Finding a Place to Belong: Barriers and Solutions for

Supporting Trans People of Color on Reddit

FORUM MODI, Indiana University Bloomington, USA
CRISTINA BOSCO, Indiana University Bloomington, USA
YUXING WU, Indiana University Bloomington, USA
PATRICK C. SHIH, Indiana University Bloomington, USA
Historically, transgender people of color (TPOC) have been silenced in white trans spaces for not fitting into
transnormativity - the typical white, binary, skinny, and privileged image of trans people, and for raising
concerns related to race, culture, and ethnicity. Social media and online communities serve as supportive
spaces for transgender (shortened to trans) individuals; however, trans people of color require even more
support combating systematic oppression, managing increased levels of discrimination, and navigating their
cultural backgrounds. In order to understand how TPOC use social media, we explore the experiences of
TPOC on Reddit. We used the Reddit API to obtain Reddit posts from four prominent transgender subreddits
(r/ftm, r/mtf, r/trans, and r/Non-Binary) which included the phrase "people of color" or the abbreviation
"POC", resulting in a total of 145 posts and 2867 comments. Thematic analysis was then used to identify
three themes of discussion – alienation, support, and existing in physical spaces, which informed our design
considerations. Experiences shared in the Reddit posts indicated that TPOC feel overshadowed by white trans
individuals in online communities and desire to build connections with other TPOC both online and in person.
We propose design recommendations for both Reddit as a platform and subreddit moderators that regulate
online trans communities to encourage growing networks among TPOC, improve communication among
users and moderators, and design spaces that center POC voices within subreddits, all of which provide a
much more supportive online environment for TPOC.
CCS Concepts: • Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in collaborative and social com-
puting; Human computer interaction (HCI).
Additional Key Words and Phrases: social media, people of color, transgender, non-binary, online communities,
Reddit
ACM Reference Format:
Forum Modi, Cristina Bosco, Yuxing Wu, and Patrick C. Shih. 2025. Finding a Place to Belong: Barriers and Solu-
tions for Supporting Trans People of Color on Reddit. Proc. ACM Hum.-Comput. Interact. 9, 2, Article CSCW086
(April 2025), 21 pages. [Link]

1 Introduction
Trans individuals must navigate numerous challenges in a predominantly cisgender and hetero-
sexual society. The National Transgender Discrimination (NTD) survey highlights that the trans
community encounters discrimination, impacting their well-being both physically and mentally
[5, 15, 21, 35]. Many trans individuals face discrimination in all areas of their lives including home,
school, work, the grocery store, the doctor’s office, the courtroom, etc. [5, 35].
Authors’ addresses: Forum Modi, Indiana University Bloomington, USA; Cristina Bosco, Indiana University Bloomington,
USA; Yuxing Wu, Indiana University Bloomington, USA; Patrick C. Shih, Indiana University Bloomington, USA.

