ChatFriends welcomes adults of different identities, backgrounds and life experiences. The common ground is simple: friendly conversation and respect for other people.
Belong without explaining everything
You should not have to defend who you are before joining an ordinary conversation. Share as much or as little personal information as you choose.
Respect names and boundaries
Use the name a member asks you to use, avoid intrusive questions and do not turn someone’s identity into a debate.
Report targeted abuse
Harassment, threats and discriminatory abuse do not belong in the community. Keep the relevant message and use the report button beside it.
Ordinary conversation is part of belonging
Inclusion is not a demand that somebody explain their identity. People can talk about television, work, pets or the weather without becoming a spokesperson for a whole group.
Use the name and form of address a member requests. If you make a genuine mistake, correct it briefly and continue rather than turning the person into the centre of a public apology.
Disagreement has clear limits
Different opinions can coexist, but targeted insults, slurs, threats and arguments about whether another member deserves dignity are not ordinary debate. Save evidence and report harmful behaviour.
Do not expose personal information while defending somebody. Support the affected member, avoid amplifying abusive messages and let moderators use the tools available to them.
Join the conversation
Read the room for a moment, follow the current subject and start with a simple contribution. If you are unsure what to say, use one of our conversation starters and adapt it to the discussion already happening.