Full Stack Development for LGBTQ+ Social App Prototype

We have a highly-detailed and feature-rich frontend prototype for Prism, a modern and inclusive dating and community app for the LGBTQ+ community. The prototype is built with React and TypeScript, featuring a comprehensive UI for all core features, including user profiles, real-time chat simulations, community event management, an AI-powered "wingman," and a full admin dashboard.
The entire frontend is well-structured, responsive, and visually polished. However, it currently operates using mock data and in-memory state management within the main App.tsx component. There is no backend, database, or real-time communication infrastructure.
The goal of this project is to hire an expert full-stack developer to architect and build a robust backend, connect it to the existing frontend, and bring the application to full functionality.
Current Status & What's Already Done:
Complete Frontend Application: A comprehensive React/TypeScript application with lazy-loaded views and Tailwind CSS styling.
Feature-Rich UI: All user-facing components are built, including:
Onboarding and Login flows.
A dynamic, swipe-based profile browser (HomeView).
Detailed UserProfileView with editing modals for all sections.
A fully-featured ChatView with simulated real-time messaging, emoji reactions, virtual gifting, AI suggestions, and room member sidebars.
A complete Community Hub for events, public rooms, and resource navigation.
A comprehensive AdminDashboard for user management, content moderation, and app configuration.
Client-Side AI Integration: The frontend successfully communicates with the Gemini API for features like AI-generated bios, profile reviews, and "wingman" reply suggestions.
Local State Management: All application logic is handled on the client-side, providing a clear blueprint for the required API endpoints.
Scope of Work & Key Deliverables:
We need a developer to handle the entire backend implementation and connect it to the frontend. The key tasks are:
1. Backend & Database Architecture:
Design and implement a scalable backend architecture (e.g., using Node.js/Express, Python/Django, or a BaaS like Supabase).
Create a robust database schema (e.g., in PostgreSQL or MongoDB) to store all application data, including users, profiles, photos, messages, matches, events, etc.
2. API Development:
Build a comprehensive set of RESTful or GraphQL API endpoints for all CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations required by the frontend. This includes managing users, profiles, interactions (likes/passes), and community content.
3. User Authentication:
Implement a secure authentication system using JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for managing user sessions.
Replace the current mock login with a proper registration and login flow that hashes and stores user credentials securely.
4. Real-Time Chat Implementation:
Replace the simulated chat with a true real-time solution using WebSockets (e.g., Socket.IO) or a managed service (e.g., Firebase, Ably).
This must support both one-on-one private messaging and multi-user public chat rooms.
Implement backend logic for persisting message history, reactions, and handling virtual gift transactions (deducting points).
5. Matching & Discovery Logic:
Create the backend logic to process user interactions (likes, passes, superlikes) and create a "match" when mutual interest occurs.
Implement an efficient geospatial query system on the backend to power the "Who's Nearby" feature, replacing the current client-side filtering.
6. Media Handling & Storage:
Set up a cloud storage solution (e.g., AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage) for user-uploaded photos and videos.
Create secure API endpoints for uploading, retrieving, and deleting media files.
7. Payments & Subscriptions Integration:
Integrate a payment gateway like Stripe to handle real transactions for Prism Premium subscriptions and point package purchases.
Develop backend logic to manage subscription statuses, premium features access, and user point balances.
8. Deployment & Infrastructure:
Deploy the frontend (e.g., on Vercel/Netlify) and the backend (e.g., on Heroku, AWS, or Google Cloud).
Set up a production-ready environment, including database hosting and environment variable management.
Required Skills:
Expertise in React and TypeScript.
Proven experience in backend development (preferably Node.js with Express/NestJS, but other modern frameworks are welcome).
Strong database design and management skills (PostgreSQL preferred).
Experience implementing real-time applications with WebSockets (e.g., Socket.IO).
Proficiency with cloud services (AWS or GCP), especially for media storage.
Experience with payment gateway integration (Stripe is preferred).
Solid understanding of secure API design and user authentication (JWT).
Familiarity with DevOps practices and deployment pipelines is a plus.