How Trans-Inclusive are Hackathons?
This research addresses the problem of creating a more inclusive environment in hackathons for transgender and non-conforming individuals, aiming to prevent their self-exclusion due to discomfort or fear.
This paper investigates the inclusivity of hackathons for transgender individuals by surveying 44 trans and cis participants and interviewing seven transgender participants. The study identifies specific needs and challenges faced by transgender individuals and proposes five recommendations to enhance hackathon inclusivity.
Hackathons are fun! People go there to learn, meet new colleagues, intensively work on a collaborative project, and mix pizza with energy drinks. However, for transgender community and other minorities, hackathons can have an uncomfortable atmosphere. Some transgender and non-conforming people that, although enjoying hackathons, decided not to participate anymore, afraid of LGBQTPhobia and other discomforts. In this paper we surveyed 44 trans and cis hackathons participants and interviewed seven transgender ones. By understanding their needs and challenges, we introduce five recommendations to make hackathons more inclusive.