Symphonii Smith-Kennedy is a 23-year-old Jamaican-American artist from South Florida, exploring themes of identity, race, and queerness through her painting. A graduate of New World School of the Arts, she creates art to reflect on her experiences as a Black queer woman and aims to build connections through her work. Symphonii’s debut solo show Interwoven […]
Author Archives: Victoria Vega
Posted inNews
How tech companies can lead in building inclusive remote workspaces for LGBTQ+ employees
The 2025 U.S. Presidential election has made things harder for many within the LGBTQ+ community. With so much of our daily lives dedicated to our careers, remote work offers a unique opportunity to alleviate and manage some of the overall stress LGBTQ+ folks face. Benefits of Remote Work Working from home (WFH) can provide employees with a […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Could AI bolster mental healthcare for LGBTQ+ BIPOC youth?
Content Warning: This article discusses topics related to mental health challenges, systemic inequities, and suicide rates among marginalized communities. If you find these topics distressing, please prioritize your well-being and seek support as needed. The mental health challenges of BIPOC and queer youth continue to grow, yet existing support systems often fail to meet their needs. […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Why inclusive design in tech is critical for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folks
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+ […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
How social media age restrictions could impact LGBTQ+ youth
As states similar to Florida continue to propose social media age restrictions, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth face growing barriers to accessing crucial online spaces that support their identities, mental health, and social connections. Digital platforms offer these young people a safe haven where they can find supportive communities, explore their identities, and access resources that […]
Posted inTop Stories
BIPOC LGBTQ+ folks are creating virtual support networks post election
In today’s digital world, technology is transforming how people connect and support each other. For LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, creating safe spaces online has become more crucial than ever. In the wake of the political uncertainty surrounding a second Trump presidency, these spaces offer a lifeline for those who feel targeted or threatened by policies […]
Posted inTop Stories
Speak freely online: 8 cybersecurity tips for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC activists
As we approach the upcoming election, digital advocacy is more crucial than ever. For LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, who often face unique challenges in the political landscape, ensuring privacy and safety while advocating online is paramount. Due to the heightened risk of harassment and discrimination advocates face, cybersecurity is vital. Why is cybersecurity important? Robust […]
Posted inNews
How technology influences and empowers BIPOC LGBTQ+ folks in media
Technology has dramatically reshaped the media landscape, particularly for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. As digital platforms evolve, they offer unprecedented opportunities for diverse voices to influence cultural narratives and representation. Here’s an exploration of how technology is revolutionizing media creation and consumption for these communities. Transformation in media creation and consumption Digital tools have democratized […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Six organizations supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC involvement in tech
In an era where technology drives innovation and opportunity, ensuring that marginalized communities have equitable access is crucial. Organizations dedicated to making tech more accessible to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ individuals are at the forefront of this transformative work, addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity in the tech industry. Here’s a closer […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
BIPOC entrepreneurs and creatives take center stage at South Florida Pride events
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. In recent years, South Florida has seen a remarkable surge in Pride events, with celebrations becoming more vibrant and inclusive than ever before. What sets these events apart is the […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
How the mental health of queer BIPOC youth is impacted by connectivity outage
In an era where internet access is nearly ubiquitous, consider the abrupt disruption caused by a connectivity outage. Now amplify this experience for over 250,000 LGBTQ+ youth who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) and currently find themselves grappling with a mental health crisis due to this connectivity setback. Marginalized communities, especially […]