If you’ve ever tried to find a safe, welcoming space as part of the LGBTQIA+ community whether it’s in Dublin, Berlin, or Bangkok, you’ll know it can feel like navigating a minefield. That’s where Shane steps in, a brand new app from Irish trans- and queer-led start-up Shane Collective, launching globally on iOS and Android this June 24th, 2025. And no we are not Pride washing, let’s be very clear here, at Goosed we aren’t rainbowifying our logo for one month a year, we want to see amazing companies succeed and Shane is one of them apps that covers a need, and honestly a need I didn’t even know existed before, and I am glad I know now.
This isn’t just another map app with rainbow emojis tacked on. It’s built by LGBTQIA+ folks, for LGBTQIA+ folks—designed with safety, inclusion, and visibility at its core. Not long ago I had the team from Shane join us on the Goosed Podcast and to be honest I was shocked by how little I knew about the issues some corners of the community have when they travel, so this newly educated guy right here is about to break down, what Shane is, how to use it and why this Irish Start-up is nailing their colours firmly to the mast and saying enough is enough and its about time and we are here for it.
What is Shane?
Shane is your new digital wingperson. Whether you’re travelling abroad, looking for a queer-friendly café, or just want to feel safer walking home at night, Shane is packed with tools to help you move through the world with more confidence.
From community-rated inclusive spaces, to an emergency alert system that shares your live location with trusted contacts, Shane does what Google Maps and TripAdvisor never could—it centres you, the queer user.
Here’s a taste of what Version 1 brings:
- A global map with inclusive space filters
- Community-sourced safety & inclusion ratings
- Custom lists you can share with mates
- Emergency alerts to share live location
- “Shane Certified” businesses clearly marked
- Points for contributing reviews and ratings
As for what’s coming down the line this summer? Get ready for…
- An AI-powered Safe Travel Concierge (because what is life without AI these days)
- Countdown-based emergency triggers
- Automatic incident recording to the cloud
- Real-time rerouting with in-app Safe Navigation
Designed for Real-World Safety
One of Shane’s standout features is its smart international design. Not every country is safe for LGBTQIA+ people and the team knows that. The app won’t show sensitive info in high-risk countries and won’t be available at all in places where being queer could cost someone their life. Seriously….this is an actual need in 2025 in some parts of the world.. madness. There are 2 worlds, the reality and the dream right? Personally I would love to live in a world where it doesn’t matter where you place your pecker, slam your ham or yano, don’t, you do you because it’s the substance not sexuality of a person that matters, right?….but the reality this is not the case and some parts of the LGBTQ+ community still cannot travel in peace (and probably less so now given the current political climate)
Privacy is also baked in. Users stay anonymous, and data collection is kept to a minimum—because trust isn’t a bonus feature, it’s the baseline.
As Tadhg Mac Mahon, founder and CEO of Shane Collective, puts it:
“Shane is the solution our global community needs. A tool for everyday safety, belonging, and visibility, in a world that too often overlooks us.”
Who’s Behind It?
Shane Collective is a fully remote team of 17, with members from across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and around the world. It’s intersectional, international, and informed by lived experience at every level from feature development to accessibility. It’s almost like it was made by those with the need, for those with the need….sounds logical to me. It’s not tech-for-tech’s sake this is tech for good and we all know that’s an area I love because the world wants to paint technology as the thing that will end humanity, not a tool for us to leverage for our betterment.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re heading to Pride in London, Shane Collective will be in Soho on Friday, June 27th, at the Pride pop-up shop (7 Walkers Court, W1) from 4pm to 6pm. Swing by, meet the crew, and see how the app works.
In the meantime, check them out online:
🌐 getshane.io
📱 Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
Shane isn’t just a cool app it’s a necessary one. As someone who covers tech that matters, I can say with confidence: this is the kind of innovation we need more of.
Now available on iOS and Android—go grab it, and travel a little lighter.
