Today, during a keynote at GSV x Penn State’s Global Impact Forum keynote, LGBT Tech unveiled Project ALLYAI, the first-of-its-kind certification program dedicated to ensuring that AI systems are inclusive of and affirming for the LGBTQ+ community. This pioneering program establishes a new standard in ethical AI development, setting benchmarks that guarantee fairness, equity, and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals across AI creation, deployment, and real-world application.
“AI can determine whether LGBTQ+ individuals are seen or invisible, respected or marginalized,” said Chris Wood, Executive Director and co-founder of LGBT Tech. “We can no longer leave inclusivity to chance. AI systems must be built with the LGBTQ+ community in mind, or we risk repeating the mistakes of the past."
Artificial intelligence is already shaping our lives, from healthcare and hiring to social media algorithms and law enforcement decisions. While AI has the potential to transform, it also risks reinforcing biases that exclude marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, if inclusivity isn’t built in from the start.
“Time and again, we’ve seen how bias in information systems harms LGBTQ+ communities,” said Shae Gardner, Director of Policy and Research at LGBT Tech. “AI has the power to amplify that harm—or become a tool for progress, dignity, and recognition—if we build it that way from the start.”
As AI becomes central to nearly every aspect of society, LGBTQ+ certification is critical to ensuring these systems represent and protect marginalized communities. Today’s AI models are built on vast datasets that often fail to include accurate representations of LGBTQ+ individuals. This lack of representation can lead to biased outcomes in critical areas like healthcare, hiring, insurance, and criminal justice, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable.
“Fairness and inclusivity can’t just be aspirational—they must be verifiable outcomes,” said Ellie Graeden, Chief Data and Product Officer at Metron. “Project ALLYAI sets concrete standards and practical engineering strategies to ensure that the systems we build - and the data that underpin them - reflect the diversity of the communities we live in.”
Introducing Project ALLYAI: A Five-Pillar Framework for Inclusive AI
Project ALLYAI is built on a five-pillar framework to ensure that inclusivity is deeply integrated into every stage of AI development:
Advisory Board. A diverse group of experts, technologists, community advocates, and policy leaders will guide the development and refinement of certification criteria, ensuring that Project AllyAI evolves with the latest technological advancements and remains responsive to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Criteria & Documentation. Comprehensive documentation requirements ensure inclusivity at every stage of AI development, from data collection to model deployment. Companies must follow well-defined standards to integrate LGBTQ+ representation and equity into their AI systems.
AI System Testing. Real-world testing assistance validates that AI systems are free from bias and ensures fairness for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities.
Publicity & Public Engagement. Certified companies will be recognized publicly as leaders in ethical AI development, enhancing brand credibility, building trust with diverse consumers, and generating positive media exposure for championing inclusivity.
Direct Community Feedback. Continuous feedback from LGBTQ+ individuals and community stakeholders serves as actionable input, ensuring AI systems evolve with real-world insights and remain responsive to the needs of the community.
Join Us on the Path to Inclusive AI
Project ALLYAI will officially launch to the public in mid-2025, but we invite companies, policymakers, and technologists to get involved now. Whether by joining the Advisory Board, becoming a certified organization, or partnering with us, you can help build AI systems that are equitable, ethical, and inclusive.
To learn more and get involved, visit ProjectALLYAI.org. Together, we can create AI systems that reflect the diversity of our world and ensure technology serves everyone.
About LGBT Tech: LGBT Tech is a nonprofit organization that works at the intersection of technology and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Through research, education, and advocacy, LGBT Tech drives technology inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community while promoting ethical and equitable tech development.
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