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Why Inclusive Design in Tech is Critical for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Folks

A masculine of center woman sits on a computer at a table in coffee shop.

Photo: Brooke Cagle

We live in a world where technology is always with us, influencing everything we do, from shopping online to staying connected with friends. When tech products and platforms are designed with only one type of person in mind, others get left behind, especially marginalized communities, like BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ folks. This is where inclusive design comes in. It’s about creating products that are not only functional but welcoming, accessible, and supportive of diverse experiences. For members of marginalized communities, inclusive tech isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential.

 

Why Inclusivity Matters in Tech

Tech products are often designed with a one-size-fits-all mindset, which leads to major exclusions. Whether it’s a lack of accurate representation, or platforms that don’t understand or validate their experiences, this lack of consideration can make tech feel more isolating than inclusive. Inclusive design is the practice of making sure that people of all backgrounds and identities are seen, respected, and able to fully engage with the tools available to them. For marginalized folks, tech spaces can offer something incredibly valuable, a sense of belonging. When your identity is validated, it helps create a safer environment for expressing yourself.

 

Tech Companies Getting It Right

Some tech companies are making notable strides in creating inclusive products, setting examples for how the industry can better serve marginalized communities. Grindr and HER, two popular dating apps for queer individuals, go beyond simply connecting users. They provide safe spaces where diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are celebrated, not sidelined. These platforms allow users to identify based on various attributes, including orientation and gender identity, creating an environment that prioritizes authenticity and individual expression. For many users, these apps are more than just tools for dating, they are lifelines for community and safety, fostering a sense of belonging in a world that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ identities.

Google offers a positive example of inclusivity in tech, particularly through its efforts to ensure that its voice assistant recognizes accents and dialects from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. This thoughtful approach acknowledges the diverse ways people interact with technology and reduces barriers for underrepresented communities. Additionally, Google’s commitment to diversity in hiring practices helps ensure that the products they create reflect the needs of users from all walks of life, reinforcing the importance of representation behind the scenes.

 

Where Tech Misses the Mark

Even though there’s progress, there’s still a lot of work to do. Take Snapchat, for example. While it’s known for its fun and creative filters, it still struggles with inclusivity when it comes to gender diversity. Many of its filters lean heavily on hyper-feminine or hyper-masculine beauty standards, reinforcing binary ideas of gender and leaving nonbinary and gender-nonconforming users without meaningful options. This lack of representation isn’t just an oversight, it’s a missed opportunity to create a platform that truly embraces all identities.

TikTok is known for encouraging creativity and self-expression, but it has its problems too. Many BIPOC creators have raised concerns about racial biases in TikTok’s algorithms, which they feel prioritize content from white creators while sidelining theirs. This inequity isn’t just frustrating, it’s a reminder of how systemic biases can manifest in digital spaces, leaving marginalized communities fighting for visibility even in environments designed to showcase creativity.

Instagram has also faced setbacks. Meta’s “sensitive content” policy mistakenly flagged LGBTQ+ hashtags as sensitive, restricting vital content for queer teens who rely on such platforms for connection and support. This error serves as a stark reminder of how design and policy decisions can unintentionally marginalize vulnerable groups, turning what should be spaces for empowerment into sources of isolation. More recently, Meta announced new hate speech rules targeting the LGBTQ+ community stating, “We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like ‘weird.’” This policy is just one example of many changes being made by Meta that specifically targets marginalized folks.

The gaps aren’t just limited to social media. When it comes to healthcare apps like MyChart, inclusivity is even more critical. While MyChart is a helpful tool for organizing medical records, it falls short in recognizing LGBTQ+ identities. For example, users often don’t have the option to select gender-neutral or nonbinary designations when entering their medical history. This exclusion isn’t just inconvenient, it actively undermines the well-being of users who depend on these platforms for accurate and affirming healthcare management.

 

What More Can Be Done?

If we want tech to serve everyone, developers and companies need to take the time to understand the unique needs of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities and design products that meet those needs. That means consulting with these communities, hiring diverse teams, encouraging co-creation and making sure products are built with different experiences in mind. It’s not about adding a gender-neutral option at the last minute or throwing in a diversity quote on your website, it’s about weaving inclusivity and co-creation into the DNA of everything you do.

This is how tech creators can ensure  that everyone—regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or background—feels seen, respected, and empowered in digital spaces. While companies like Grindr, HER, and Google are setting a great example, we need more to follow suit. By learning from their wins and addressing common shortcomings, we can make sure that technology works for everyone. Inclusive design isn’t just a trend, it’s the foundation for a more equitable and just digital world.

 

 

This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria F Vega poses in a white dress. She's standing in the sunshine with a lush palm tree behind her.
Victoria F Vega
Victoria F. Vega is a grassroots communicator and a mission-driven public relations professional. She is a proud Latina, born and raised in Miami, FL. Due to her passion for education, Victoria earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications & Rhetorical Studies with a minor in Political Science from Syracuse University. Shortly after, she earned her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication with a focus in Digital Strategy from American University. Victoria's communications, public relations and marketing work spans across social justice. She has worked with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Autism Society of America and more!