Whitney J.’s Post

Embracing Authentic Representation: Why Generative AI Falls Short in LGBTQ+ Visibility As visual media professionals, our quest for culturally responsive content is ever-evolving. The emergence of generative AI promised to revolutionize our creative process, but beneath its convenience lies a profound challenge: AI's inability to grasp cultural nuance. In a recent article by our very own Genevieve Ross, Creative Director at Stocksy, she delves into the complexities of AI-generated imagery, particularly in the portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite its extensive capabilities, AI often perpetuates stereotypes and fails to capture the vast diversity of queer experiences. From skewed depictions on search engines to the challenges of categorizing nonbinary and transgender identities, AI struggles to authentically represent the LGBTQ+ community. Furthermore, the sensitive nature of data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity presents ethical and legal hurdles that AI can’t navigate. At Stocksy, we recognize the urgent need for human-centric representation. By harnessing the emotional depth and lived experiences of human creators, we can better represent LGBTQ+ communities and individuals. Our ability to adapt to changing societal dynamics and counteract biases ingrained in AI algorithms ensures that our content remains relevant, respectful, and inclusive. Join us in prioritizing human-created content to promote authentic LGBTQ+ visibility and share human stories that resonate with empathy and awareness. https://hubs.li/Q02qZ8Pp0 #LGBTQRepresentation #Authenticity #HumanCreativity #InclusiveMedia #Stocksy

🌈 Celebrating Pride Month with Tensor Halo: AI and Inclusivity 🌈 As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it's crucial to address its impact on inclusivity, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Recent reports have highlighted both the potential for AI to foster inclusivity and the risks of perpetuating stereotypes. At Tensor Halo, we recognize these challenges. AI often struggles to grasp the diverse and evolving identities within LGBTQ+ communities. We aim to lead the charge in developing AI solutions that are respectful, inclusive, and accurate, as well as to develop services that offer inclusive housing solutions for everyone🏠🕊️ #pridemonth #inclusivity #AIforgood #LGBTQ #tensorhalo #dwellner #AI #realestate #renting #innovation #technology #futureliving #homeresearch #dreamhome . . . https://lnkd.in/eaF2s68X

As #AI becomes integrated into our daily lives, ensuring its true inclusivity will require that training data is unbiased and free from societal prejudices. Discriminatory, stereotypical, or offensive AI outputs perpetuate harmful myths and negatively impact communities. Those developing AI technologies have a responsibility to consciously involve diverse communities in the development process. This is crucial to rigorously mitigate biases and ensure representation at every stage—from data curation to product testing. For instance, current models often struggle with increasing visibility and accurately understanding #LGBTQ+ perspectives. Equitable representation of the LGBTQ+ community is imperative to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and inclusion. Labyrinth Digital advocates for proactive efforts to create empowering AI that serves all members of society equitably. #EthicalAI #FairAI #EqualityForAll #PrideMonth

AI is revolutionising our world, affecting everything from work to social interactions. Recently, the rise of Large Language Models has brought AI into the hands of billions, with profound implications for everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals. 🔍 Key Concerns: . Bias and Discrimination: AI systems can perpetuate societal biases, especially affecting non-white and non-cisgender individuals. . Surveillance Risks: In regions where LGBTQ+ identities are criminalized, AI-driven surveillance can lead to serious privacy and safety issues. . Unintentional Outing: Algorithms might inadvertently disclose someone's sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent.   🌈 Opportunities: . Mental Health Support: AI-powered chatbots and virtual therapists provide accessible support, especially in areas lacking LGBTQ+ friendly services. . Inclusive Digital Spaces: AI can help create safer online environments by moderating harmful content and fostering accurate representation. For a deeper dive into how AI can both challenge and uplift LGBTQ+ communities, read Joseph W.'s full article here: https://lnkd.in/ex77Mpxt Many thanks to Molly Slann, Mirela Gyurova, Dana James-Edwards, and Tracey Young (She/Her) for their invaluable support in creating this piece. #AI #EthicalAI #LGBTQ #KubrickGroup #Kubrick

This was a fun article to research and write about the challenges and opportunities of AI in an ever advancing world. Do give it a read and let me know what you think! #pride #AI

Today marks the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in 1969 that ignited the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. While we celebrate the significant progress made, we acknowledge that discrimination and social stigma still affect many lives. In order to continue the fight for equality and understanding, AI technology also gives its contribution with the introduction of the new project "AI Comes Out of the Closet." This online study, created by MIT graduates Daniel Pillis and Pat Pataranutaporn, uses AI-generated dialogue and virtual characters to simulate real-world scenarios that LGBTQIA+ individuals face, especially the challenges of coming out in the workplace. By merging technological innovation with a dedication to inclusivity, this initiative aims to foster empathy, understanding, and advocacy skills, contributing to the ongoing struggle for equality both legally and socially. “There's something about queer culture that celebrates the artificial through kitsch, camp, and performance," says D. Pillis. 🌈✨ Let's embrace and celebrate this unique culture today and every day! 🌈✨ Discover more about their project on: 👉 https://lnkd.in/dWiyBWEw #PrideMonth #technews #AI #LGBTQIA

