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What We Do

Where Inclusion Means Real Connection

Engayge is the first-of-its-kind nonprofit social platform designed by and for the LGBTQ+ community. Offering not just connection, but safety, empowerment, and visibility.

We're not a dating app. We're not just a business directory. We're a community infrastructure - with ratings, reviews, jobs, events, resources, chat, and more - all under one roof, and all built to uplift our people.

Find Friends

Our friend finder feature connects you to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies with similar interests to you!

Flynn's List

Contribute to a network of queer safety by rating and reviewing businesses in your area, based on how inclusive they are.

LGBTQ+ Events

See what's happening in your area for LGBTQ+ friendly events and gatherings

Resources

We have an active resource library where we can help you in finding information related to LGBTQ+ housing, health, legal rights and more.

Jobs

We have an active resource library where we can help you in finding information related to LGBTQ+ housing, health, legal rights and more

Social Feed

We have an active resource library where we can help you in finding information related to LGBTQ+ housing, health, legal rights and more.

Our Story

Built with Pride. Powered by Purpose.

Engayge was born from a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves a space where they feel seen, safe, and celebrated. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a mission-driven platform dedicated to uplifting the LGBTAIA+ community and our allies.

We've built Engayge as a space to connect, empower, and support one another - through real stories, real businesses, and real community impact. Whether you're here to find resources share your voice, or just be yourself, Engayge is for you.

For us. All of us.

Our Values

Guided by Pride. Rooted in Community

favorite

Inclusivity

groups

Community First

health_and_safety

Safety and Respect

redeem

Give Back

Our Mission

Engayge is for us, all of us.

Engayge is dedicated to building a safe, inclusive, and community-driven platform where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can connect, support, and uplift one another. We empower users by providing access to LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, job opportunities, mental health resources, and social networking spaces. Businesses on Engayge are verified through community ratings and reviews, meaning users- not businesses - determine whether a space is truly inclusive. This ensures that queer acceptance is based on real experiences, fostering an authentic and trustworthy platform. As we grow, our mission remains clear - to create a global movement that fosters authenticity, economic empowerment, and lasting community connections.

Our Journey

Engayge is Founded

Winter 2022

Platform Development Begins

Spring 2022

Engayge Initial Launch

Summer 2022

Partnership Building and Outreach

2022-2023

New Feature Rollouts

Spring 2024

Engayge Becomes a NonProfit

Winter 2025

Growing Community and User Base

Ongoing

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Our Team

Engayge is founded and fueled by LGBTQ individuals

Maryellen "Rudy" Founds

Founder, CEO

She/Her

I'm Rudy - a combat veteran, nonprofit founder, emotional support wiener dog wrangler, and unapologetically queer human building something that never existed for us before. I created Engayge because our community deserves a safer, more authentic space to connect, laugh, share, and actually be seen.

I live on the Engayge compound with a rotating cast of beautiful misfits, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of heart. This isn't just an app - it's my life's work. And if im being honest? I should've invented the Red Easy Button. But I did't. I made this instead.

Sky Bowker

Designer, Creative Strategist

They/She

Hey there, I'm Sky Bowker! As the designer for Engayge I work on everything from social media, to app and website development. I love finding creative solutions and bringing ideas to life visually.

Outside of my work with Engayge, my life is wonderfully full. I identify as a bisexual and polyamorous, and I share my home with my two amazing partners and my dogs, pig and Tomahawk, I definitely keep my hands full

If you'd like to see more of my design work, feel free to check out my portfolio over at skybowkerdesign.com.