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ACM 2573-0142/2025/4-ARTCSCW086
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Social media often functions as a supportive environment for marginalized communities such as
people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, those with chronic illnesses, etc., [17, 27, 52] where users
can be offered emotional, informational, tangible, and network support [36]. Prior literature has
highlighted the presence of online trans communities on social media , which serve as spaces
for identity exploration. These communities can provide transition-related advice, create support
networks, and find trans-specific resources [7, 8, 23–25, 45]. This creates an environment where
trans users worldwide can gain support from each other as long as they have internet access.
However, the NTD survey highlights a concern within the trans community: certain populations
of the transgender community, specifically TPOC, face even higher levels of discrimination [21].
TPOC face more difficulty in obtaining support as they must navigate transgender-related obstacles
as well as obstacles related to their race and culture. This leaves them more isolated as they do not
fit into the typical hegemonic image of what trans people are "supposed" to look like: binary, white,
skinny, and privileged trans individuals with reliable access to gender-affirming care [31, 38]. This
phenomenon is known as transnormativity, which regulates the dominant image of what trans
people typically look like in media and online communities. Historically, POC have repeatedly been
silenced in physical white trans spaces when raising issues related to race, culture, or ethnicity [53].
For instance, early queer organizations often worked alongside police that committed violence
against people of color. These queer organizations neglected the needs and safety of queer and trans
POC. Additionally, TPOC have been undervalued in the trans community, with most TPOC only
being celebrated when they are highlighted in death statistics or in a vigil [48]; this unfortunate
trend is refered to as transnecropolitics. Therefore, understanding the unique needs of TPOC is
crucial in establishing effective support systems for this population. While research has explored
how trans individuals find support through online communities, there remains a significant gap in
the literature in understanding how TPOC specifically utilize social media platforms (in this case
Reddit) for support, and how their experiences or needs might differ from a white trans individual.
The lack of insight into the experiences of TPOC within digital spaces calls for a more in-depth
understanding as to whether this population is able to find sufficient support for their intersectional
identities in online communities.
Exploring how TPOC engage with social media for support can reveal the unique challenges,
needs, and impact of intersectional identities in online trans communities. Recognizing and ad-
dressing these experiences is essential for creating inclusive and supportive online environments
that are tailored to the diverse needs of all trans individuals, especially marginalized communities
such as TPOC.
Therefore, in order to understand the online experiences of TPOC within online, social media
communities, we aim to address the following research questions:
(1) RQ1: How do transgender people of color (TPOC) seek and receive support on Reddit?
(2) RQ2: How can we counteract transnormativity in online spaces and better support TPOC in
online trans communities?
In order to answer RQ1, our study utilizes publicly available data extracted from discussions
within prominent trans subreddits, while RQ2 is answered by providing appropriate design implica-
tions for online social media platforms. We use an analytical approach to understand the dynamics
of TPOC engagement on Reddit and provide design considerations aimed at improving the online
experience and support networks available for TPOC in digital communities.
The researchers collected and thematically coded 145 posts with a total of 2867 comments from
four popular transgender subreddits: r/trans, r/ftm, r/mtf, r/Non-Binary, focused on discussions
centered around the experiences of TPOC. The discussions revolved around seeking advice, venting,
and sharing experiences with other TPOC. Three major themes of discussion emerged from analysis:

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Alienation, Support, and Existing in Physical Spaces show that TPOC require further support in
online spaces as they feel alienated from white transgender individuals and desire connections
with other TPOC. In order to answer RQ2, we draw on these themes and insights from TPOC in
queer literature to recommend three major design considerations aimed at improving subreddits for
TPOC: encouraging growing networks among TPOC, counteracting insensitivity through moderation,
and designing spaces that center POC voices.
These design considerations based on the experiences of TPOC can create online spaces on Reddit
and other platforms that not only acknowledge the diverse experiences of TPOC but actively work
towards meeting their needs. If these design considerations are put into effect, online communities
can become a more supportive, equitable, and inclusive space for TPOC.

2 Related Work
2.1 History of TPOC Treatment Offline
There is a history of LGBTQ+ organizations, which instead of contrasting racism and homophobia
against queer and TPOC, have actively perpetuated these forms of violence and abuse [53]. Often
LGBTQ+ organizations that are pre-dominately white claim to care about QTPOC concerns but
then rarely amplify QTPOC voices and address real concerns [42]. Some white queer individuals
attempt to bridge support by appropriating AAVE (African American Vernacular English) slang
or by claiming to understand racism through their own homophobic or transphobic experiences
without taking the time to understand the true needs of QTPOC [42]. Even when attempting to
offer support, white queer and trans individuals often silence QTPOC due to the white focus on
queer and trans spaces. As white transgender individuals typically discount the needs of TPOC
in-person [48], there is a need to investigate whether TPOC have similar experiences in online
transgender communities.
Within HCI literature, it has been found that people of color face racial microaggressions and
implicit bias online [22, 50, 54]. Additionally, online spaces can allow those who post racist remarks
to hide behind the pseudonyms of social media accounts [22, 54]. Although transgender social
media communities are found to be overwhelmingly beneficial for transgender individuals, there is
little to no HCI research examining racism in these communities.
Given the lack of TPOC research within HCI, we borrow two theories from queer studies literature
to frame and inform our research and our understanding: Transnormativity and Transnecropolitics.
2.1.1 Transnormativity Hil Malantino defines transnormativity as "teaching viewers what transi-
tion is supposed to look like, what they [a trans individual] might one day look like, operating as a
visual litmus test against which one might measure their [a trans individual] ’progress’ and gauge
what the process and the ’post’ of transition might be" [38]. For instance, Caitlyn Jenner came out
as transgender, took a break from public appearances and appeared as a stereotypically, beautiful
women after receiving gender-affirming care. Not all transgender individuals identify with binary
gender roles, have access to gender-affirming treatment, have job-security through transition,
etc. [38]. Additionally, most trans individuals cannot put their lives on pause until they are able
to acquire gender-affirming care [30]. Transgender media representation follows transnormative
ideals, a normalized transgender image, perpetuated by the lack of consideration for diversity and
the true nuances of existing as a trans person [38].
Transnormativity also occurs on social media platforms such as Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, etc
[31, 38]. In a 2014 study on trans Youtube communities, Laura Horak explains trans youtubers usually
follow transnormative ideals: binary, white, slim, with the requirement of medical transition[30, 38].
Horak’s study explained trans youtubers primarily post positive content related to their transition,
not accounting for the challenges of marginalized transgender individuals [30, 38]. Due to the lack

