About .gay domain
.gay is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) delegated under ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry operator is currently Registry Services LLC, owned by GoDaddy, which acquired it from the original operator, Top Level Design. The domain became available for general public registration in September 2020. Its delegation followed a multi-year application and contention process involving several applicants.
Who can register .gay domain
Registration for .gay domains is open to everyone globally, with no restrictions based on identity, location, or organizational status. There is no requirement to verify membership in any community or organization. This open policy was a foundational principle of the registry, intended to ensure broad accessibility and avoid forced identification.
How to register .gay domain
- First, use a domain name registrar's search tool to check if your desired .gay domain name is available. Consider searching for variations if your first choice is taken.
- Next, compare pricing, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting across different accredited registrars that offer .gay domains.
- Once you select a registrar, complete the checkout process to purchase the domain. You will typically need to provide registrant contact information and choose a registration period, which often starts at one year.
- Finally, verify your contact details as required by ICANN policy and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your website or email service.
Typical uses of .gay domain
The .gay extension is commonly used by individuals, businesses, organizations, and activists within the LGBTQ+ community to create a clear and affirming online identity. It provides a dedicated namespace for content, services, and community hubs related to queer culture, advocacy, and social life. Many choose .gay over more generic extensions to signal alignment with the community, foster trust, and support the registry's mission, which includes donating a portion of revenue to LGBTQ+ nonprofits.
Tips for registering .gay domain
- A portion of the registration revenue from .gay domains is donated to LGBTQ+ community organizations such as GLAAD and CenterLink.
- The registry has implemented a rights protection policy to address harassment and misuse, aiming to keep the namespace queer-friendly.
- Domains are registered on an annual basis, with standard renewal terms available through most registrars.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available for .gay domains, subject to individual registrar offerings and policies.
Frequently asked questions about .gay domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .gay domain?
As of today, .gay domains start from $1.75/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $65.81/yr across 25 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .gay domains?
NameBeta tracks 25 registrars that support .gay domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.75/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .gay domain?
The registry for .gay domains is GoDaddy Registry, administered by Registry Services, LLC.
Who can register a .gay domain?
Yes, .gay is an open TLD with no eligibility restrictions. Anyone, anywhere in the world can register a .gay domain name without needing to prove affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community. The registry's open model was designed to maximize accessibility and avoid creating barriers for registrants, including those for whom public identification might pose a risk.
Can I transfer a .gay domain between registrars?
Transferring a .gay domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN transfer policy. You will need to unlock the domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code (EPP code). Initiating the transfer at the gaining registrar typically starts the process, which requires approval from the registrant. Ensure your domain is not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer, and that it is not expired, to avoid transfer locks.
Does the .gay registry have any special content policies?
The .gay registry operates a Rights Protection Mechanism aimed at preventing harassment and abuse within the namespace. This policy outlines community-friendly guidelines and provides a process for reporting behavior intended to troll or misuse the extension. The goal is to maintain .gay as a safe and positive space, though it does not generally impose pre-registration content restrictions on legitimate registrants.
Were there trademark protections during the launch of .gay?
Yes, the launch of .gay included a Sunrise period for trademark holders. This allowed owners of trademarks recorded in the Trademark Clearinghouse to register corresponding .gay domains before general availability. Following Sunrise, there was also a Trademark Claims period, which provided notifications to potential registrants if a domain they sought matched a recorded trademark.
What is the dispute policy for .gay domains?
.gay domains are subject to the standard Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for resolving bad-faith registrations that infringe on trademarks. Additionally, the registry's own Rights Protection Mechanism can address issues of harassment or community abuse that may not fall under traditional trademark disputes. These mechanisms provide avenues for challenging problematic registrations.
