How the Shane Community is Mapping Queer Safety Around the World
When we started Shane, we weren’t trying to build just another travel and mapping app. We were trying to build something we actually needed as queer people, something powered by truth, community, and care.
So much of being LGBTQIA+ in public is about reading the room. About constantly scanning a space for safety signals, even before we walk through the door. What if we could put that collective intuition on a map?
That’s exactly what the Shane community is doing.
We’re Mapping What Google Can’t
You can’t search “is this bar transphobic” on Google Maps. You can’t filter cafés by “queer-affirming” or “safe for non-binary folks.” And yet, we all know those differences matter.
On Shane, we’re building a map that reflects our realities, not just what’s popular or well-rated.
Because sometimes a five-star place isn’t safe for everyone. And sometimes the tiny queer-owned spot around the corner deserves to be seen.
Built By Us, For Us
Every pin you see on Shane was added by someone like you—travellers, locals, friends looking out for each other.
The Shane community helps:
Add new spots that feel good, inclusive, or affirming
Flag places that feel unsafe or hostile
Tag venues with details like “gender-neutral bathrooms” or “LGBTQIA+-owned”
Share stories—good or bad—that help others navigate with more confidence
This is what we mean when we say Shane is community-powered.
What’s on the Map?
Here’s a peek at what our users are helping tag:
Trans-friendly services
Unsafe areas or businesses
Gender-neutral restrooms
LGBTQIA+-owned places
Real-life reviews from queer folks
Every tag is a signal. Every signal is someone looking out for someone else.
Where We’re Growing
We’re seeing Shane pop up in more and more places, especially thanks to our amazing community who keep spreading the word.
Some of the most active cities right now:
New York, US
London, UK
Dublin, IE
Washington D.C, US
Barcelona, Spain
How You Can Join In
You don’t need to be travelling across the world to help! You can map your local queer café., inclusive restaurant, friendly corner shop… Leave a review for a clinic that treated you with respect. Flag a spot that didn’t. Every action counts.
Add a place you love
Flag a place that made you feel unsafe
Share Shane with your friends
Encourage inclusive spaces to get certified
Together, we’re building a map that doesn’t just show us where to go—but shows us where we’ll be safe being who we are.
🧡 Download Shane on iOS or Android and help us map queer safety, one place at a time.