"Disparities in technology access and digital literacy within the LGBTQIA+ community contribute to existing inequalities, with some lacking the resources or knowledge to fully engage in the digital realm, restricting their access to essential services and information. While various agencies cater to the LGBTQIA+ community, there is a critical need for initiatives that are both inclusive and address digital literacy concerns.” – North Carolina Digital Equity Plan, p. 67
Our initial review of the 2024 State and Territory Digital Equity Plans reveals a concerning inconsistency in the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities. While the LGBTQIA+ community includes some of the most at-risk for digital discrimination and inequitable digital access in the country, of the fifty-five State/Territory Digital Equity Plans, less than half mentioned LGBTQIA+ individuals at all, and only seven addressed LGBTQIA+ individuals extensively in their plans. The exclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities in Digital Equity Plans poses a significant challenge to achieving the Digital Equity Act's goal of ensuring “digital equity for all.”
What are the State/Territory Digital Equity Plans?
Passed in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), The Digital Equity Act (DEA) represents a pivotal step toward addressing the digital divide across the United States. The purpose of this legislation was aimed to ensure that all individuals have the tools and skills necessary to fully participate in the digital world. Each state/territory was required to develop a Digital Equity Plan that outlined comprehensive long term strategies for how they would address barriers to digital inclusion within their communities with a particular focus on eight “Covered Populations” defined by Section 60302(8) of the Infrastructure Act:
These populations are those that have historically faced barriers to digital access and includes; “Aging Individuals, Rural Inhabitants, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, People with Disabilities, People with Language Barriers, Incarcerated Individuals, and Veterans.”
Though LGBTQIA+ communities were not explicitly listed as a “Covered Population” as part of the Digital Equity Act Planning Grant (DE Planning), LGBTQIA+ persons are listed as an “Underrepresented Community” under the IIJA Broadband Equity Access and Development (BEAD) Action Plan. BEAD, like the Digital Equity Act, is a component of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, providing funding for the development of high-speed internet infrastructure across all states and territories. The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ as an “underrepresented community” in the BEAD Action Plan is important to note because each state/territory was advised to create their DE plans in tandem with their BEAD projects.
“[States] should view their projects funded by the BEAD and the DE Planning Programs as complementary efforts aimed at the unified objective of closing the digital divide.”
-BEAD Five-Year Action Plan-Digital Equity Plan Alignment Guide from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
As discussed in the opening, only seven plans identified and addressed significant and unique gaps facing the LGBTQIA+ communities in their states/territories, and twelve states/territories were inclusive of LGBTQIA+ individuals in some auxiliary capacity (e.g., collecting some Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [SOGI] data, or including LGBTQIA+ inclusive resources as part of their additional assets inventory list only). Unfortunately, the vast majority of DE plans did not include LGBTQIA+ communities at all. The exclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community from such a large percentage of the DE plans indicates that there is still a significant lack of understanding of the size and scope of the digital divide for LGBTQIA+ communities at both the state and federal levels.
Why Digital Inclusion for LGBTQIA+ Communities Should Matter to States/Territories
The LGBTQIA+ population in the U.S. is most recently estimated to be around 7.2% of the total US population—which equates to close to over 23 million people.
To help conceptualize just how large that number is, think about this: The US LGBTQIA+ population is larger than the entire state populations of Alaska, Alabama, Idaho, Kansas, and Michigan combined.
(*Note that all five of these states are examples of the many that failed to mention the LGBTQIA+ community in their Digital Equity Plans)
The sheer size of the community and its growing political power should signal to state and federal leaders that inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities will continue to become an increasingly critical piece of digital equity initiatives. Even more important to consider is that the many LGBTQIA+ individuals also belong to one or more historically marginalized groups that navigate the intersections of race, ethnicity, disability, income, citizenship status, and/or religion including all eight “covered populations” listed in the Digital Equity Act.
While many LGBTQIA+ individuals may also belong to other communities that are accounted for under state/territory DE plans, this does not mean that the unique needs, challenges and barriers will be the same for everyone in those communities. LGBTQIA+ individuals navigate unique barriers to digital access and inclusion that need to be taken into account in order to fully help to bridge the LGBTQIA+ digital divide. The importance of comprehensive programs and initiatives that account for intersectionality becomes even more crucial for those LGBTQIA+ individuals that are facing multiple systemic barriers to digital access. As the quote at the beginning of the article shows, North Carolina’s Digital Equity Plan highlighted this exact need for LGBTQIA+ specific digital inclusion strategies.
