Pride serves not only as a celebration of our achievements, but as a reminder of the continued fight for inclusivity – a fight that extends to digital spaces. The internet acts as a foundation on which so many members of our community have been able to secure inclusive and safe job opportunities, housing, healthcare, and more. Our advocacy around a free, open, and diverse internet stems from the need for and ever-growing potential of this connectivity.
Over the past two decades, the internet has seen the rise of top-level domains representing diverse scripts, cultures, interests, and languages. This includes LGBTQ+-specific domains like .lgbt and .gay, which promise to create unique digital identities that mirror our rich diversity and foster inclusive online spaces.
The driving principle behind the use of these identifiers is called Universal Acceptance (UA). UA looks to ensure that all domain names and email addresses are treated equally and function seamlessly across all devices and software in the digital ecosystem, whether they be longstanding domains like .com and .org, or newer ones like .lgbt and .gay.
Despite the rise of diverse domains, and even though they meet the same security standards, Universal Acceptance still faces many technical hurdles. Applications, devices, and systems often fail to recognize these identifiers as valid.
For the LGBTQ+ community, the potential of Universal Acceptance is clear. As our community grows and evolves, so must our digital presence. Creating online spaces that reflect our identities is empowering and exciting, opening the door to greater education and connection.
Embracing UA is not just about overcoming technical challenges; its about unlocking a greater potential of the internet for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. It's about creating a digital world where everyone can thrive, free from barriers and restrictions.
For more information on this issue, visit the ICANN website or check out this recent blog post from Identity Digital.