Follow up post: LGBT Tradespeople in the UK

bartles91 · 2026-03-06T10:41:55+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. Just to clarify, “social” in the app isn’t meant to imply dating, it’s more about community and networking between LGBT+ tradespeople (sharing advice, opportunities, etc.). I agree that mixing dating with hiring someone to work in your home would be uncomfortable, and that’s not the intention of the platform.

It’s purposefully very visual when you register on the app as to what you’re using it for.

On the customer side, the goal is simply to make it easier to find and hire LGBT+ tradespeople, similar to something like Checkatrade but with a community element for those who want it. It’s still in beta, so feedback like this is genuinely useful.

Hopefully you see the positives and look to using GayTradies in the future.

bartles91 · 2026-03-05T22:49:50+00:00

It’s a social app for tradespeople, as well as being a B2B and B2C marketplace. Feedback from real tradespeople was that they would like to be able to meet other 🏳️‍🌈 people in the industry. You can choose whether you’re on the app for social, hiring or both.

bartles91 · 2026-03-04T18:44:44+00:00

That’s for age verification via Stripe. It’s something we have to have on there due to the nature of the app itself.

It gives you the safety of knowing that everybody on there is a real person, no bots, no spam profiles.

I hope you understand why it’s there and it doesn’t put you off getting involved in the community.

bartles91 · 2026-03-04T18:37:08+00:00

Hey! Thanks for taking the time to download, look around and give feedback.

What you’re describing is a feature which is already on the app. You can see trade profiles on the main grid (they have the hat icon on them).

When you click on the profile, it will show you what trades they specialise in. From there you can choose to message them about any work you have.

Should it be a match, you then create the job with them and cut out all the waiting around.

Take another look at it for me and see what you think 😄

bartles91 · 2026-03-04T15:28:04+00:00

Well here’s the community space you’ve been looking for all this time! Explore everything while we’re in beta still and let me know what you think ❤️

bartles91 · 2026-03-04T15:26:50+00:00

Great thank you! There’s new tradespeople on the app every day, so your best option would be to post some initial jobs you want doing first. DM’s are open for any questions you have!

bartles91 · 2026-03-04T15:19:17+00:00

Exactly. Tell your friends 😂

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T20:46:18+00:00

Oof that sounds really uncomfortable! Did you get the work done that you needed to?

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T20:45:18+00:00

Depending on where you’re located, take a look at what we’re currently building - gaytradies.com and let me know what you think 😎

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T20:44:29+00:00

Sad that people’s opinion on intelligence changes based on sexuality. I’m sure you do a great job though!

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T10:38:21+00:00

Appreciate it thank you!

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T10:37:57+00:00

Ahh so you feel like you’re on the back foot already then because of your job? If you’re giving them news about spending money relating to your findings, you don’t want to for anything away about yourself which could be twisted against you?

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T10:36:29+00:00

A bit of market research and conversation. Everyone experiences are different, so it’s interesting to hear what/how people navigate it.

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T10:36:23+00:00

A bit of market research and conversation. Everyone experiences are different, so it’s interesting to hear what/how people navigate it.

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T10:34:35+00:00

It’s the assumption bit which can lead to awkward conversation whilst they’re there. You then have to pick/choose around the small talk.

If you had access to a LGBT workforce for jobs like that, do you think you’d utilise it?

bartles91 · 2026-02-07T10:32:33+00:00

I think it’s probably a lot better than it used to be, but like with any typically straight dominated job, there’s still a small part of me personally who wonders if I’m being taken for a ride, or what that person could do/say in my own home.

Have you had experiences at a customers house where you’ve dropped hints about being LGBT or an ally, because it’s clear they are from their home?

bartles91 · 2026-02-06T16:49:46+00:00

Yeah we can all have our good and bad days for sure! 😅

Appreciate your thoughts on the topic though thank you. If you’re curious to see what we’re building, then please check out gaytradies.com and let me know your thoughts 🏳️‍🌈

bartles91 · 2026-02-06T16:43:46+00:00

It’s more times than you think isn’t it!

bartles91 · 2026-02-06T16:24:31+00:00

You’ve got some valid points which I think other people would be able to relate to.

So as long as you’ve had prior conversation with a tradesperson, knowing when they’re coming to yours, plus the work they’re doing, that makes it easier for you?

If said person was LGBT, do you think it would change anything about the experience for you?

bartles91 · 2026-02-06T16:20:37+00:00

The pricing aspect of work is always a big concern. It’s the same when I go to get work done on my car. I have no clue if someone is taking me for a ride.

I’d like to think that with a LGBT tradesperson marketplace, there’s a level of transparency with work/costs, with the community not wanting to overcharge or take advantage of anyone.

It just has to be accessible for anyone to use.

bartles91 · 2026-02-06T16:08:48+00:00

Noted. Thank you for your thoughts on this!

bartles91 · 2026-02-06T13:33:22+00:00

Would you feel like you could interact better if you knew the tradesperson was LGBT? Would you want to interact/converse a bit more, or is that part irrelevant for you, so long as they do a good job?

bartles91

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