The new, and long-awaited, .gay domain launches — ahem, comes out to the world today, September 16! We’re already really excited about .gay because it’s one of the strongest new domain extensions: it’s only three characters, it’s internationally understood, and it’s connected to personal identity in a way that few other domains are. The registry behind .gay has worked hard to create a safer online space that is welcoming to LGBTQ communities and allies. Here’s what we know so far about this unique domain, and why you should register your .gay domain with Blacknight right now!
.gay gives
.gay’s unique, community-first business plan has a built-in giveback to LGBTQ nonprofits! 20% of new registration revenue is set aside for donation. The inaugural beneficiaries are GLAAD and Centerlink, and .gay’s first donation generated a total of $34,400! When you register a .gay domain, you’re directly contributing to vital LGBTQ community services. Blacknight is also pledging €1 from every new domain registered with Blacknight to Irish LGBTQ charity BeLonG To Youth Services.
.gay cares
.gay is determined to change the status quo among tech companies that fail to protect LGBTQ people from hate and harassment. The .gay Rights Protections prohibit the use of .gay domains by known hate groups or to malign or harm LGBTQ people. Any reported content that violates these policies will be removed by the registry, Top Level Design. There is no space for hate on .gay!
.gay knows its herstory
.gay is part of a long line of activism to increase visibility, representation, and safety for all LGBTQ people. .gay aspires to honour the legacy of pioneering community activists like Marsha P Johnson, Stormé DeLarverie, Harvey Milk, and so many others. One pioneer who recently signed on as a .gay Early Adopter is legendary tennis champion Billie Jean King! You can find her at BillieJeanKing.gay.
.gay has community support
When preparing for the launch of .gay, the registry surveyed a representative selection of LGBTQ people and allies. The findings of this audience perception survey revealed that:
- 61% of LGBTQ community members state they would be more likely to use a .gay site because of the value they see for their communities.
- 59% of LGBTQ community members state they see .gay as creating an even better online experience.
- 57% of LGBTQ community members and allies state that they see .gay changing freedom of self-expression for the better.
.gay is for everyone!
The .gay community is inclusive of all LGBTQ communities and their allies. No haters, no transphobes, and no bigotry!
GLAAD defines the word “gay” as :
The adjective used to describe people whose enduring physical, romantic, and/ or emotional attractions are to people of the same sex (e.g., gay man, gay people). Sometimes lesbian (n. or adj.) is the preferred term for women.
The .gay domain is committed to creating a community that is fully inclusive of the entire spectrum of LGBTQ identities. It’s not just about the G: it’s about the Q, T, L, and B too!
.gay is sexy!
.gay believes in sex positivity! What is sex positivity? Take it away, Wikipedia:
“The sex-positive movement is a social and philosophical movement that seeks to change cultural attitudes and norms around sexuality, promoting the recognition of sexuality (in the countless forms of expression) as a natural and healthy part of the human experience and emphasizing the importance of personal sovereignty, safer sex practices, and consensual sex.”
One exciting example of this acceptance came when Grindr, the world’s largest networking app for gay, bi, trans and queer people, “hooked up” with .gay to launch a site at Grindr.gay!
.gay highlights LGBTQ corporate social responsibility
.gay is ushering in a new era of LGBTQ allyship: businesses, brands and corporations can build trust within LGBTQ communities by showing up in authentic and identifiable ways. Top corporate and brand strategies for implementing a .gay domain include:
- Pride Marketing: Make your company’s pride marketing more meaningful by using a domain that stands against hate as well as funds and partners with LGBTQ organizations.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Highlight your own internal teams and hiring policies, bolstering your diversity and recruiting through content marketing.
- Employee Resource Groups: Give your existing LGBTQ constituents a place to build their voice and presence.
.gay is making big waves
The .gay brand is exciting and fun, and the launch is sure to be one of the most talked-about in the history of top-level domains. With tons of Early Adopters, celebrity influencers, and video content in the works, the .gay launch is going to have everybody talking!
.gay is a perfect top-level domain
“Gay” is a globally recognisable term to refer to LGBTQ people. It’s only three letters, just like .com, net, and .org. It’s easy to remember. Best of all, it will give everyone a happy surprise when you tell them that your website ends in .gay!
.gay is brand new, and you can still get a short, memorable domain if you act fast!
Unlike .com, where all the good names have been snatched up decades ago, .gay is brand new, and therefore all the best possible names are still available to you, if you act fast. Blacknight is proud to offer .gay domains, and you can register yours right now! So go on and get .gay!