A new study has been released that examines the safety of the digital landscape for the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBT Tech Report
LGBT Tech is an organization that collaborates with tech companies, nonprofit groups, policymakers, and scholars to close the technology gap for people who identify as LGBTQ+, according to its website. An estimated 25 million people in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, reports GLAAD.
In early 2026, LGBT Tech released a report titled “Beyond Binary,” which examined how the U.S. tech landscape considers the experiences and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The report stated that online spaces are often the first places of safety for LGBTQ+ youth and, through their adult years, these become a gateway for “advocacy and economic participation.”
Key findings included that 95% of LGBTQ+ adults are online daily. In fact, 93% use their smartphones, while 63% use laptops, and 30% use desktops. However, 73% had concerns about the cost of the internet, and 75% were concerned about the price of devices, with those percentages being higher among transgender adults.
In May 2025, the Trump administration canceled $2.75 billion in federal aid under the Digital Equity Act, which was established to ensure underserved communities could leverage the digital economy through digital skills, technology, and the internet, whether that means enrolling in school, applying for a job, or starting a business, the American Library reports.
On Oct. 8, 2025, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance sued the Trump administration over the cancellation of funding for these programs, per the outlet.
“Without reliable and affordable internet service, many LGBTQ+ people lose their best or only method of accessing supportive healthcare, applying for safe jobs, attending welcoming schools, or maintaining social support networks,” the report read. “Without safe and functional devices, this opportunity narrows further or disappears. Without strong infrastructure and spectrum policy, rural and low-income communities remain isolated. Without digital literacy, even those who are connected may be unable to protect themselves, access services, or fully participate online.”
The report underscored the importance of digital literacy and stated that inclusive, community-based programs will help LGBTQ+ people access information and community to close the gaps resulting from policy changes.
Online platforms were also mentioned as a helpful resource, although there are increasing pressures on platforms to decide whether to suppress or amplify LGBTQ+ creators, small businesses, and messaging, and allow for the LGBTQ+ users to gather without the concerns of “surveillance, outing, or retaliation,” noted the report. These pressures have created fear, with 78% of the LGBTQ+ adults afraid of the removal of LGBTQ+ content, and 76% concerned that they will no longer have community spaces. Over 90% of transgender adults shared these concerns.
The report further pointed out that online platforms play a role in fostering confidence, education, and community for LGBTQ+ individuals. Research showed that 64% of LGBTQ+ individuals join online platforms before becoming adults. Additionally, 76% of LGBTQ+ adults and 94% of transgender adults said platforms helped them become more informed about their identity. Another 81% said the representation of LGBTQ+ people was also helpful to understand their identity.
Research further showed that the majority of LGBTQ+ adults believe AI can be a helpful tool for reshaping their online experience. In fact, 65% said AI can help reduce harassment, and 73% said it can improve access to information and accessibility. Transgender adults had lower optimism, but 75% were still optimistic regarding the accessibility portion.
The report concluded with a call to action, asking policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to continue to commit to supporting LGBTQ+ rights as technology progresses.
