A collective of LGBTQ technology creators has launched an effort to establish .meow as a new internet top level domain. The initiative is led by the dotMeow Foundation, which plans to direct all profits from .meow domain registrations toward supporting the queer community, with a specific focus on transgender causes.
The proposal comes as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers prepares to open a new application round for top level domains in April. If approved, .meow would join more than 1,200 existing TLDs that extend beyond traditional endings such as .com, .org, and country specific domains.
According to the foundation, .meow aims to serve as an inclusive and accessible domain open to anyone. While LGBTQ focused domains such as .lgbt and .gay already exist, dotMeow positions its proposal around community reinvestment rather than branding alone.
The project began informally before evolving into a full ICANN application process. The foundation confirmed participation in ICANN’s support program, which reduces the standard application fee from 227,000 dollars to a maximum of 56,750 dollars.
To cover remaining costs, dotMeow has launched a Kickstarter campaign seeking 80,000 euros. The funding target includes application fees, operational expenses, legal work, and platform fees. Backers receive guaranteed rewards regardless of ICANN’s final decision, including digital items, physical merchandise, and vouchers for future .meow domains and websites.
The foundation describes the .meow concept as a response to increasing centralisation across the internet. Organisers argue that many queer communities rely on platforms owned by third parties, leaving them vulnerable to policy shifts, advertising pressure, and rising hosting costs. The proposed domain seeks to offer a more stable and community controlled alternative.
While approval is not guaranteed, the dotMeow Foundation states that the campaign represents a step toward long term digital autonomy and sustainable funding for queer led initiatives.
Summary
The dotMeow Foundation has launched a crowdfunding campaign to apply for .meow as a new top level internet domain. If approved by ICANN, profits from .meow registrations will support queer communities with a focus on transgender initiatives.