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of diversity, TPOC experiences are not highlighted, reducing the support and representation one
could gain from the transgender Youtube community.
Trans social media communities should move away from transnormativity and celebrate diverse
trans experiences to better support all transgender individuals.
Prior literature within HCI has argued against transnormativity in the context of existing
technologies that perpetuate transnormativity [34, 43] and creating new trans technology for
health and transition[13, 14].
However, these papers discuss transnormativity within trans community as a whole, rather
than focusing on experiences of TPOC or other further marginalized communities within the
overarching trans community. Additionally, in relation to both TPOC experiences and trans social
media spaces, transnormativity remains understudied within HCI literature.
2.1.2 Transnecropolitics Necropolitics, as defined by Achille Mbembe, is "a form of power that
marks some fraction of a population for death even while it deems other fractions suitable for life
enhancing investment" [48]. Snorton notes that this concept describes the exact circumstances of
TPOC existence, labeling this as transnecropolitics.
Many TPOC, especially black and brown trans individuals are not supported by trans or queer
communities when they are alive; however, a much larger emphasis is put on TPOC when they have
passed away [48]. TPOC are almost invisible in media until they suddenly appear as statistics for
the number of black transwoman who have murdered this year or as the faces of new blossoming
queer organizations after they’ve been murdered [31, 48]. Many trans people of color are barred
from white queer spaces but then welcomed into such spaces in their afterlife to push forward
queer movements [48]. Horak explains only celebrating TPOC after death is “to provide an example
of how trans women of color act as resources for the articulation and visibility of a more privileged
transgender subject” [31]. Trans communities should focus on celebrating and supporting TPOC
during their lives, rather than waiting until their afterlives. Therefore, there should be a larger
emphasis on the needs of TPOC within online trans communities.
Within HCI literature, one paper introduces necropolitics [34] in the context of video game
representation. However, outside of this paper, transnecropolitics, especially in the contact of online
trans spaces, remains understudied in HCI literature.

2.2 Social Media

Prior scholars have highlighted numerous positive impacts, showing that social media has func-
tioned as an informational space while also fostering connections among individuals with shared
experiences [17, 47].
Siddiqui’s research presents social media as a reservoir of information, offering insights, resources,
and guidance, which can significantly benefit users through information sharing, social support
[36], and advice related to mental health and other important issues affecting well-being [47].
Devito’s findings stress the significance of community and belonging that social media platforms
can provide, especially for individuals who might feel isolated or underrepresented by their physical
surroundings [17]. These connections often result in a valuable support system, providing solace
and understanding, particularly for marginalized communities [17].
Social media can have numerous benefits when it comes to knowledge transfer and building
connections, especially among marginalized populations such as TPOC [17].
2.2.1 POC Social Media Use Prior research has indicated that social media allows users to easily
connect with others of the same background, especially for POC [4, 10]. Danah Boyd’s research
examines how algorithmic biases and content moderation on social media platforms can dispro-
portionately impact marginalized communities, especially people of color[4]. She discusses how

