June is Pride Month, a global observance dedicated to celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and recognizing the ongoing fight for equality. Despite progress, challenges remain across the community, privacy, access, platform, and AI landscapes, according to a LGBT Technology Partnership & Institute (LGBT Tech) report.
Released in January 2026, “Beyond Binary,” examines how technology policy and digital systems shape the lives, opportunities, and rights of LGBTQ+ people across the United States.
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump and his administration have rolled back several LGBTQ+ protections, including rescinding Biden-era executive orders that recognized sexual orientation and gender identity in federal civil rights enforcement. Federal agencies also removed LGBTQ+ resources from government websites, per the report. They reviewed grants and contracts for alignment with White House priorities, resulting in cuts to diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ-affirming programs, among other things.
Inside the LGBT Tech Report
Federal LGBTQ+ protections and civil rights enforcement changes come as technology plays an increasingly important role in the lives of LGBTQ+ Americans. According to LGBT Tech, digital spaces provide a first opportunity for many LGBTQ+ youth to explore their identities and connect with supportive communities. For adults, online platforms often serve as vital tools for advocacy, economic participation, and access to resources.
As technology becomes even more central to daily life, the choices made by policymakers, industry, and civil society in the year ahead “will shape whether digital spaces remain lifelines or become new sites of exclusion,” the report states.
For its part, technology gives the LGBTQ+ community access to information, economic opportunities, self-expression, and support networks. However, LGBTQ+ people also face increased risk online, including harassment, surveillance, data privacy concerns, and barriers to digital access, LGBT Tech notes.
As policymakers debate issues such as privacy protections, platform accountability, and broadband access, advocates warn that digital equity will play a key role in determining who can safely participate in online spaces. The report points out that access to reliable internet, devices, and digital literacy resources remains especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking healthcare, employment, education, and community support.
“Beyond Binary” also highlights the Trump administration’s termination of the Digital Equity Act, which eliminated $2.75 billion in funding for broadband affordability, device access, digital skills training, and other programs designed to expand digital access for underserved communities.
How AI Is Reshaping Life For LGBTQ+ Americans
AI is reshaping access to jobs, housing, education, healthcare, and public benefits, raising concerns about how automated systems may impact LGBTQ+ communities, the report notes.
According to LGBT Tech polling, 71% of LGBTQ+ adults worry about AI bias in content moderation, 68% about algorithmic discrimination, 73% about misinformation, and 72% about privacy. Concerns were even higher among transgender adults, with 94% worried about bias and 89% about misinformation.
While concerns remain, many respondents also see benefits. About 65% believe AI can help reduce harassment, while 73% say it can improve access to information and accessibility.
“In 2026, LGBTQ+ people are navigating a digital landscape shaped by shrinking public protections, aggressive policy attacks, and rapidly evolving technologies,” per the report. “Digital policy has become a frontline issue for LGBTQ+ equality. When broadband programs are dismantled, access fractures. When platforms are governed by fear or political pressure, visibility erodes. When privacy protections fail, surveillance replaces safety. When AI systems operate without accountability, discrimination scales.”
The report argues that issues such as broadband access, platform governance, privacy protections, and AI increasingly affect LGBTQ+ visibility, safety, and civil rights. Still, it emphasizes the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities and the ongoing efforts of advocates and allies to advance equitable technology policies.
“LGBTQ+ communities continue to adapt and organize, while advocates, technologists, researchers, policymakers, and community organizations work to fill the institutional gaps and push for policy grounded in lived experience. Innovation and equity are not mutually exclusive,” the report adds.
