Ad Content Policy
Last updated: October 14, 2026
This policy explains what ads, sponsorships, promoted events, storefront promotions, and sponsored newsletter content ("Ads") can and can't appear on allthethings.gay. It applies along with our Advertising and Sponsorship Terms. We review every Ad and make the final call. When in doubt, ask us at partnerships@allthethings.gay before you build creative.
Our audience comes here to find places where they'll be safe and respected. Ads should earn the same trust.
1. Our Principles
- Be honest. Clear claims, real prices, no tricks.
- Be respectful. Ads should welcome LGBTQIA+ people, not exploit, stereotype, or mock them.
- Respect privacy. No tracking, no collecting sensitive information, no targeting individuals by orientation, identity, or health.
- Be clearly an Ad. Every Ad is labeled, and Ads must not look like listings, badges, editorial content, or system messages.
2. Prohibited Ads
We don't accept Ads for, or Ads that include:
Harm to our community
- Conversion therapy, "reparative therapy," "ex-gay" or "ex-trans" programs, or any service claiming to change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity, including when described as counseling, coaching, or ministry.
- Content that opposes or attacks LGBTQIA+ people's rights, dignity, identities, health care, or existence, or that comes from an organization whose primary purpose includes those activities.
- Hate speech, harassment, slurs, or content that demeans people for any protected trait, including race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or immigration status.
- Outing, or content suggesting the viewer's orientation or identity has been detected (for example, "Are you gay? Click here").
Political
- Political attack ads, meaning Ads that mainly attack or disparage a candidate, party, official, or group.
- Political and issue ads: no ads for candidates, parties, PACs, ballot measures or political issues. Nonprofits may advertise their services and events.
Financial harm
- Payday loans, title loans, cash advances with fees over 36% APR, rent-to-own, debt relief that charges up-front fees, credit repair, "guaranteed" income, multi-level marketing, get-rich-quick schemes, binary options, and unregistered securities or investment offerings.
- Cryptocurrency exchanges, tokens, NFTs, or crypto lending.
- Gambling, sweepstakes requiring purchase, and fantasy sports for money.
Dangerous or illegal
- Illegal products or services; weapons, ammunition, explosives, and weapon accessories; recreational drugs and drug paraphernalia; tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products; cannabis, THC, and hemp-derived intoxicants; and products that facilitate dishonest behavior (fake IDs, academic cheating, hacking).
- Unapproved or unsafe supplements, "miracle" cures, weight-loss claims that aren't substantiated, and anything claiming to cure or prevent HIV or other diseases without FDA approval.
Adult and sexual content
- Pornography, escort services, explicit sexual content, or nudity. Sexual wellness products (for example, condoms, lubricant, and sex education) may be allowed with non-explicit creative and no placement on youth-oriented or support pages.
Misleading
- False or unsubstantiated claims, fake urgency or scarcity, hidden fees, bait-and-switch pricing, fake testimonials or reviews, and undisclosed paid endorsements.
- Ads that imitate our badges, listing cards, "Verified," "Claimed" or "Pledged" language, system alerts, or another brand.
- Ads that say or imply we endorse, verify, or recommend the advertiser.
- Landing pages that don't match the Ad, auto-download files, use pop-ups that trap visitors, or collect personal information without a privacy policy.
Exploiting identity
- "Rainbow-washing": using LGBTQIA+ identity or Pride imagery to sell something while the advertiser actively opposes LGBTQIA+ rights. We may ask about an advertiser's public record.
- Ads directed at minors, or that use people who are or appear to be under 18 in sexual or romantic contexts.
3. Restricted Ads (Allowed With Conditions)
| Category | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Prescription drugs and biologics (for example, PrEP, HIV treatment, hormone therapy) | Only by the manufacturer or its agency. Must comply with FDA rules (21 CFR 202.1): fair balance of risks and benefits, the required brief summary or adequate provision for full prescribing information, and the established name. Reminder ads must not make claims. Black box drugs can't run reminder ads. You certify the Ad passed your medical, legal, and regulatory review. |
| Online pharmacies, telehealth that prescribes, and prescription delivery | Must be licensed in each state served and certified by LegitScript or NABP (.pharmacy). No ads for controlled substances. |
| Health care providers and health systems | Must be licensed. No guarantees of results, no before-and-after images for cosmetic procedures, and claims must be substantiated. "Inclusive" describes treatment of patients, not outcomes. |
| Gender-affirming care and fertility services | Same as health care providers; no pressure tactics; follow applicable state law. |
| Mental health services and apps | Licensed providers only; no crisis claims ("we'll save you"); must not appear inside crisis resource listings. |
| Alcohol | Only where legal; audience must be 21+ (newsletter editions and pages not directed at younger people); no promotion of excessive drinking; follow TTB and state rules. |
| Dating and social apps | Must be for adults 18+, non-explicit, and have a public safety and privacy policy. |
| Financial services (banks, credit unions, mortgages, insurance, investing) | Must be licensed or registered as required; include required disclosures (for example, "Member FDIC," "Equal Housing Lender," APR); no guaranteed returns. |
| Legal services | Must follow attorney advertising rules for the relevant state, including any required "Attorney Advertising" label. |
| Real estate and housing | Must follow Fair Housing Act rules: no preferences or limits based on protected traits. |
| Employment | Must follow equal employment laws; no discrimination. |
| Events | Must have a real date, place, and organizer; ticket prices and fees shown honestly. |
| Religious organizations | Allowed if they affirm LGBTQIA+ people and don't promote conversion practices. |
| Nonprofits and fundraising | Must be registered where required; disclose how funds are used if asked. |
| Affiliate links | Must be disclosed. |
4. Creative Standards
- Readable, accessible creative: sufficient color contrast, alt text for images, captions for video, no flashing more than three times per second, no autoplay audio.
- Images must be the advertiser's own or properly licensed, and depict real people only with their permission.
- Don't stereotype, sexualize, or tokenize people. Feature real diversity where you show people.
- Our labels must stay visible; don't cover or imitate them.
5. Targeting Rules
Ads may be placed by page category, topic, city or metro, newsletter edition, or time. Ads may not be targeted to individuals or segments based on sexual orientation, gender identity, sex life, health conditions, HIV status, race, religion, immigration status, financial hardship, or age under 18, or on behavior tracked outside our pages. We don't offer that targeting, and you may not try to recreate it.
6. Enforcement
We may reject, pause, or remove Ads that break this policy, and may suspend advertisers who break it repeatedly or seriously. We may require changes, documentation, licenses, or substantiation at any time. Report a problem with any Ad to partnerships@allthethings.gay.