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
2/8/2022
LGBT Tech signs open letter against UK anti-encryption campaign
Operation: Safe Escape and LGBT Tech stress the vital importance of encrypted communications for victims of domestic abuse and for LGBTQ+ people in countries where they face harassment, victimization and even the threat of execution. Far from making them safer, denying at-risk people a confidential lifeline puts them at greater and sometimes mortal risk.
2/4/2022
LGBT Tech signs MMTC's comments to NTIA regarding Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Implementation
Comments recommend, in part, that NTIA should take measures to increase broadband access for multicultural, low-wealth, rural, and urban communities; NTIA should establish national and local task forces to support BEAD and digital equity planning implementation; and faith-based nonprofits should be recognized as community anchor institutions eligible for BEAD grant funding.
2/2/2022
LGBT Tech signs letter suggesting amendment to S.2710
LGBT Tech joins others, including TechFreedom and Center for Democracy & Technology, urging policymakers to consider "Moving the key provisions of § 3(e)(2)(A) into § 3(e)(1) would protect the stated purpose of this provision—prohibiting “self-preferencing in search” as an economic weapon through a broad, flexible standard—while doing much to foreclose creative pleading intended to retaliate against editorial content moderation."
1/31/2022
LGBT Tech signs letter to Congress urging comprehensive permanent telehealth reform
Signed by 336 organizations, the letter asks Congress to plan for the future of telehealth with the understanding that "Virtual care is now a fundamental part of the U.S. health care system, and it will improve patient access to high-quality care well beyond the COVID-19 pandemic."
12/20/2021
LGBT Tech Files Comments on the Affordable Connectivity Program
LGBT Tech joins ALLvanza, MMTC, and OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates in advocating for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a permanent successor program of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.
9/27/2021
LGBT Tech speaks out against Texas HB 20
LGBT Tech's Carlos Gutierrez files declaration opposing Texas's social media law HB 20
6/26/2021
LGBT Tech Endorsement of Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to Chair of Federal Communications Commission
LGBT Tech submits letter of endorsement to President Biden supporting the appointment of Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to Chair of the FCC.
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.
April 12, 2021
U.S. Census Bureau request for comments on the proposed revision of
the American Community Survey
Operation: Safe Escape and LGBT Tech stress the vital importance of encrypted communications for victims of domestic abuse and for LGBTQ+ people in countries where they face harassment, victimization and even the threat of execution. Far from making them safer, denying at-risk people a confidential lifeline puts them at greater and sometimes mortal risk.
April 16, 2021
Inclusion of SOGI data in health IT
Operation: Safe Escape and LGBT Tech stress the vital importance of encrypted communications for victims of domestic abuse and for LGBTQ+ people in countries where they face harassment, victimization and even the threat of execution. Far from making them safer, denying at-risk people a confidential lifeline puts them at greater and sometimes mortal risk.
Recent Sign-Ons
by LGBT Technology Institute