Global registry services provider Afilias today announced the first phase of the introduction of a new generic top-level domain that is dedicated to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and those who serve it: dot LGBT or .LGBT. The first phase is the “sunrise” period, which is limited to eligible trademark holders and is open from January 5, 2015 through February 4, 2015.

“LGBT” is the most inclusive, accepted and widely used term for this large and diverse community. According to Community Marketing Inc.‘s 8th Annual LGBT Community Survey, “LGBT” is also the term most preferred by the community members themselves. The .LGBT domain is the first and only web address dedicated to the entire LGBT community. It provides a positive and protected space where community members as well as businesses, organizations and other entities who wish to reach this community can now interact with one another.

“I am excited and proud that the internet world has reached a new milestone on inclusion today,” said Roland LaPlante, CMO of Afilias. “While hundreds of new top-level domains are being launched in the market, .LGBT is one of the most defining and iconic of our time. With this one dedicated web address, an entire global community and those who serve it have a protected address that embraces diversity and welcomes every member in a positive, clearly identifiable space.”

The .LGBT domain also has a strict acceptable-use policy that protects the community from possible misuse of the space.

Today begins the 30-day minimum notice period of the .LGBT sunrise period, which runs from January 5, 2015 through February 4, 2015. During sunrise, domains will be awarded in a first come, first-served manner; however, eligibility during this period is limited strictly to trademark holders whose marks are registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse. Once the general availability period opens (which opens shortly after the close of sunrise), everyone will be eligible to register addresses with the .LGBT domain.

For more information about the .LGBT domain, please visit: www.get.LGBT