In the Press
Why federal LGBTQI+ data collection should concern state, local officials
Chris Wood, the executive director and co-founder of the think tank LGBT Tech, said there’s a loophole in the CCPA for protecting the individual privacy rights of LGBTQI+ folks. Wood said the CCPA affords privacy only to households, not individuals. So say there’s an LGBTQI+ minor living in a household that is not supportive or accepting — Wood said the data could put them at risk if their parent or caregiver were to get ahold of that information.
Confusion Can Make for Good Politics, but Bad Economics
LGBT Tech mentioned in article published by Inside Sources on the American Innovation and Choice Online Act.
"Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., the lead sponsor of the bill’s companion legislation in the House, has deemed Republican supporters’ framing of the content-moderation issue 'completely false.' Others aren’t so certain. The LGBT Technology Institute has expressed concern that the 'ability of tech companies to moderate hateful and extremist content and remove toxic services is extremely important to LGBTQ+ individuals.'"
Extending Digital Opportunities to LGBTQ+ Communities: An Interview With LGBT Tech
LGBT Tech's Chris Wood and Kristen Kelley are interviewed in an article published by Computing on the importance of the work that LGBT Tech does. In the article, they discuss LGBT Tech, PowerOn, and the PATHS Program.
"Chris Wood, Co-founder and Executive Director, explains why this research was needed:
'There's very limited research when it comes to the LGBTQ community historically because any data collection, even pre computers, was typically used against our community. Laws and tools were used to punish and out our community, so people would lose jobs, homes and economic status.'
Pride Month: How Technology Protects, Hinders the LGBTQ+ Community
LGBT Tech's joint SOGI report with Future of Privacy Forum is featured in article published by Channel Futures.
"Christopher Wood is executive director of LGBT Tech and a co-author of the report. 'For much of the LGBTQ+ youth, the internet is the only place they feel safe to express their sexuality and connect with other LGBTQ+ youth. Potential violations can lead to privacy harms in the form of online outings and harassment.'"
Five Things for Families to Know About LGBTQ+ Teens’ Safety and Privacy Online
LGBT Tech's joint fact sheet with the National CyberSecurity Alliance is linked in article published by Meta that gives tips and resources to families about how to protect and support LGBTQ+ teens.
Check out the fact sheet here: https://staysafeonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/LGBTQ-Community-Online-Security_Final-1.pdf
"If I Don't Do it Who Will?" Employee Communities in Tech
Computing publishes an article featuring LGBT Tech's Chris Wood. The article examines whether ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) can act as genuine engines of progress to a more inclusive workplace.
"It's really telling when a company forms a DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] group and puts no money behind it. That is asking the employees to go ahead and be the voice for the company around that diversity. Most people that join those groups or create those groups are very passionate about it and are looking to take that on and it's important to recognize that, but that is very distinct from the situations where a company says that they want to create a group, but that group is completely responsible for all the training and education."
LGBT Tech Partners with Facebook's LGBTQ+ Safety Center
LGBT Tech is listed as an advocacy partner on Facebook's LGBTQ+ Safety Center page.
"The Page is a resource for anyone seeking support and help for issues specifically related to online safety for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether for yourself, a friend or family member, you will find information on tools and resources available across Facebook’s platforms to help safeguard your experience online."
LGBT Tech Mentioned in ZDNet Article on How Tech Companies Can Honor Pride Month
LGBT Tech is mentioned and the PATHS program is linked in an article published by ZDNet. The article focuses on the importance of understanding how technology and digital issues negatively affect the LGBTQ+ community and how technology organizations can respond.
"LGBT Tech is an organization that provides information, education, and outreach about tech-related issues that affect LGBTQ+ people. It states science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) employers hire disproportionately few LGBTQ+ workers, compared to the percentage of the U.S. population that identifies as such."
California State Senator Bill Dodd’s Broadband Connectivity Bill Clears Key Committee
SACRAMENTO – Californians came a step closer gaining more reliable and equitable access to high-speed internet service on Wednesday when a key committee approved legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would greatly improve connectivity, especially for low-income and underserved communities, by removing local government roadblocks to the expansion of broadband service.
Discounted Phones Save Lives of Homeless LGBT Teens - Now They Might Be Taken Away
Nationwide, nearly two in five homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. That adds up to 650,000 young people on our streets who face special risk of bullying, discrimination, and assault. To stay safe, they rely on something simple — a wireless phone.
Brooklyn Community Pride Center Joins National PowerOn Program
PowerOn kicks off a partnership with the Brooklyn Community Pride Center with a donation of laptops and portable charging devices, which will be distributed to individuals who complete programming as well as be housed in the Center for classes and other group use
