The ‘You’re Accepted’ app gives young LGBT people a safe way to come out.

A new app and website enable young LGBT people to anonymously ask their friends and family for support before coming out.

The You’re Accepted website, which can be used on any device, allows users to send a personally-composed, anonymous message to friends and family on social media to figure out whether they would be a supportive person to come out to.

The people who receive the message can then respond to the anonymous person and offer their acceptance and support of their identity. The LGBTI person would be able to see who has replied to them, so they know which people it is safe to come out to.

The platform was launched on IDAHOT and is a joint project between national LGBTI youth charity Minus 18 and communications firm GPY&R.

“Too many young gay people choose not to come out and instead live in fear of simply being themselves,” said a spokesperson for Minus 18 in the program’s launch video. “You’re Accepted… gives young LGBTI youth the courage to come out.”

Since its launch on Tuesday, more than 150 people have used the service.

Minus 18 CEO Micah Scott has praised the app, saying it will counter the negativity LGBTI people encounter online.

“You’re Accepted is here to tackle hateful online discrimination against LGBTI youth by showing people there’s a lot more support out there than they might think,” he said.

GPY&R staff, who developed the website pro bono, manually moderate the platform and negative, bullying or homophobic messages are not passed on to the user. The website also links to a range of phone counselling services and Lifeline.

The developers are also working to establish a system for people using the app who might need urgent help.

“Through positive social support provided by friends and family, we can do this together. After all, no one should live in fear of simply being who they are – everyone should be accepted,” said Scott.