ILGA World report highlights digital divide impact on LGBTQ, intersex people
A new ILGA World report has found the digital divide impacts LGBTQ and intersex people in specific ways, and that listening to their stories is essential to building meaningful digital inclusion for all.
The report, titled “Accessing Connection,” is the first of its kind to look at the complex interplay between disparities in digital access and the unique experiences of LGBTQ and intersex people.
Researchers mapped the complexities of the digital divide across perspectives of gender, race and migration status, geographic regions, urban-rural contexts, indigeneity and disability. “LGBTI people have found the online space to be revolutionary,” said ILGA World Communications Manager Daniele Paletta, who edited the report. “However, these possibilities are not equally available for everyone.
To date, 2.6 billion people across the world remain offline.” The report found that LGBTQ and intersex people face a number of barriers to digital access, including: The cost of data, location and having suitable devices and infrastructures Economic precarity due to difficulties finding employment, harassment, societal stigma and hostile legislation Online platforms that are not designed for everyone in mind, such as those that lack inclusive design practices or that predominate in a few languages Fear of online harassment and violence Surveillance and limitations to freedom of expression Despite these challenges, LGBTQ and intersex organizations are working to find ways to connect with their communities online.