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automated systems might perpetuate racial biases in areas such as content visibility, ad targeting, or
algorithmic decision-making [4]. Additionally, her study on teenage social media use explores how
social media can both challenge and reinforce racial stereotypes [4]. While these platforms offer
spaces for marginalized groups to share their narratives and perspectives, they can also include
harmful stereotypes and hate speech [4].
Similarly, more recent work emphasizes the pivotal role of social media in providing a platform
for students of color to engage in discussions, share experiences, and form communities that
validate their POC identities [10]. These online spaces often facilitate dialogue about cultural
heritage, experiences of discrimination, and the complexities of navigating societal expectations
related to race [10]. Additionally, there has also been work focused on understanding online black
communities, specifically Twitter (now known as X), showing that there is a sense of community
and solidarity among people who engage in black twitter [32, 46].
2.2.2 LGBTQ+ Social Media Use Social media platforms play a crucial role in connecting LGBTQ+
individuals who may have find it challenging to share their identities within their immediate circles
due to stigma and discrimination [2, 17]. Prior research emphasizes the importance of disclosing
LGBTQ+ identities for one’s psychological well-being. Social media can often provide that safe space
for expressing LGBTQ+ identities, along with offering support and transition-related resources
[2, 16, 24, 29].
Studies, such as Buss et al.’s research, show how social media platforms can support LGBTQ+
individuals in exploring and expressing their identities [7]. For LGBTQ+ individuals, social media
platforms often serve as ecologies with differing affordances and content moderation across net-
works [9, 55]. As a result, many LGBTQ+ individuals manage multiple accounts across different
platforms to navigate the affordances of different social media environments [7, 23]. For instance,
certain platforms such as Facebook are geared towards connecting with friends and family which
are not ideal for LGBTQ+ individuals who may not feel comfortable or safe disclosing their identity
to those immediate circles [7, 16, 23]. However, other social media platforms such as Twitter (now
known as X) or Reddit allow users to use pseudonyms which encourages open expression and
fosters connections among LGBTQ+ users [23]. In general, social media platforms have served as
am environment in which LGBTQ+ individuals can find support both informationally and socially
amongst other LGBTQ+ individuals in online spaces.
2.2.3 The Transgender Population and Social Media Use Transgender individuals confront distinct
challenges in comparison to cisgendered members within the LGBTQ+ community [5, 21]. These
challenges encompass various forms of discrimination, including barriers to accessing gender-
affirming medical care, participating in sports teams, and even using public facilities [5, 21].
For many transgender individuals, social media serves as a vital platform not only for identity
exploration [26] but also for seeking social support and gathering medical information [7]. Research
indicates that platforms like Tumblr, Facebook, Reddit, YouTube, among others, function as avenues
for transgender users to find which support they need [3, 7, 8, 23, 24, 33].
However, there remains a gap in research focusing on how individuals with intersecting identities,
such as being a transgender person of color, utilize social media for support. Understanding the
experiences and needs of these intersectional identities within the transgender community in their
use of social media could provide crucial insights into the multifaceted support mechanisms needed
for these individuals.
2.2.4 TPOC and Social Media Use Literature in queer and cultural studies suggests that inter-
sectional LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States face more challenges than the typical white
non-marginalized individual in the US [5, 35, 42]. Additionally, there has been a lack of investigation

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into the experiences of transgender people of color in online spaces outside of a small body of
literature within gender studies literature [30, 38].
Therefore, is pivotal to conduct comprehensive research dedicated to exploring the social media
habits and experiences of individuals who are in both the transgender and POC community. This
signifies a critical research gap, particularly given that individuals with marginalized identities
often grapple with intensified isolation and a greater need for support[42]. Understanding their
interactions within the realm of social media is pivotal to bridging knowledge gap on TPOC in
social media and addressing their unique needs within these digital spaces.
2.2.5 Reddit Reddit, established in 2005, is an online forum known for its strong sense of com-
munity, including subreddits (separate forum pages) that encompass a vast array of identities and
interests [1]. Due to it’s unique format, it has been a popular research site for studying online
communities. Reddit studies have focused on community formation [39] and the self-governing
nature of subreddit communities [41]. These studies highlight how subreddits can cultivate the
ideal environment for different types of communities.
Additionally, Reddit differs from other social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.
as it is more common to use pseudonyms. Unlike platforms where users typically disclose their full
names and share personal images, Reddit users often engage under pseudonyms and refrain from
connecting with individuals from their real-life social circles [1]. This affords users a unique space
to share unfiltered experiences without the fear of judgment from family or friends in their offline
lives.
This distinctive feature of Reddit has garnered attention from researchers, allowing them to
study marginalized communities such as the eating disorder community, that prefer to remain
nondescript [18, 20, 40]. Reddit has also been highlighted for its role as an outlet for LGBTQ+
individuals to mitigate minority stress [44]. Additionally, it has been recognized as a sanctuary for
transgender individuals in search of "safe spaces" [26].
However, a noteworthy gap exists in scholarly works—a lack of examination into the experiences
of TPOC within trans Reddit communities and trans communities on social media platforms
in general. Understanding how TPOC navigate and experience this pseudonymous, mostly self-
governing platform can offer valuable insights into their unique challenges, needs, and the ways in
which these digital spaces can better accommodate their diverse identities.