The LGBTQIA+ Digital Divide
LGBTQIA+ individuals in the US face specific challenges that make the need for inclusive digital equity opportunities absolutely critical. Due to discrimination and historical exclusion, LGBTQIA+ individuals in the US are more likely to be low income, face discrimination in housing and employment, experience houselessness, and encounter barriers to accessing healthcare, social services, and education opportunities. These barriers often equate to gaps in access to digital devices and broadband access for LGBTQIA+ communities. For example, research from KFF found that 44% of the LGBTQIA+ population in the US has an income that met the eligibility criteria (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line) for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This equates to somewhere over10 million LGBTQIA+ households that may have been eligible to participate in what was the country’s largest broadband benefit program to support digital equity.
Digital tools such as internet-ready devices, broadband access, and digital literacy training can help address some of the systemic challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. These challenges include accessing affirming telehealth services, online education, remote work opportunities, and safe online communities. However, without serious strategies to specifically include LGBTQIA+ communities in digital equity strategies, millions of individuals will continue to face gaps in digital access. New Hampshire’s Digital Equity Plan included data that highlights the importance of community specific and culturally relevant advocacy and education outreach efforts in digital equity initiatives. New Hampshire found that of the LGBTQIA+ population polled in their initial, statewide digital inclusion assessment, 66% of the LGBTQIA+ population were not aware of the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program.
Digital equity for LGBTQIA+ communities also involves the ability to engage safely and securely with digital tools and spaces. LGBTQIA+ communities experience higher rates of cyberbullying, online harassment, and discrimination. A new report put out by LGBT Tech and Data for Progress found that “80% of transgender adults say they have experienced anti-LGBTQ+ hate or harassment online either from people they know, people they don’t know, or both.”
“LGBTQIA+ youth face unique challenges, including higher rates of depression and suicide attempts, often attributed to discrimination, family rejection, and negative biases. Cyberbullying is a significant concern, with almost half of LGBTQIA+ students experiencing it annually, leading to emotional distress and thoughts of suicide. A digital divide compounds these issues, as millions lack internet access, affecting LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly in rural areas.”
-North Carolina Digital Equity Plan, p. 67
The current political climate in the US around the LGBTQIA+ community has only increased the rates of online discrimination and harassment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community due to discrimination, cyberbullying, and political precarity are indicative as to why accessible cybersecurity resources and digital literacy education are also critical components needed for digital equity initiatives to help end the LGBTQIA+ digital divide.
Observations and Patterns in State Digital Equity Plans
We identified several patterns across plans in our initial review of all 55 state/territory Digital Equity Plans. First, a key word search revealed the majority of states did not include anything about the LGBTQIA+ community in their Digital Equity Plans. The majority of plans that did mention the LGBTQIA+ community only did so in the appendix (where each state was required to include an inventory of additional resources related to digital equity available in their state). Some states/territories included resources or organizations that were listed as being inclusive of these communities, but weren’t specifically LGBTQIA+ serving. For example, in the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan there is only one mention of LGBTQIA+, and it is a single food bank in the inventory appendix that indicates they are welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Another common approach in the plans was the use of focus groups and community surveys to gather data and/or input from LGBTQIA+ individuals. There were some states, such as South Carolina and Rhode Island, that collected sexual orientation and gender identity data in their digital equity surveys or assessments, but it wasn’t clear where or how this data was later incorporated into larger digital equity strategies for the states. While the Wyoming Digital Access Plan notes that two LGBTQIA+ community stakeholders were included in their community feedback outreach strategy, it was unclear how this input was utilized in further planning.
North Carolina and Missouri conducted focus groups with LGBTQIA+ people and included excerpts and a discussion of these findings in their planning.
"And I truly think that access to those online communities and spaces is a big reason why teenage or younger, like LGBT, suicide rates are decreasing because there is that access to communities that are also people that are like you.”