As we celebrate Gay Pride 🏳️🌈, it's essential to reflect on how technology and regulation intersect to protect and advance LGBTQ+ rights. Already in 2017, a thought-provoking Stanford study highlighted that an AI algorithm could deduce individuals' sexual orientation with up to 91% accuracy based on facial images. This research, while groundbreaking, raises critical ethical questions about privacy and the potential misuse of AI technology. In the context of AI and LGBTQ+ rights, algorithms’ ability to accurately predict sexual orientation from images, while scientifically fascinating, presents a real danger. In the wrong hands, such technology could be used to discriminate against or even persecute LGBTQ+ individuals. This is where our joint responsibility and the role of regulation becomes vital. The European Union's AI Act is a significant step forward in this regard. The Act explicitly prohibits the use of AI systems to categorize individuals based on their biometric data to deduce or infer sensitive characteristics such as sexual orientation. This regulation is crucial in ensuring that AI is used ethically and that the privacy and rights of all individuals, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, are protected. By implementing regulations like the EU AI Act, we can harness the potential of AI while ensuring it is not used to harm or discriminate. However, it is important to recognize that many parts of the world do not yet have such protections in place. As we celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month, let's also advocate for responsible AI development and robust legal frameworks that protect everyone's rights globally. Together, we can create a future where technology uplifts humanity and preserves the dignity and privacy of all individuals. Happy Pride Month and Happy Gay Pride to everyone! 🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth #gaypride #LGBTQRights #AI #EUAIACT #EthicalAI #DiversityAndInclusion #SustainableAI #AIforgood

Celebrating Pride with AI: Promoting Love, Fairness, and Inclusivity . In a world powered by AI, let's ensure that every algorithm promotes love, fairness, and inclusivity this Pride Month. . As we celebrate the diversity and strength of the LGBTQ+ community, it's crucial to recognize the role technology plays in shaping our society. . Artificial Intelligence has the power to amplify voices, break down barriers, and foster a culture of understanding and acceptance. . During Pride Month, let's commit to developing and supporting AI systems that reflect our values of equality and inclusivity. . By ensuring that our algorithms are designed with fairness in mind, we can create a digital landscape where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. . Technology should be a force for good, helping to bridge gaps and build connections. . Let's work together to make sure that AI contributes to a world where love and acceptance are not just aspirations but realities for all. . Join us in celebrating Pride Month by advocating for ethical AI that champions the rights and dignity of every individual. 🌟💪 #PrideMonth #AIForGood #Inclusivity #FairnessInAI #LoveAndTechnology

At TGIF 2024, LGBT Tech launched Project ALLYAI, a groundbreaking certification program aimed at making AI systems inclusive and affirming for the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative sets ethical standards to ensure fairness and inclusivity in AI development, deployment, and application. Christopher Wood, LGBT Tech's Executive Director & Co-Founder, emphasized the need to intentionally build inclusivity into AI to avoid marginalizing LGBTQ+ individuals. AI's influence spans sectors like healthcare, hiring, and law enforcement, but without intentional design, it can perpetuate biases. Project ALLYAI’s five-pillar framework addresses this by setting criteria for ethical AI development, including diverse expert guidance, comprehensive documentation, bias testing, public recognition for certified companies, and ongoing feedback from LGBTQ+ communities. The program, officially launching in mid-2025, invites companies, policymakers, and technologists to get involved now. LGBT Tech aims to ensure AI reflects society’s diversity and benefits everyone. To learn more about ALLYAI, visit: bit.ly/4h1DfHP #tgifPHL2024 #AIforGood #LGBTTech

Would you come out to ChatGPT? Or should you? Check out our paper (Zhaoyuan "Nick" Su, Yiyang Mei, Yinru Long, Krzysztof Gajos) where we studied how LGBTQ+ people used LLM-based chatbots for mental health support. https://lnkd.in/gByTKeDA #CHI2024 #LGBTQ #mentalhealth #LLM #chatgpt #chatbot Our study found that LGBTQ+ people use chatbots to simulate social situations that are specifically stressful for LGBTQ+ people, such as coping with discrimination or coming out. How do LGBTQ+ participants feel about the LLM’s responses? Some say they appreciated the help from the chatbots, because these chatbots are the only support in life regarding discrimination and seeking guidance. Some even developed deep emotional bonds with them. (like we have observed in our prior work: https://lnkd.in/gaBR_zdH) Yet, we found that all of the eloquent, and oftentimes empty, words of support are hardly helpful for many people regarding LGBTQ+ specific issues. Eg: When participants asked how to live with discrimination as an LGBTQ+ person, the chatbots would respond: “Accept Your own identity. Surround yourself with people and engage in activities that are affirming to your identity.” Even worse, some advice on coming out and coping with discrimination can be even harmful. Eg. “You should just quit your job if you face discrimination at your workplace”, when the participant already faces job insecurity. “Come out to your brother! (without making sure that they are not homophobic)” Practicing such advice could place LGBTQ+ people in even more discrimination, isolation and life insecurities. Fine-tuning LLMs for LGBTQ+ inclusivity is a step, but not a solution. Real change needs more than tech tweaks; it requires situating technology in the context and addressing deeper societal issues. With that, we call on future researchers and designers to look beyond mere technical refinements and advocate for holistic strategies that confront and counteract the societal biases burdening the LGBTQ+ community. We discussed these futures in our paper. To truly support LGBTQ+ communities, we must complement tech solutions with robust advocacy and actionable efforts to dismantle discrimination.