Effective Date: 1 June 2025
Last Updated: 1 June 2025
1. Introduction
LGBT Socials (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Company”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our websitelgbtsocials.com (the “Website”) and use our services.
This Privacy Policy applies to all information collected through our Website, forms, membership components, and related services. By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Name (first and last name)
- Email address
- Phone number (if voluntarily provided)
- Demographic information (age range, pronouns, etc., if voluntarily provided)
- Event attendance preferences
- Communication preferences
2.2 Information We Do NOT Collect
We do not collect or store:
- Physical addresses or mailing addresses
- Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
- Sensitive personal data beyond what is necessary for our community services
2.3 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect:
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring website
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click-through rates
- Device Information: Device type, unique device identifiers
- Location Data: General geographic location (city/state level only)
2.4 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies including:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand website usage
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
3.1 Service Provision
- Process membership applications and registrations
- Organize and manage community events
- Send event notifications and updates
- Facilitate community connections and networking
3.2 Communication
- Send newsletters and community updates
- Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
- Send important notices about our services or policy changes
3.3 Improvement and Analytics
- Analyze website usage through Google Analytics
- Improve our services and user experience
- Develop new features and community programs
3.4 Legal and Safety
- Comply with legal obligations
- Protect the safety and security of our community members
- Prevent fraud or abuse of our services
4. Legal Basis for Processing (Privacy Act 1988)
Under Australian privacy law, we process your personal information based on:
- Consent: Where you have explicitly consented to processing
- Legitimate Interests: For community building, event management, and service improvement
- Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Vital Interests: To protect the safety and security of our community
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 We Do Not Sell Personal Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.
5.2 Authorized Disclosures
We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: Trusted third-party vendors who assist in operating our website and services (e.g., CRM providers, email marketing platforms)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or legal process
- Safety and Protection: To protect the rights, property, or safety of LGBT Socials, our members, or others
- Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or transfer of assets (with notice to affected users)
5.3 Third-Party Services
Our website integrates with:
- Google Analytics: For website analytics (subject to Google’s Privacy Policy)
- CRM System: For lead and member management
- Email Marketing Platform: For newsletters and communications
Each third-party service has its own privacy policy governing their collection and use of information.
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Access controls and staff training
- Secure hosting and data storage practices
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Privacy Rights
Under Australian privacy law, you have the following rights:
7.1 Access and Correction
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
7.2 Data Deletion
- Request deletion of your personal information (“right to be forgotten”)
- We will comply with deletion requests except where retention is required by law
7.3 Data Portability
- Request a copy of your personal information in a structured, machine-readable format
7.4 Withdrawal of Consent
- Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis
- Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
7.5 Complaints
- Lodge a complaint with us or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, including:
- Active Members: Throughout membership and for 6 years after membership ends
- Event Participants: For 1 year after last event attendance
- Newsletter Subscribers: Until unsubscription or account deletion
- Legal Requirements: As required by applicable laws
Upon request, we can delete your personal information earlier, subject to legal obligations.
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Australia, including the United States (for services like Google Analytics). We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with Australian privacy law.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete such information promptly.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Sending email notification to registered users
- Providing notice through our regular communications
Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
12. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
LGBT Socials
Email: socials@markofapproval.com
Website: lgbtsocials.com
For privacy-related complaints or concerns, you may also contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
13. Definitions
- Personal Information: Information that identifies or could reasonably identify an individual
- Processing: Any operation performed on personal information, including collection, use, storage, and disclosure
- Third Party: Any entity other than LGBT Socials and its authorized service providers
14. Acknowledgment
By using our services, you acknowledge that:
- You have read and understood this Privacy Policy
- You consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described
- You understand your rights regarding your personal information
- You are at least 18 years of age or have parental/guardian consent
This Privacy Policy is governed by Australian law and the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Last reviewed: 1 June 2025