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
2023-05-01
LGBT Tech Signs Diverse Coalition Letter to NTIA to ensure that BEAD funding is used equitably
The letter encourages the promotion of Digital Readiness Training, to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), engage multicultural stakeholders, and monitor and evaluate program outcomes
2023-05-02
LGBT Tech signed on to a human rights coalition letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee along with 133 groups and organizations opposing the EARN IT Act.
The letter expresses strong opposition to the Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act of 2023 (EARN IT, S.1207).
2023-02-06
LGBT Tech Signs Letter Supporting the Nomination of Gigi Sohn as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner
LGBT Tech joined human rights and LGBTQ+ organizations in signing a letter addressed to Congress supporting the nomination of Gigi Sohn as FCC Commissioner. This letter asks Members of Congress to consider her qualifications and move her nomination forward.
2022-11-28
LGBT Tech signs opposition letter to Kids Online Safety Act
LGBT Tech joined dozens of human rights and LGBTQ+ organizations in signing a letter addressed to Congress opposing the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). This letter expresses serious concerns about KOSA and how it can and will be weaponized against LGBTQ+ people.
2022-08-02
LGBT Tech signs onto letter on the discriminatory effects of online monitoring of students on LGBTQI+ students, students of color, and students with disabilities
The letter calls on the Office for Civil Rights to issue a policy statement that clarifies the intersection of civil rights laws and student activity monitoring, condemns uses of student activity monitoring that run afoul of students’ civil rights and civil liberties, and states OCR’s intent to take enforcement action against violations that result in discrimination, especially against historically marginalized groups of students.
2022-08-01
LGBT Tech Signs Letter to Senate Urging the Extension of the FCC’s Authority to Auction and License Spectrum
The FCC’s spectrum auction authority will expire on Sept. 30, 2022. If that occurs, not only would the FCC's authority to complete the current 2.5 GHz auction be questioned, but it will also prevent it from auctioning any other spectrum for wireless services. The House recently enacted legislation that would extend the auction authority for 18 months. However, some Senate leadership are attempting to hold out for a ten-year authorization that doesn't appear feasible given the current situation. The letter urges Senate leadership to adopt the 18-month extension.
2022-02-08
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.
2022-02-04
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.
2022-02-02
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."
2022-01-31
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."
April 12, 2021
U.S. Census Bureau request for comments on the proposed revision of
the American Community Survey
The letter encourages the promotion of Digital Readiness Training, to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), engage multicultural stakeholders, and monitor and evaluate program outcomes
Recent Sign-Ons
by LGBT Technology Institute