Has your domain name lacked the sparkle and pride that you really think that it deserves? Do you see your .com domain and wish it had more rainbows?
Beginning this month, you no longer have to hide as you can put your pride right in your url. When looking to buy domain name, you can now order a .gay domain.
Creating a .gay Community
This release has been the work of nearly a decade that represents a truly historic step forward in the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as pride events, charities, and businesses that cater specifically to the queer community. Companies such as https://www.names.co.uk/domain-names can now offer .gay domains because of the work done by Top Level Design and their CEO, Ray King.
Portions of sale revenues from .gay will be committed to GLAAD and CenterLink. GLAAD is a media watchdog that promotes works that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, while highlighting media that continues to peddle discriminatory stereotypes that continue to harm the community. CenterLink is a global community of LGBTQ+ centres that work to educate the public, engage community leaders, and work to organise social change.
.gay Launch
.gay will launch to the world on the 16th of September. The initial launch had been scheduled for May, to take place fifty years after the first ever Pride Parades in 1970, but the unprecedented events of 2020 delayed things slightly.
In the same spirit of those who first took to the streets to proclaim that they existed and demanded a place within the world, the .gay domain aims to be a virtual pride flag that signifies a inclusive, welcoming future for everyone. It honours the decades of hard-fought for progress that so many have worked towards, and looks to create a community of creators, businesses, charities, and community organisers all under one banner.
Any business or registrar holding or selling .gay sites are expected to respond to instances of hate or harassment in .gay sites. This could go far in creating websites where users can feel safer from those who still hold prejudiced views. Key figures in the LGBTQ+ community, such as George Takei, Billie Jean King, and Grindr, already have .gay domains registered.
Ray King, CEO of Top Level Design, has publicly commented that there has been a huge demand, creating a distinctive queer digital space.