Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PositiveSingles, how the community works, privacy, membership and more — answered in plain Canadian English.
About PositiveSingles
What is PositiveSingles?
PositiveSingles is the longest-running online dating and support community specifically designed for adults living with herpes, HIV, HPV, hepatitis and other STIs. Established over two decades ago, the platform has grown into one of the largest communities of its kind worldwide. It brings together people who want to date, build friendships or simply find peer support from others who understand their experience.
Who can join PositiveSingles?
Anyone living with an STI, or anyone open to dating someone who is, is welcome to join — provided they meet the platform’s eligibility requirement of being 20 years of age or older. Members come from a wide range of backgrounds and are looking for connections ranging from romance to friendship to community belonging.
Is PositiveSingles only for dating?
No. While dating is certainly part of what the platform offers, many members join primarily for community support, friendship or simply to connect with others who understand their situation. Features like discussion forums, interest groups, blogs, chatrooms and anonymous Q&A make it a broader community, not just a dating app.
Privacy & Safety
Are medical records required to join?
No. PositiveSingles does not require any proof of diagnosis or medical documentation to create an account. Members self-identify as living with an STI or as being open to dating someone who does. The platform operates on mutual trust within the community.
Does photo verification confirm STI status or personal background?
No. Photo verification is an optional step that compares a live selfie to the photos on a profile to help confirm they depict the same person. It does not verify medical history, STI status, occupation, income, intentions or criminal background. Always exercise appropriate caution when connecting with someone online, regardless of whether their profile shows a verification badge.
Can someone block or report another member?
Yes. Any member can block another member at any time. Blocking prevents the person from contacting you, viewing your profile or seeing your content. The blocked member is not notified. Members can also report concerning behaviour to the PositiveSingles moderation team, which reviews reports and takes action in line with community guidelines.
Are background checks performed on members?
No. PositiveSingles does not conduct background checks on its members. Photo verification confirms only that profile photos resemble the person submitting them — it does not verify identity documents, criminal history, employment or any personal information. Use the same careful judgement you would with any online connection.
Membership
Is PositiveSingles free to use?
Basic access is free. Free members can create a profile, upload photos, browse other members, send winks and participate in the community. Initiating messages to other members generally requires a premium subscription. Free members can reply to certain messages they receive, so connections are still possible without upgrading.
What does premium access include?
Premium members can contact more members directly, use advanced search filters, access expanded communication features and benefit from greater profile visibility within the community. Additional account features may also be available at the premium tier. Visit PositiveSingles.com for current details, as plans and features may change.
How can members protect their photos?
Members can upload photos to private albums that are only visible to people they explicitly approve. A photo masking tool lets you blur images until you choose to reveal them to a specific member. Both tools give you control over who sees your pictures and when, without requiring you to avoid photos altogether.
This Website
Does this website host member profiles?
No. This is an independent Canadian information and editorial website. It does not host member profiles, facilitate messaging or operate any dating features. It exists to help Canadians understand what PositiveSingles offers before deciding whether to visit the platform.
Where does registration take place?
Registration and all member features — profiles, messaging, community discussions, and account management — take place on PositiveSingles.com. This website links to PositiveSingles.com and provides editorial context, but it is not affiliated with or operated by the platform itself.
Where can Canadians find medical information about STIs?
For accurate, up-to-date medical information about STIs, speak with a qualified healthcare professional — your family doctor, a sexual health clinic or a public health nurse. Authoritative online resources include the Public Health Agency of Canada (phac-aspc.gc.ca) and provincial health authority websites. This site and PositiveSingles are peer and social platforms, not medical resources.
Is a French version of this website available?
Not currently. This website is available in English only at this time. For French-language STI health information, the Public Health Agency of Canada publishes resources in both official languages at phac-aspc.gc.ca.
What is the age eligibility requirement for PositiveSingles?
Per PositiveSingles platform terms, members must be 20 years of age or older. This requirement applies to both free and premium accounts and to all members regardless of location. Please do not register if you do not meet this age requirement.
Still have questions?
Three pages that go deeper on the questions the FAQ only summarises.