LGBT Technology Partnership
The LGBT Technology Partnership brings together cutting edge tech companies, nonprofit organizations, policy makers, scholars and innovators to improve access, increase inclusion, ensure safety and empower entrepreneurship for LGBT communities around technology.
Why are LGBT communities different?
The LGBT community has specific concerns that are not immediately obvious and differ from the concerns of other minority communities in large part because of the aforementioned stigmas and isolation. Technology, through smart phones, high-speed networks and other current and emerging technologies allow LGBT people to come together, to meet and to empower each other, regardless of geographic distance. No longer does an LGBT individual, regardless of culture or background, need to grow up in a world where they feel alone. This easy access to technology presents new and unique challenges as well. For many LGBT people still choosing with whom they share their sexual orientation, privacy is a paramount concern. It is crucial that networks have adequate privacy controls to ensure that user data is never compromised or unintentionally revealed so that LGBT people always retain control over what information they choose to share.
Open, and just as importantly universal, broadband access across all communications platforms is also a key concern for LGBT people. As mentioned, access to technology has fostered greater acceptance and community for LGBT communities. The internet has been a lifeline for LGBT people in smaller towns and remote communities. Universal open access is key to ensuring that any LGBT person, no matter where located, that desires to do so can have ready access to information without worries about their privacy being compromised or their content being restricted. These are just a couple of the unique issues that have an impact on LGBT communities. The Partnership ensures that these and other issues are adequately addressed on behalf of LGBT communities.
How does the Partnership fulfill the need?
The Partnership is the premier organization representing the interests of the LGBT community with regards to communications and technology issues. Through education of members and communications providers, as well as direct engagement with policy makers at the local, state and federal level the Partnership advocates on behalf of the needs of its LGBT members across the country. With the continued and increased adoption of technology, access to faster communications platforms and more reliable and stable services comes greater community connections and empowerment.
Policy Issues
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Facial Recognition
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Real Name Policy
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Ad Tech
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Digital Marketing
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Data Collection, Storage + Use
Don't Block LGBT
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Open Internet for All LGBTQ
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Don't Block LGBT Act
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Health Technology
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
International
Federal
State
Recent Filings
by LGBT Technology Partnership
6/28/2021
LGBTQ+ Support Letter California SB 556
LGBT Tech and California PowerOn partner centers show support for Senator Dodd’s bill SB 556 which would widen access to Broadband service across California.
03/22/21
Current Population Survey (CPS) Basic Demographic Items
LGBT Tech advocates adding SOGI data to CPS demographic collection so that service organizations, policymakers, and others trying to serve the LGBTQ+ community can accurately represent and meet the needs of our community.
2/25/2021
EBB Program, the LGBTQ+ Community & Connected Devices
LGBT Tech underscored the importance of including smartphones as one of the choices outlined under “connected devices” in the EBB program.
02/16/21
LGBT Tech Files Comments in the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund Assistance
LGBT Tech submits comments in response to the implementation of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program or the Program)
02/16/2021
Petitions for Emergency Relief to Allow the Use Of E-Rate Funds to Support Remote Learning During The COVID-19 Pandemic
LGBT Tech Files Comments on Petitions for Emergency Relief to Allow the Use Of E-Rate Funds to Support Remote Learning During The COVID-19 Pandemic, WC Docket No. 21-31
2021-01-15
RE: Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services, WC Docket No. 12-375: Reply Comments of the Inmate Telephone Rate Control Supporters
LGBT Tech joins MMTC and 18 other organizations in urging the FCC to regulate prison telephone rates for inmates and the people they contact.
2021-01-27
Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel Final Ex Parte Notice
LGBT Tech and other organizations met with Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel and her staff to discuss the Emergency Broadband Benefit, Lifeline, broadband affordability and reliability, and other topics.
2020-09-09
EARN IT Act Coalition Letter
LGBT Tech signs on to the ACLU's coalition letter condemning the EARN IT Act for the impact it would have on LGBTQ+ content, sex education materials, and sex workers ability to survive.
08/09/2020
REQUEST TO EXTEND THE COVID-19 LIFELINE WAIVERS, RESTORE LIFELINE VOICE SUPPORT AND FREEZE LIFELINE MINIMUM STANDARDS
LGBT Tech joins the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council and multiple other groups in urging the FCC to expand assistance to low-income individuals through the Lifeline program.
07/23/2020
Momentum Builds for Markey-Merkley-Jayapal-Pressley Legislation to Ban Government Use of Facial Recognition, Other Biometric Technologies
LGBT Tech supports the "Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act" as necessary to protecting minorities like the LGBTQ+ community and communities of color.
07/07/2020
Internet Society Open Letter Against Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act
LGBT Tech is proud to join the Global Encryption Coalition along with over 80 experts and organizations in condemning the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act.
July 1, 2020
ACLU Coalition Letter Calling for a Moratorium on Face Recognition
LGBT Tech is proud to join the ACLU and 60 other organizations in urging Congress to take action against facial recognition's use.
02/14/2020
Re: Implementation of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 WC Docket No. 18-336, CC Docket No. 92-105
LGBT Tech submits initial comments to the FCC's Implementation of the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018, which would include changing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's to 988 as well as providing and expanding LGBTQ+ informed crisis support through the Lifeline's services.
May 4, 2020
Demographic Data Sign On Letter to Congressional Leaders
LGBT Tech joins the APIAHF and other organizations in urging the U.S. government to record more accurate COVID-19 demographic data.
April 17, 2020
In the Matter of Restoring Internet Freedom, WC Docket No. 17-108 / In the Matter of Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization, WCB Docket No. 11-42
LGBT Tech joins 27 organizations in applauding the FCC for their Lifeline program and urging the FCC to expand lifeline even further.
04/04/2019
Reply Comments of the EEO Supporters
EEO data should be available to Commission staff as part of an investigation of whether a licensee engaged
in race or gender discrimination in recruitment. EEO Supporters also urge the FCC to require licensee certifications that job postings preceded hiring decisions.
04/25/2019
Implementation of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as Amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992
LGBT Tech joins 16 other organizations in urging the FCC to reaffirm existing rules that prevent states and localities from charging duplicative fees and taxes, which serve to increase the cost of broadband internet access for consumers.
03/28/2019
Support for federal privacy law (Senate)
LGBT Tech supports a comprehensive federal privacy law that establishes a consistent framework across the country and applies technology-neutral protections across the Internet ecosystem
03/28/2019
Support for federal privacy law (House of Representatives)
LGBT Tech supports a comprehensive federal privacy law that establishes a consistent framework across the country and applies technology-neutral protections across the Internet ecosystem
03/15/2019
DC Public Space Committee re: 5G
Development and deployment of 5G will remove barriers for the LGBTQ community.
April 12, 2021
U.S. Census Bureau request for comments on the proposed revision of
the American Community Survey
LGBT Tech and California PowerOn partner centers show support for Senator Dodd’s bill SB 556 which would widen access to Broadband service across California.
April 16, 2021
Inclusion of SOGI data in health IT
LGBT Tech and California PowerOn partner centers show support for Senator Dodd’s bill SB 556 which would widen access to Broadband service across California.
Recent Sign-Ons
by LGBT Technology Institute