Designing the Trans Experience: Technology and Common Gender Transition Narratives

Abstract

Transgender (trans) experiences have greatly changed in the past few decades as Internet use has increased. However, HCI researchers have only recently examined trans technologies, and there is a need for greater understanding of the role that technology plays in gender transition. Recently, a new class of apps I term transition-tracking technologies have emerged that promises trans people increased control over their transition. However, given the diversity of the trans community, it is unknown how exactly these apps might be used and what narratives they may enforce. My dissertation studies transition-tracking technologies and how they support the needs of the trans community. As part of this, I analyze current usage of these apps to understand the usage of such apps and how they may include or exclude certain parts of the trans community. I will also facilitate co-design sessions to produce a transition timeline that challenges these normative transition narratives.