– Missouri Digital Opportunity Plan, p. 90
A few states mentioned the absence or intent at future inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities in other digital equity initiatives. For example, Pennsylvania explicitly noted that they plan to use Digital Equity Planning grant funds to continue to do more outreach to subpopulations of the covered populations which included mention of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“[Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority] (PBDA) will utilize a portion of NTIA capacity grant funding to continue outreach to vulnerable populations and organizations representing sub-populations of covered populations (ex: domestic violence victims, victims of human trafficking, refugees/asylees, LGBTQIA+, farmers and other agricultural stakeholders) to ensure continued awareness of and participation in Pennsylvania's digital equity plan and funding opportunities.”
-From A Digital Equity Plan for the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, p. 109
Similarly, Massachusetts and Vermont discuss the LGBTQIA+ community as part of the additional marginalized populations they will continue to collect data on.
“Throughout its stakeholder and public engagement efforts, Vermont has also engaged with and collected data from other historically marginalized communities in the state to better understand their experience with digital equity. These have specifically included Vermonters who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Vermonters experiencing homelessness, and children/youth. Though these groups are not the focus of NTIA’s Digital Equity Program, Vermont will continue to collect and analyze data from these groups and consider their specific needs and barriers, in the context of the needs of the Covered Populations specified here, in implementing Vermont’s Digital Equity Plan.”
-Vermont Digital Equity Plan, p. 41
While it is an important first step to ensure LGBTQIA+ communities are included in the data collection and feedback stages of digital equity efforts, it is critical that there is follow-through in integrating these insights into the final plans in addition to measurable objectives for transparency and accountability.
Highlights From Plans that Meaningfully Included LGBTQIA+ Communities
While a majority of DE plans did not include any discussion of the LGBTQIA+ community, seven states/territories meaningfully engaged with issues facing LGBTQIA+ communities. These are discussed below.
North Carolina’s Digital Equity Plan included important data about the digital needs and experiences of and explicitly addressed the disparities in technology and digital literacy access of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their plan also identifies specific barriers faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals such as higher rates of cyberbullying. They dedicate an entire page to discussing the gaps in digital access in their state for LGBTQIA+ communities with outside research studies to supplement their findings. Lastly, by incorporating the feedback from LGBTQIA+ focus group members and drawing attention to the overlapping challenges faced by LGBTQIA + youth, North Carolina’s Digital Equity plans serves as a comprehensive model for how other states/territories may more meaningfully include and serve these communities.
California’s plan demonstrates a strong commitment to both identifying and addressing the specific digital access barriers faced by the LGBTQIA+ community across the state. The term “LGBTQ” is mentioned 217 unique times through the 394 page plan. Beyond just quantity, the California plan also provides in-depth data collection related to LGBTQIA+ digital access and explicitly refers to the community as a “Digitally Disadvantaged” population within their report. For example, as part of the “Overview of Digital Equity Needs and Barriers” section of their plan, they specifically name the LGBTQIA+ community as part of the covered populations dealing with lack of available or adequate internet services resulting in lower rates of connectivity.
“Even when an address is technically serviceable by an ISP, many Californians face a secondary barrier in the lack of reliable and resilient service, as reflected by inconsistent broadband speeds and regular outages. Individuals who live in covered households, individuals with disabilities, individuals with a language barrier, individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group, individuals who primarily reside in a rural area, and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ all report unreliable service at a higher rate than overall respondents.”
-California Digital Equity Plan, p. 78
California’s findings also include barriers to accessing both digital literacy resources and leadership pathways within the broadband industry for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Both access to digital literacy resources and representation/visibility in tech leadership roles are critical components of bridging the digital divide for the LGBTQIA+ community. California was the only state/territory to discuss the importance of workforce and leadership pathways for LGBTQIA+ communities as part of closing the digital divide in their plan.
“Members of the LGBTQIA+ community noted barriers regarding a lack of safe spaces for connecting to broadband and accessing digital literary sources. Another barrier is that they are underrepresented in the broadband industry, and actively promoting positions to members of the LGBTQIA+ community could address that barrier.”
-California Digital Equity Plan, p. 107
New Hampshire included extensive data collection related to LGBTQIA+ digital access and identified important gaps in awareness of and access to affordable broadband programs (e.g., the Affordable Connectivity Program). They also specifically included a tab on their asset inventory where organizations and resources could be labeled “[Serves] Individuals LGBTQIA+ Community.”