3 Methods
3.1 Data Source: Reddit
Prior literature has used Reddit for its emphasis on using pseudonymous, and for the unique nature
of subreddits on the platform. Prior HCI literature has used Reddit to study eating disorder (ED)
communities due to the need of those with EDs to remain unidentified and the inclusion of ED
subreddits where discussion is limited to discussing EDs [20]. Similarly, prior literature in HCI has
categorized subreddits as a place where individuals go for mental health support [44? ? ].
We chose Reddit for similar reasons as transgender individuals, especially TPOC, often have
concerns about disclosing their identity to people offline, such as their family, friends, employers,
etc. [26]. Reddit puts an emphasis on the use of pseudonyms, unlike other platforms like Face-
book, Twitter (X), Instagram, etc. where the majority of users share their name, gender, photos of
themselves, etc.
Although Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, etc. all have online trans communities, the lines
between where the trans community starts and ends can be blurred on a feed or timeline. Closed
trans spaces such as Facebook groups often have screening processes and can be reluctant to
allow researchers. Whereas Reddit hosts numerous popular subreddits dedicated to transgender

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Search Term Subreddit Members Public? Last Post

ftm poc r/ftmpoc 238 Yes Over 1 year ago (Oct ’24)
transmasc poc r/TMPOC 7,400 No (June ’24), Yes (Oct ’24) Daily new posts (Oct 13th ’24)
transfem poc r/TFPOC 230 Yes 16 days ago (Oct 13th ’24)
Table 1. Relevant Subreddit Community Search Results (Using Reddit Search Bar)

Search Term Subreddit Members Public? Active?

trans, transgender r/trans 557K (Oct ’24) Yes Yes, numerous posts everyday
ftm, transmasc r/ftm 249K (Oct ’24) Yes Yes, numerous posts everyday
mtf, transfem r/mtf 286K (Oct ’24) Yes Yes, numerous posts everyday
non-binary r/Non-Binary 286K (Oct ’24) Yes Yes, numerous posts everyday
Table 2. Included Subreddit Community Search Results (Using Reddit Search Bar)

individuals and provides spaces for sharing their diverse experiences. Therefore, transgender
individuals can connect and gain information by interacting with posts within a subreddit related to
their trans identity. Additionally, prior literature on Reddit has already been shown to be a helpful
space for trans individuals to gain information and support [23, 26]. Prior literature in HCI has also
noted how moderation practices can be improved on Reddit for marginalized trans users [49] and
how creating sub-groups within subreddits can improve the experience intersectional users [19].
As subreddits are self-governed by moderators within a subreddit, this can allow for a larger
voice on the part of Reddit users. We then have the ability to recommend implementable changes
both for moderators and Reddit as a platform that can give users more autonomy within a subreddit.

3.2 Subreddit Selection

In order to extensively search for trans poc communities on Reddit we looked for communities
focused on transmasculine people of color (ftm poc), transfeminine people of color (mtf poc) and
non-binary people of color (enby poc). Relevant results from the following search terms are shown
in Table 1: "ftm people of color", "ftm poc", "transmasculine poc", "transmasculine people of color",
"transmasc poc", "transmasc people of color", "mtf people of color", "mtf poc", "transfeminine poc",
"transfeminine people of color", "transfem poc", "transfem people of color", "enby people of color",
"enby poc", "non-binary people of color", "non-binary poc".
Both r/ftmpoc and r/TFPOC lacked active engagement with very few members and recent posts.
The transmasculine POC-focused subreddit, r/TMPOC, seemed to be the most active; however, a
user indicated that it became private due to the "threat of racists and transphobes" (quote from
post 4 of our later analysis). Although there seemed to be no active and public subreddits (as of
June ’24) focused on TPOC, we still wanted to understand the topics that TPOC discuss. Therefore,
the researchers aimed to identify subreddits where transgender share their experiences and filter
out posts not related to people of color.
It is important to note at some point between June ’24 and Oct ’24 r/TMPOC has changed from
private to public. This is not the first time it has gone public, but future studies will include this
subreddit if it remains public.
As we could not find active and public TPOC-focused subreddits, we then searched for Reddit
communities using the search terms: "trans", "transgender", "ftm", "transmasc", "mtf", "transfem",
"enby", and "non-binary". We chose the four subreddits with most members that met the following
subreddit inclusion criteria:

