History of the TLD

The .lgbt top-level domain is a sponsored generic domain introduced under ICANN’s New gTLD Program. It was delegated into the Domain Name System in 2014 and became available for general registration in 2015. The extension was created to provide a dedicated online namespace for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and related organizations, promoting diversity, inclusion, and visibility.

Main Use and Industry Position

.lgbt is primarily used by LGBTQ community organizations, advocacy groups, businesses, events, content creators, and individuals. It helps communicate affiliation with and support for the LGBTQ community, reinforcing inclusivity and visibility.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared with general-purpose TLDs like .com or .net, .lgbt serves a specific community-focused purpose. It is similar to TLDs such as .gay or .queer but focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identity. It is open to all registrants and does not require specific credentials, unlike restricted professional or verified gTLDs.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clear affiliation with and support for the LGBTQ community
  

• Enhances brand identity for community organizations and businesses
  

• Open registration without strict eligibility rules
  

Cons

• Less universal recognition compared with legacy extensions like .com
  

• Niche appeal may limit broader commercial adoption
  

• Registration and renewal costs can be higher than some other gTLDs
  
  

Registration Criteria

.lgbt domains are generally available to all registrants without specific eligibility requirements. Registrations are open on a first-come, first-served basis, with acceptable use policies to prevent harmful or disparaging use.

Summary

The .lgbt TLD was launched in 2014 to provide a dedicated online namespace for the LGBTQ community and related initiatives. It supports visibility, community identity, and branding for organizations, businesses, events, and individuals focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender topics or audiences.