  • Hacking or network attacks

🌟 8. Our Moderation Promise

Fair, consistent, and culturally competent moderation.

Our Approach:

  • Hybrid System: AI detection + human review with LGBTQ+ training

  • Cultural Competency: Moderators trained on LGBTQ+ terminology and contexts

  • Transparency: Clear communication about actions taken

  • Consistency: Same rules apply to everyone

Enforcement Actions:

Level 1 - Warning:

  • First minor violation

  • Educational message about guidelines

  • No platform restrictions

Level 2 - Content Removal:

  • Violating content deleted

  • Notification with specific rule cited

  • Educational resources provided

Level 3 - Temporary Restriction:

  • 24 hours - 7 days limited access

  • Can view but not post/message

  • Required to acknowledge guidelines

Level 4 - Suspension:

  • 7-30 days platform ban

  • Must appeal for reinstatement

  • Mandatory community guidelines quiz

Level 5 - Permanent Ban:

  • Complete platform removal

  • Severe or repeated violations

  • May appeal after 90 days

Appeals Process:

  1. Submit appeal at appeals@pixies.digital within 30 days

  2. Include username, date, and reasoning

  3. Review within 72 hours

  4. One appeal per action allowed

  5. Decision communicated with explanation

💌 9. Help Keep Pixie Safe

Community protection is everyone's responsibility.

How You Can Help:

  • Report violations — don't engage with trolls

  • Support targets — offer kindness to those facing harassment

  • Model good behaviour — be the community you want to see

  • Welcome newcomers — especially baby queers finding themselves

  • Share resources — mental health, safety, and community support

  • Provide feedback — help us improve through feedback@pixie.app

Bystander Intervention:

  • Distract: Change the subject or redirect attention

  • Delegate: Alert moderators or trusted community members

  • Document: Screenshot harassment (for reports only)

  • Direct: Privately support the targeted person

  • Delay: Check in with affected users after incidents

🌈 10. Remember Why Pixie Exists

We're building more than an app — we're nurturing a community.

Pixie was created because LGBTQ+ people deserve digital spaces that:

  • Centre our safety and wellbeing

  • Celebrate our full spectrum of identities

  • Protect our privacy and dignity

  • Amplify our voices and stories

  • Foster genuine connection over algorithmic engagement

Every feature, policy, and decision reflects our commitment to you. We measure success not in user numbers or profits, but in lives enriched, connections made, and communities strengthened.

🏳️‍🌈 Special Protections & Features

For Trans & Non-Binary Users:

  • Deadname protection in all contexts

  • Pronoun display options (optional)

  • Gender-affirming language throughout

  • Transition timeline privacy controls

  • Enhanced protection against transphobic harassment

For Questioning & Closeted Users:

  • Invisible mode for browsing

  • Panic button for emergency hiding

  • Selective visibility settings

  • No forced coming out features

  • Anonymous support groups

For BIPOC LGBTQ+ Users:

  • Intersectional harassment protection

  • Cultural celebration spaces

  • Enhanced moderation for racist abuse

  • Community-specific groups

For Disabled LGBTQ+ Users:

  • Accessibility-first design

  • Ableism strictly prohibited

  • Accommodation support

  • Inclusive language requirements

📞 Contact & Support

We're here to help:

Emergency Situations: If you're in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first:

  • UK: 999

  • US: 911

  • EU: 112

Then report to us for platform action.

📝 Changes to Guidelines

These guidelines evolve with our community. We'll notify you of significant changes through:

  • In-app notifications

  • Email updates

  • Plaza announcements

  • Version history at pixie.app/guidelines

Last major update: 22 Oct 2025 Next review: Jan 2026

💜 Final Thoughts

Thank you for being part of Pixie and helping create a space where every LGBTQ+ person can sparkle authentically. These guidelines aren't just rules — they're our shared commitment to each other.

Together, we're proving that social media can be different. It can be kind. It can be safe. It can be ours.

Welcome home to Pixie. 🌈✨