Highlights From Plans that Had Some Reference to LGBTQIA+ Communities
While Guam did not include specific details on strategies to address the LGBTQIA+ digital divide in the plan, there are multiple mentions of the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities as part of the covered populations. Further, Guam Gala, noted as an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in Guam, is listed under key constituents in the “Outreach Strategy” section. Lastly, Guam’s plan highlights services for LGBTQIA+ veterans.
Arizona’s plan also did not include any detailed strategies for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, but specifically discusses the LGBTQIA+ population in their section on telehealth expansion.
Moving Forward
In a time of heightened anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, consideration and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities in digital equity is more important than ever. Digital equity for LGBTQIA+ communities is not just a matter of representation or visibility - it’s also about ensuring that these communities have access to the digital tools, resources, and opportunities that meet their specific needs and address the unique barriers needed to end the digital divide for these communities. As we continue to push states and policymakers for more inclusive digital equity strategies in future planning, LGBT Tech is committed to expanding our work to help bridge the gaps left by the Digital Equity Plans.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Our Work at LGBT Tech
Our work at LGBT Tech is focused on ensuring that the digital divide does not continue to widen for LGBTQIA+ communities. We are actively working on improving and expanding our programs to meet the growing digital needs of our communities and ensuring that we can achieve digital equity for all LGBTQIA+ individuals.
PowerOn - The PowerOn Program serves as a cornerstone for LGBT Tech’s work, with a focus on providing LGBTQIA+ centers and individuals with access to digital devices such as PCs, laptops, printers, tablets, and cellphones. Through our Community Tech Grant and Individual Tech Grants, we have already distributed over $500,000 of free technology to LGBTQIA+ centers and individuals across 47 US states/territories. By providing up-to-date, internet-ready devices, we are empowering communities and ensuring that they have the tools and skills needed to engage with the digital world. As we are working on expanding our PowerOn program, our aim is to reach even more centers and individuals, enhancing their ability to bridge the digital divide at the community, grassroots level.
Digital Navigator - Our newest program, the Digital Navigator Program, strives to offer comprehensive resources, training, and tools specifically designed to meet the unique digital access needs of LGBTQIA+ communities. We currently are in the process of building an expansive digital skills online library, cyber safety resources for LGBTQIA+ organizations, educational course content to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion in digital equity initiatives, and expanding our Digital Navigator Training Program.
PATHS - PATHS is growing to provide greater opportunities for workforce development and professional growth for LGBTQIA+ individuals working in STEAM. By offering educational grants, mentorship programs, professional development tools, and storytelling opportunities, PATHS helps individuals build and navigate successful workforce development pathways in STEAM fields. Ensuring LGBTQIA+ communities are represented in these fields is a critical component of ensuring digital equity for our communities.
Policy Overlap - LGBT Tech understands that all of our programmatic efforts must be supported by policies and research that result in sustainable and systemic change. All of the direct work of our programs with LGBTQIA+ communities on the ground informs LGBT Tech’s broader policy advocacy efforts. While our programs integrate together to ensure we are providing comprehensive digital equity initiatives to support our communities, our policy team pushes for policies and advocacy that help close the digital divide at the state and federal level. By integrating policy advocacy into how we approach our programmatic work, we are aiming to create a comprehensive approach to digital equity that addresses both immediate and long term system barriers to digital access.
Through the combined work for our programs and policy initiatives, LGBT Tech is leading the way in closing the digital divide for the LGBTQIA+ community and pushing for full digital equity for everyone.
Photo description: LGBT Tech works on minimizing the digital divide at 4 different levels: Systemic through our Policy Department, Organizational through our PowerOn Program, Individual through our PATHS Program, and Community through our Digital Navigator Program.
Next Steps
Our initial review of the 2024 State and Territory Digital Equity Plans is just the beginning of our work to assess how well LGBTQIA+ communities are being served by state and federal digital equity initiatives. In our review, we already identified some significant gaps and opportunities. In the coming months, we plan to conduct a more in-depth analysis and review, diving deeper into the findings and implications for each plan. We look forward to sharing more on this work with you all soon.
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