Migration is the movement of people from one place to another, usually across international borders. Queer individuals have faced challenges related to their identity, including discrimination, violence, marginalization, and exclusion. These issues can affect their ability to access technology and participate in society. Ethical artificial intelligence (AI) development aims to create fair algorithms that recognize differences and protect human rights. Access to technology means having affordable devices, fast internet connections, and relevant software for everyday tasks like communicating with others, finding employment, accessing healthcare, banking, education, and more. This paper will examine how these three factors intersect in queer contexts.
Queer migration experiences involve leaving behind family members and support networks, facing cultural barriers and prejudice, and negotiating new social norms and expectations. Some migrants may feel isolated or experience loneliness due to limited resources or lack of community spaces. The process can be traumatic and life-threatening, especially if they are escaping persecution or seeking asylum. Many migrants depend on technology to stay connected with loved ones back home, find work opportunities, navigate new cultures, and maintain a sense of self.
Not all communities offer equal access to digital tools. In some cases, queer individuals face higher prices for similar services or encounter censorship policies that limit their freedom of expression.
Many apps designed for LGBTQ+ youth exclude transgender users because they use binary gender categories.
Online platforms also expose queer people to harassment and abuse from bigots who target them based on their sexuality or perceived identity. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to steal personal data, such as user passwords, credit card information, and location history. Queer diaspora is the dispersed population of people who share an ethnic heritage, culture, or shared language. As second-generation immigrants, they often face tensions between their parent's values and their own identities. Digital technologies enable global interactions through social media, dating sites, and video chats but can lead to cultural clashes and misunderstandings about gender roles and sex practices.
The internet has created new forms of homophobia that reinforce stereotypes and contribute to violence against queer people.
Developing AI algorithms requires diverse perspectives and experiences to avoid unconscious biases. Gender-neutral pronouns like 'they' can be used to create inclusive products without relying solely on male/female classifications. Machine learning algorithms need to account for variations in human behavior and recognize non-binary genders. Biometric facial recognition technology should not automatically identify transgender individuals by their physical appearance, which may differ significantly from their legal documents.
Access to technology must include affordable devices, fast connections, relevant software, and adequate training to use it effectively. Without these resources, queer migrants cannot fully participate in digital society.
Migration, diaspora, and displacement impact how queer individuals experience technology. Ethical AI development ensures equal access and protection from discrimination, while recognizing differences in identity. To address these challenges, we need diverse teams and inclusive policies that promote safety and acceptance. We encourage readers to reflect on their own attitudes towards sexuality and embrace a more nuanced approach to technology development.
How do queer experiences of migration, diaspora, and displacement intersect with ethical AI development and access to technology?
Ethical AI development and access to technology are two critical issues that have been gaining prominence in recent years. The intersection between queer experiences of migration, diaspora, and displacement and these issues is an important topic that deserves attention from policymakers, researchers, and activists alike. This interconnection can be explored through various lenses, including identity politics, social justice, and digital inclusion.