STAND IN PRIDE
Expanding Accessibility for LGBTQ+ Community Virtual Support
Expanding Accessibility for LGBTQ+ Community Virtual Support
Expanding Accessibility for LGBTQ+ Community Virtual Support
The app connects LGBTQ+ individuals with stand-in families for life events like weddings, graduations, or simply when support is needed or family is not willing to do it. We worked closely with the founder on the design and direction, helping bring the vision to life in just five months.
Team
PointBreak Labs | Stand In Pride
PointBreak Labs | Stand In Pride
Time
Dec 2023 - May 2024
Dec 2023 - May 2024
Roles
UI/UX Lead, Research, Prototype + Testing, Marketing & Social Media, Visual Design & Branding, Tech Support
UI/UX Lead, Research, Prototype + Testing, Marketing & Social Media, Visual Design & Branding, Tech Support
Tools
Figma, Framer, Shopify, Adobe Suite, Zoom
Figma, Framer, Shopify, Adobe Suite, Zoom
What started as a conversation in December 2023 turned into a fully designed app by May 2024 — all built in collaboration with the founder of SIP Daniel Blevins, PointBreak Labs, and funded by community donors.
The app connects LGBTQ+ individuals with stand-in families for life events like weddings, graduations, or simply when support is needed or family is not willing to do it. We worked closely with the founder on the design and direction, helping bring the vision to life in just five months.
What started as a conversation in December 2023 turned into a fully designed app by May 2024 — all built in collaboration with the founder of SIP Daniel Blevins, PointBreak Labs, and funded by community donors.
The app connects LGBTQ+ individuals with stand-in families for life events like weddings, graduations, or simply when support is needed or family is not willing to do it. We worked closely with the founder on the design and direction, helping bring the vision to life in just five months.
The Challenges
The Challenges
ㄨ Local support was hard to identify in large regional groups
Many members felt the posts of those seeking support often got lost in Facebook's algorithm and it was difficult to find support in regional groups, hoping to connect more locally.
ㄨ FB was not a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community
Many users felt unsafe on Facebook due to the political climate, lack of moderation for hate speech, bullying etc., and exposure to harassment, making it an unwelcoming platform for those in the community.
ㄨ Stand In Pride needed space to grow
As a nonprofit, Stand In Pride wanted to expand beyond social posts, to offer real tools, resources, and safety features that could meaningfully support the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
ㄨ Local support was hard to identify in large regional groups
Many members felt the posts of those seeking support often got lost in Facebook's algorithm and it was difficult to find support in regional groups, hoping to connect more locally.
ㄨ FB was not a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community
Many users felt unsafe on Facebook due to the political climate, lack of moderation for hate speech, bullying etc., and exposure to harassment, making it an unwelcoming platform for those in the community.
ㄨ Stand In Pride needed space to grow
As a nonprofit, Stand In Pride wanted to expand beyond social posts, to offer real tools, resources, and safety features that could meaningfully support the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Research & Ideation
Research & Ideation
I spent time understanding the audience, researching the community, the demographic, and how people were using (and struggling with) Facebook groups. The goal was to create something that felt safer, more accessible, and more aligned with their needs. Many members felt the posts of those seeking support often got lost in Facebook's algorithm and it was difficult to find support in regional groups, hoping to connect more locally.
Most of this came down to listening to Daniel's vision and get community feedback. We ran polls, held ongoing team calls, and worked to clearly define our intentions - who this app is for, what it should do, and how to make sure everyone feels welcome.
One of the earliest and biggest challenges that came up was privacy: how do we vet every single member? Finding the right solution here was key through safety feature research and ideation early on.
I spent time understanding the audience, researching the community, the demographic, and how people were using (and struggling with) Facebook groups. The goal was to create something that felt safer, more accessible, and more aligned with their needs. Many members felt the posts of those seeking support often got lost in Facebook's algorithm and it was difficult to find support in regional groups, hoping to connect more locally.
Most of this came down to listening to Daniel's vision and get community feedback. We ran polls, held ongoing team calls, and worked to clearly define our intentions - who this app is for, what it should do, and how to make sure everyone feels welcome.
One of the earliest and biggest challenges that came up was privacy: how do we vet every single member? Finding the right solution here was key through safety feature research and ideation early on.
Wireframing & Layout
Wireframing & Layout
After building a strong foundation through research, I jumped into Figma to begin concepting the key features we had mapped out during our calls: Regional Feeds, Groups, University (our resource library), a Supporter Directory, and Profile.
I knew the app needed to feel intuitive for users who might be in a vulnerable moment, so everything had to feel familiar, safe, and easy to navigate. This is where the idea of local regional feeds came in, based on a user's location or zip code they would join a local feed. (with the option to change or update their location and feed at anytime.
Designing with safety in mind was essential. I focused on building in privacy features that gave users full autonomy over their experience - including account visibility settings, options to hide or show profile information, ability to block and flag users/posts, and safety tips.
Messaging also needed thoughtful structure. We wanted to create space for real connection, but also ensure that users felt safe. Early on, we talked about how certain conversations could cross boundaries, so I designed a system of contextual safety tips that could be triggered by keywords. For example, if someone typed "money," a safety reminder would gently appear, noting that financial transactions aren’t allowed and linking to our community guidelines or support resources. These small touches became essential to helping people feel safe reaching out for emotional support and engaging with others.
After building a strong foundation through research, I jumped into Figma to begin concepting the key features we had mapped out during our calls: Regional Feeds, Groups, University (our resource library), a Supporter Directory, and Profile.
