The top-level domain (TLD) .LGBT is an Internet domain extension that was established by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to provide a dedicated space for the global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community online. ICANN is a non-profit organization that is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet’s systems of unique identifiers, including the domain name system (DNS) (source: ICANN).
.LGBT is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD), specifically created for organizations, businesses, and individuals who wish to express commitment to the LGBT community. It was adopted in 2014 and is managed by Afilias, a domain name registry which has managed several other TLDs like .info and .mobi (Source: ICANN and Afilias).
One of the main purposes of creating .LGBT was to establish an easily recognizable and inclusive namespace that represents and caters to the diverse groups, individuals, and businesses within the LGBT community. As such, domains using the .LGBT extension have the potential to increase visibility, foster a sense of community, promote diversity, and create a safe space online for the LGBT community and their allies.
For example, an activist group for LGBT rights could use a .LGBT domain name to demonstrate its focus and commitment to the LGBT community online. Similarly, businesses that wish to reach out to the LGBT community, such as travel agencies specializing in LGBT-friendly travel, could use a .LGBT domain to attract their target demographic. Interestingly, PinkNews, the world’s most-read LGBT digital media publisher switched the majority of its webpages to a .LGBT domain in 2014 in support of the newly launched domain, acting as an example for others (source: PinkNews).
However, it should be noted that usage of the .LGBT domain must remain in accord with anti-discrimination policies. Afilias enforces a strict policy against any form of discrimination or harassment on its .LGBT domains. This means that the .LGBT domain must be used in a respectful and supportive way for the LGBT community, or it can be revoked.
In conclusion, the top-level domain (TLD) .LGBT is a significant development for online visibility and representation for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Its adoption not only allows entities to specify their connection or commitment to this community, but it also acts as a tool to promote inclusivity and respect online.
Sources used:
1. ICANN – https://www.icann.org/
2. Afilias – https://www.afilias.info/
3. PinkNews – https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/09/16/pinknews-co-uk-has-become-pinknews-lgbt/
