Spotlight on Commerce: Zach Lilly, Telecommunications Policy Analyst, National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Growing up as a gay kid, one of the first ways I was able to better understand myself was by going on the Internet. I was able to look up queer history that I had never been taught in school, see political debates affecting the LGBTQ+ community that I was too nervous to engage in myself, and look for examples of out and proud LGBTQ+ folks who were living their lives to the fullest. It was the only safe method of engagement I had, until I was eventually ready to come out myself. The Internet is an indescribably powerful tool, one that has immense ramifications for those connected or disconnected. While it is of'course the future of commerce, and a great place to put pictures of your dog, for a young kid still trying to find hope and direction, it can be a lifeline.

I am proud to work at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration because folks from a broad spectrum (that’s a Pride AND telecom pun) of backgrounds work tirelessly to make sure the Internet is an open, secure, and free source of commerce and expression. Our country continues to face a digital divide where members of racial minority populations do not have access to a reliable Internet connection. We know that there is still much work to do to ensure that secure participation in the Internet ecosystem is a reality for all Americans, regardless of their skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or economic background.

[Zach Lilly is a telecommunications policy analyst at NTIA]