I knew the app needed to feel intuitive for users who might be in a vulnerable moment, so everything had to feel familiar, safe, and easy to navigate. This is where the idea of local regional feeds came in, based on a user's location or zip code they would join a local feed. (with the option to change or update their location and feed at anytime.
Designing with safety in mind was essential. I focused on building in privacy features that gave users full autonomy over their experience - including account visibility settings, options to hide or show profile information, ability to block and flag users/posts, and safety tips.
Messaging also needed thoughtful structure. We wanted to create space for real connection, but also ensure that users felt safe. Early on, we talked about how certain conversations could cross boundaries, so I designed a system of contextual safety tips that could be triggered by keywords. For example, if someone typed "money," a safety reminder would gently appear, noting that financial transactions aren’t allowed and linking to our community guidelines or support resources. These small touches became essential to helping people feel safe reaching out for emotional support and engaging with others.
Prototype & Testing
Prototype & Testing
Once the core features were mapped out and feedback came in, I built a working prototype to test how everything flowed together. The goal at this stage was to make sure the experience felt seamless and intentional from start to finish and to test how the design would scale as new features and ideas came up.
One screen that went through several iterations was the Discover screen. I knew this section needed to do more than just show content: it had to grow with Stand In Pride’s future goals, like adding a business directory and offering better access to resources. Each version brought it closer to that vision, balancing clarity, structure, and the need for flexibility.
To keep things consistent, I used a component library for the entire prototype. This helped speed up changes, made collaboration smoother, and ensured everything felt like part of the same system. As the final designs came together, I kept refining the details: screen transitions, small accessibility improvements, and intuitive layouts that would feel familiar even to first-time users.
Once the prototype was finalized, the designs were handed off to the development team as a guide for the user interface and interactions. From there, my focus shifted to marketing and website design, since their existing site wasn’t generating much traction.
Once the core features were mapped out and feedback came in, I built a working prototype to test how everything flowed together. The goal at this stage was to make sure the experience felt seamless and intentional from start to finish and to test how the design would scale as new features and ideas came up.
One screen that went through several iterations was the Discover screen. I knew this section needed to do more than just show content: it had to grow with Stand In Pride’s future goals, like adding a business directory and offering better access to resources. Each version brought it closer to that vision, balancing clarity, structure, and the need for flexibility.
To keep things consistent, I used a component library for the entire prototype. This helped speed up changes, made collaboration smoother, and ensured everything felt like part of the same system. As the final designs came together, I kept refining the details: screen transitions, small accessibility improvements, and intuitive layouts that would feel familiar even to first-time users.
Once the prototype was finalized, the designs were handed off to the development team as a guide for the user interface and interactions. From there, my focus shifted to marketing and website design, since their existing site wasn’t generating much traction.
Website & Marketing
Website & Marketing
As a newly formed non-profit, Stand In Pride needed a fully functioning website that not only represented their values, but was easy to navigate with a clear mission. This included creating a solid social media precense to reach their audience and spread their mission. Initially, we started with a 1-page landing website, to share more about the app and raise funds. As Stand In pride grew, their website needed to as well.
We focused on clear messaging, simple navigation, and accessibility. The goal was to make it easy for visitors to understand the mission, learn how to get involved, and donate. We prioritized clean layouts, bold visuals, and clear calls to action to guide users smoothly through the site.
The result: a full 10-page responsive website that accurately represents Stand In Pride as a growing non-profit.
To further boost the app and continue to raise funding for Stand In Pride, we helped kickstart their Instagram presence and create a custom 2024 Pride T-shirt design. Reaching the right audience on all platforms was essential in spreading the word.
The Results
The Results
Stand In Pride launched June 2024 in the App Store and Google Play. With the launch of the app, came the closure of all Stand In Pride facebook groups, moving fully over to their new platform. With a customizable portal the Stand In Pride had full control of approving community created groups, and managing members.
In one of the latest app updates we've added in a LGBTQ+ and affirming business directory, making it easier to find local business near you, as well as constant improvements and updates to the UI/Backend.
✓ 100K+ App Members & 400+ Community-Made Groups
Stand In Pride's app has made it easier for members to join, customize their profile, and connect regional for support or to seek support.
✓ Full Control Over Their Platform
With their customized portal, they have full control over approving groups, managing members, listing businesses to the Directory, and much more!
✓ Opening Up Fundraising Opportunities For Further Expansion
With a custom app, Stand In Pride has expanded fundraising opportunities through their LGBTQ+ and affirming business directory and offering advertising options.
Stand In Pride launched June 2024 in the App Store and Google Play. With the launch of the app, came the closure of all Stand In Pride facebook groups, moving fully over to their new platform. With a customizable portal the Stand In Pride had full control of approving community created groups, and managing members.
In one of the latest app updates we've added in a LGBTQ+ and affirming business directory, making it easier to find local business near you, as well as constant improvements and updates to the UI/Backend.
✓ 100K+ App Members & 400+ Community-Made Groups
Stand In Pride's app has made it easier for members to join, customize their profile, and connect regional for support or to seek support.
✓ Full Control Over Their Platform
With their customized portal, they have full control over approving groups, managing members, listing businesses to the Directory, and much more!
✓ Opening Up Fundraising Opportunities For Further Expansion
With a custom app, Stand In Pride has expanded fundraising opportunities through their LGBTQ+ and affirming business directory and offering advertising options.
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