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(1) The subreddit must be focused on transgender individuals sharing their experiences or asking
questions to other trans individuals (not focused on questions from non-transgender people
to the transgender community).
(2) The subreddit must be active users (have several new posts from different users in a single
day)
(3) The subreddit does not have a specific focus on making posts related to passing, fashion,
memes, satire, comedy, or politics.
The results yielded four transgender-related subreddits as shown in Table 2: r/trans (a general
transgender subreddit), r/ftm (dedicated to female-to-male transgender individuals), r/mtf (dedicated
to male-to-female transgender individuals), and r/Non-Binary (dedicated to those who do not
identify exclusively as male or female). As a note, for this study, we consider non-binary individuals
to fall under the umbrella of transgender individuals.

3.3 Data Collection - Reddit API

After obtaining approval from our university’s Institutional Review Board, we used the Reddit API
to obtain posts from the specified subreddits. We identified posts within the one-year time frame
from September 10th, 2021, to September 10th, 2022 that contained either the phrase "people of
color" or the abbreviation "POC" within the post title or text.
We also included 21 posts with "POC" within the comments but the majority of these posts (17)
did not meet inclusion criteria as they did not include discussion of TPOC experiences; therefore,
they were not included in the analysis.
This process yielded a dataset comprising 167 posts and 3969 comments. It’s important to note
that Reddit users have no character or word limitations in their comments, allowing for extensive
discussions that often exceed the length of the original posts and initiate new conversational
threads.
3.3.1 Inclusion Criteria The collected data was organized within a spreadsheet, with details such
as the date, title, subreddit, score threshold (engagement score), post content, and all accompanying
comments.
To analyze posts and their corresponding comments that had active engagement that discuss
TPOC experiences, creating a set of post inclusion criteria:
(1) The post specifically discusses the experiences of TPOC.
(2) The post is from a subreddit that meets the subreddit inclusion criteria.
To ensure structured analysis, both the post content and comments underwent a thematic coding
process, categorizing them based on the overarching topics of discussion. This coding was facilitated
using Taguette [51], a tool employed to systematically tag and categorize the content.

3.4 Thematic Analysis

In the initial phase of analysis, the first three authors independently used thematic analysis [6]
on a representative sample by randomly choosing 20% of posts along with their comments. After
coding our sections of analysis, the first three reached a consensus on three primary themes along
with several sub-themes emerging from the data. In the second phase of analysis, the first three
researchers independently recoded posts using the agreed-upon themes. The first three researchers
met again to discuss the definitions of themes and sub-themes and reached an agreement over
coded posts. Following this, the first author conducted an independent coding process for all posts
based on the established themes.
As Reddit comments and posts can sometimes be several paragraphs long, the seemingly small
source of Reddit posts require a lot of time to analyze. Therefore, the first author especially wanted to

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focus on the reaction from online trans communities when TPOC share their experiences. He noticed
that posts with more comments and engagements lead to gathering more meaningful insights
about the TPOC communities’ struggles in finding support online in seemingly white, western,
Euro-American online trans spaces. Additionally, posts with less comments and engagement often
lacked the nuance and in-depth nature that posts with a higher level of engagement had.
Therefore, in the final phase of analysis, the first author specifically focused on coding comments
from posts that fell within the top 20th percentile of Reddit’s engagement, defined by a score
threshold exceeding 140. Posts that were below this 20th percentile had few comments and upvotes
showing there was a lack of active engagement. Scores are calculated by Reddit using a number of
comments, upvotes, and downvotes to calculate a score related to a post’s engagement level. This
removed 22 posts and 1,102 comments, narrowing down the collected data to 145 posts and 2867
comments that were considered for further analysis.
By concentrating on the most engaging posts, this method allowed the researchers to find deeper
insights into the prevalent themes that significantly resonated with TPOC Reddit users, offering a
more nuanced understanding of their experiences and priorities within the platform.

