Answer Summary

Members shared varied and deeply personal reasons for choosing whether to display profile pictures, ranging from privacy concerns about being... Read more

Members shared varied and deeply personal reasons for choosing whether to display profile pictures, ranging from privacy concerns about being recognized locally or not being open about their sexuality or status, to wanting connections based on character rather than appearance. Several members described real experiences, including one story of two members unexpectedly recognizing each other when one wasn't out about being gay or HIV-positive, which created awkwardness and illustrated why anonymity matters to some. A recurring theme was that this community is a safe space for support and connection regardless of whether someone shows their face, with members ultimately respecting each person's right to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.