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
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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
2023-11-17
LGBT Tech joins the Chamber of Progress & Fight For The Future to call on Senate leadership to stop the Eyes on the Board Act.
Last month, a group of Republicans led by Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Eyes on the Board Act. The bill, which would strip away E-Rate funding from schools and libraries unless they block access to social media sites, represents an escalation in the ongoing assault on libraries and teens’ access to information across the country. For children in low-income communities who depend on subsidized internet access and
social media for education and connection, this bill amounts to a digital book ban.
2023-11-16
LGBT Tech Comments on Docket No. 2023-0008
LGBT Tech writes to support measures aimed at protecting the privacy, safety, and mental health of youth online, while urging that the efforts to do so preserve access to the online tools relied upon by LGBTQ+ youth to explore their identities, seek resources, and find community.
2023-11-13
LGBT Tech Signs Letter of Opposition to the defunding of CEDC.
The Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC) plays a crucial, nonpartisan role in shaping policies that foster equity and diversity in digital communication services and products across the United States. LGBT Tech joins MMTC and other organizations urging the House of Representatives to oppose the upcoming vote on bill HR-4664, which, following an amendment to the bill last week, proposes to defund the CEDC.
2023-11-02
LGBTQ+ Organizations and Centers Send Letter to Hill Urging Changes to Kids Online Safety Bill
LGBT Tech and 73 other organizations and LGBTQ+ centers from around the country sent a letter to 101 Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives, expressing concern with the Kids Online Safety bill (S.1409), or KOSA, currently being considered in the Senate.
2023-10-19
LGBT Tech signs onto PA SB 22 Coalition Letter which could result to a "digital book ban."
LGBT Tech signs onto PA SB 22 Coalition Letter which can ultimately amount to a "digital book ban." A coalition of civil society and tech groups are calling on Pennsylvania lawmakers to stop a toxic new bill targeting teen access to online resources.
2023-09-29
LGBT Tech Signs Civil Society Letter to OMB re: Global LGBTQI+ Funding in the FY 2025
LGBT Tech Signs Civil Society Letter to OMB re: Global LGBTQI+ Funding in the FY 2025 in hopes that the Biden Administration will finally request sufficient resources for global LGBTQI+ programs that make our world safer and more secure for all its citizens, no matter who they are or whom they love.
2023-09-25
LGBT Tech signs letter in opposition to the STOP CSAM Act
The STOP CSAM Act would severely jeopardize the rights of Americans to communicate online freely and privately. It will censor critical information for some of America’s most vulnerable groups, like LGBTQ+ youth and those seeking reproductive care.
2023-09-20
LGBT Tech Signs Coalition Letter with The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) to prioritize students’ civil rights in the age of AI
A year has passed since the Blueprint's release, and the need for education-related AI protections is as pressing as ever, particularly with the rapid rise of generative AI. Recent research by the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) highlights that students continue to face harm from AI-driven technologies, particularly concerning civil rights issues.
2023-08-08
LGBT Tech Signs Letter In Opposition of California Bill AB 1394
LGBT Tech signs letter opposing the California Bill AB 1394 which proposes to regulate online platforms and content hosting services with the intention of combating harmful and illegal content. While we support the bill’s aim to protect children, we are concerned that some of its provisions echo similar provisions in the federal FOSTA/SESTA legislation passed in 2018, which had significant detrimental effects on vulnerable and marginalized communities.
2023-07-13
LGBT Tech signs opposition letter to proposed changes of the ADPPA that would exempt data brokers who provide services to law enforcement agencies.
LGBT Tech signs a letter opposing proposed changes to the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) that would dramatically infringe upon the civil liberties of Americans, providing law enforcement with tools for surveillance and prosecution without the need for a warrant or due process.
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.
April 12, 2021
U.S. Census Bureau request for comments on the proposed revision of
the American Community Survey
Last month, a group of Republicans led by Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Eyes on the Board Act. The bill, which would strip away E-Rate funding from schools and libraries unless they block access to social media sites, represents an escalation in the ongoing assault on libraries and teens’ access to information across the country. For children in low-income communities who depend on subsidized internet access and
social media for education and connection, this bill amounts to a digital book ban.
April 16, 2021
Inclusion of SOGI data in health IT
Last month, a group of Republicans led by Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the Eyes on the Board Act. The bill, which would strip away E-Rate funding from schools and libraries unless they block access to social media sites, represents an escalation in the ongoing assault on libraries and teens’ access to information across the country. For children in low-income communities who depend on subsidized internet access and
social media for education and connection, this bill amounts to a digital book ban.
Recent Sign-Ons
by LGBT Technology Institute