3.5 Limitations
This study is subject to several limitations. Firstly, all posts analyzed were in English, which
inherently excludes non-English discussions and perspectives from the analysis. Moreover, the term
"people of color" holds a distinctly U.S.-centric connotation, potentially restricting the inclusion of
transgender individuals who are non-white and reside outside the United States. This limitation may
lead to an oversight of diverse experiences and narratives within global transgender communities.
Secondly, our analysis focused on posts with the highest level of engagement, which may limit
our research by leaving out less common TPOC experiences or viewpoints out of our analysis.
Additionally, our study’s scope is confined to Reddit, which poses limitations on understanding the
experiences of TPOC across other social media platforms. The exclusion of data from alternative
platforms might hinder a comprehensive understanding of the diverse and multifaceted experiences
of TPOC within different digital spaces beyond Reddit; however, our qualitative analysis begins to
address this gap and lays the groundwork for other research on online TPOC experiences.

3.6 Positionality
Given the population of this research, it is important to provide background information about
the authors. The first author identifies as an Asian-American TPOC. The second author is a white
cisgender woman who was not born in the US. The third author identifies as an Asian cisgender
POC who was also not born in the US. The first author’s identity and experiences on Reddit and
social media influenced the research questions driving this study. The second and third authors
work with marginalized populations within feminist HCI and family health HCI, but rely on the
first author’s lived experience as a trans individual to gain a more nuanced understanding of the
Reddit data for thematic analysis. Apart from the first author explaining trans-related vocabulary
or concepts as needed, all three authors coded independently to minimize bias. We acknowledge
that only one member identifies as transgender. Furthermore, the authors’ backgrounds are limited
to Asian and white perspectives, which poses a limitation as this study discusses experiences of
various cultural backgrounds, including Black and Latine.

4 Results
Our analysis shows that on Reddit, TPOC actively utilize the platform as a means to seek advice,
vent, and share experiences with individuals who understand their distinct lived experiences. Across
various posts, there is a common sentiment of alienation, stemming from the lack of representation

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of intersectional identities. Additionally, TPOC on Reddit consistently exhibit support for other
TPOC, fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding. Finally, the discussions emphasize a
collective concern among TPOC, existing in public spaces. TPOC encounter a host of challenges,
navigating societal structures and environments that often fail to recognize, acknowledge, or
accommodate their nuanced identities making it difficult to find accepting and safe environments
to live and exist authentically. In the following sections, we will further elaborate on the kinds of
discussions encountered in TPOC subreddits.

4.1 Alienation
Our data illustrates the deep-seated sense of alienation experienced by TPOC, stemming from the
lack of consideration of intersectional identities from other transgender users online.
TPOC often lack representation in mainstream media, as explained in Post 17, in which a TPOC
describes the recurrent absence of transgender men of color in media narratives. Commenters
echoed these sentiments, offering various shows featuring TPOC representation, yet collectively
agreeing on the persistent frustration with the lack of visibility, one stating...
"YEAH it’s disappointing how little representation there is for trans men, and I especially feel for
transmasc POC because they get like no representation at all"
This lack of representation stems from a common perception where whiteness is seen as the norm,
leading many in the white transgender community to lack awareness of how differing cultural
norms can impact one’s journey towards coming out or transitioning. This sense of exclusion leads
to feeling marginalized within both their cultural community and the transgender community.
Due to under-representation and the lack of acknowledgment of intersecting identities, TPOC
simultaneously grapple with the dual challenge of feeling disconnected from their cultural roots
and a sense of estrangement within the transgender community.

4.1.1 Alienation from the Transgender Community The unique challenges TPOC face in comparison
to their white transgender individuals is evident through the lack of representation and access
to resources for TPOC within online transgender communities. For instance, Post 71 shares the
struggle of a transgender woman of color seeking online makeup tutorials. She shares that...
"Most videos I find are by, and pretty much for, white women..."
This describes her struggle to access relevant content tailored to her identity and experiences.
This extends beyond resource availability, even being present when it comes to understanding and
empathy. Exemplifying this, Post 9 shares that...
"The way white trans people talk to nonwhite trans people, especially trans men, is so patronizing
sometimes."
The lack of recognition of TPOC experiences within predominantly white transgender spaces
create a profound sense of isolation, preventing TPOC from find community. It perpetuates a
cycle of exclusion and undermines the inclusivity these spaces are intended to foster. However,
expressing concerns and differences in experiences can have repercussions, as illustrated in Post
104, where one commenter shares backlash from discussing their experiences
"The worst part about it is the dynamic where sometimes even having the temerity to bring the issue
up ends up branding you as ’the difficult one’ and expelled from these spaces that are supposed to be
for everyone."
Even though TPOC often face even more difficulty when it comes to discrimination and accep-
tance, online transgender spaces do not function as supportive environments for TPOC. Online
transgender communities appear white-washed, excluding or silencing TPOC in seemingly inclu-
sive spaces. Exemplifying this ostracizing environment, one white transgender man commenting
on Post 9 expresses his feelings about racial discrimination...

