Flagging Your Vibe: 7 Tips for Creating an Authentic Queer Friendship Profile

As apps have become the standard way to meet people, finding a strategy that actually works can feel exhausting. Weeding through profiles on generic platforms often means navigating vague intentions, chasers, or people who just don’t "get it.

Clicked Connections simplifies the process by creating a dedicated space for us—but building a solid profile is still the best way to attract the right kind of chosen family. In the queer community, we know that "flagging"—signaling who we are and what we are into—is an art form.

Here are 7 tips for crafting a profile that helps you find your specific people:

1. Photos: Show Your Authentic Expression Your photos are the first time you get to say, "This is me." In a safe space like Clicked Connections, you don’t need to tone down your gender expression or style. Opt for photos that show you in your element. Whether you are high-femme, butch, or rocking a goblin-core aesthetic, choose images that make you feel affirmed. Avoid heavy filters; your potential friends want to know who they are actually meeting for coffee.

2. Signal Your Specifics in Your Bio Generalities like "I like fun" don't help you find your niche. Use your bio to signal your specific corner of the community. Instead of saying "I like music," try "obsessed with Tegan and Sara" or "looking for a concert buddy for the next Chappell Roan tour." Be clear about what you are looking for—if you want a D&D group, a hiking pal, or just someone to body-double with at a cafe, say it!

3. Highlight Your Niche Interests Queer hobbies run deep. Clicked Connections lets you link interests to your profile, so use them to paint a full picture. Don't just select "Art"—select "Zine Making." If you are into roller derby, drag brunch, astrology, or mutual aid work, let it show. These specific touchstones are often how we recognize our kindred spirits.

4. Keep it Welcoming (Skip the "No" Lists) We’ve all seen profiles full of "No drama," "No flakes," or "Don't message me if..." While boundaries are important, leading with negativity can be a red flag. Frame your bio around who you do want to meet. "Excited to meet consistent, communicative folks to explore the city with" is much more magnetic than listing what you hate. Radiate the energy you want to receive.

5. Offer an Easy "In" Social anxiety is real. Help people break the ice by including a conversation starter or a low-stakes "hot take" in your profile. It takes the pressure off the first message.

• Try: "Tell me your sun, moon, and rising signs."

• Try: "Iced coffee: Oat milk or almond?"

• Try: "Unpopular opinion: The L Word Gen Q was actually good (debate me)."

  
  

6. Keep Up with Your Evolution Our identities and styles shift—often! If you’ve recently changed your pronouns, dyed your hair, or gotten into a new hyper-fixation, update your profile. Keeping your profile fresh shows that you are active on the app and ready to engage with who you are today.

7. Drop the Mask The best part about a dedicated queer space is that you don’t have to code-switch. You don’t need to explain your identity or make yourself palatable for a straight audience. Be authentically you. If you are loud, be loud. If you are shy and introverted, own that. The goal isn't to appeal to everyone; it's to appeal to the people who will celebrate you.

You don’t need to be perfect to create a standout profile. You just have to be visible. With a clear photo, a bio that flags your specific vibe, and an open heart, you’ll be well on your way to building the community you deserve.