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"I don’t believe in White privilege nor discriminate against anyone... I see everyone equal to me no
matter who they are or what race/color their skin is"
The original post discussed how TPOC often feel misunderstood and overlooked by white
transgender individuals, making this comment an example of the backlash TPOC face by sharing
experiences related to their race or culture. The lack of understanding TPOC experiences within
the white transgender community hampers the ability of TPOC to find genuine inclusion and
community, both online and in person, perpetuating their sense of isolation within these spaces.

4.1.2 Alienation from Culture While TPOC grapple with feelings of isolation within the predomi-
nately white transgender community, they also navigate a distinct sense of disconnection within
their cultural circles. When referring to the cultural POC community, it encompasses friends or
family outside the LGBTQ+ sphere who share the same cultural background as the TPOC. One
example from Post 138 highlights this experience...
"Being black, our community isn’t as accepting as others. If you’re a POC and have come out, please
give me recommendations on explaining what nonbinary is."
This individual encountered considerable difficulty explaining non-binary identities to their
community, partly because while media representations of white non-binary individuals are already
rare, notable portrayals of black non-binary figures are even more scarce. Additionally, they fear
that their family, rooted in a black cultural context, may have concerns of further marginalization
due to their gender identity. Even when explaining transgender identities to cultural circles, there
are many cultures that may not be accepting of these identities. For instance, Post 7 explains...
"In a space of POC, sometimes you’d feel like the only queer guy among a bunch of straight POC.
And then some POC happen to be transphobic and homophobic. For many of us, it tends to be family,
or a disapproving family when you came out"
As POC come from many different cultures and backgrounds, those who have family members
that are not accepting of transgender identities can feel even further isolated, emphasizing a need
for more inclusive spaces for TPOC.

4.2 Support among TPOC

As TPOC lack representation in media and online, TPOC band together to socially support each
other in online spaces. A comment from Post 7 highlights the natural formation of supportive
connections within these digital spaces.
"You’re not alone. there are more people on your side than you realize."
Within our dataset, five types of online social support previously established in Maestre et al’s
paper [37] social support were evident: emotional, self-esteem, information, network, and tangible;
therefore, the researchers utilized these categories to classify support identified among TPOC on
Reddit.

4.2.1 Emotional & Self-Esteem Emotional support involves expressing empathy for someone’s
feelings or a situation they have shared. For instance, a black and Samoan trans man who commented
on Post 3 shares...
"I feel you, and i’m so sorry. you’re not alone, nor are you insane. It’s real and white guys never see
it bc of their privelage,"
This user reaches out to a fellow TPOC to let them they are not alone in their situation and have
support. Similarly, self-esteem support is encouraging another TPOC; for instance, in Post 138 "hey,
congrats on coming out! It’s great to see you here representing yourself. There are so many nonbinary
POC in this world, although I’m sure it’s easy to feel invisible and isolated." The researchers found
emotional and self-esteem support is commonplace throughout TPOC posts.

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4.2.2 Informational Informational support relates to sharing information about being a TPOC. For
instance, one person asks about where they can find a subreddit for transgender POC so they can
connect with other TPOC in Post 4. Commenters on this post shared that TPOC subreddits have
existed but many of them have gone private or are not heavily active. Another form of informational
sharing is medical, which includes sharing surgery results or resources for POC-inclusive doctors
for other TPOC. For instance, in Post 5 one south Asian transgender man shared his results from
top surgery, a surgery to remove breast tissue to have a more masculine chest appearance. The
redditor shares that it is difficult to find results from other people with his skin tone, so he wanted
to share his results and how his scars have healed as there are some differences than those with
white skin. Many of the commenters were appreciative of post, asking to keep in contact as he
continues to heal. It was found TPOC often share informational support when it comes to medical
information related to hormones, surgery, etc. and to find subreddits to connect with other TPOC.

4.2.3 Tangible & Network Tangible support is support that can be given as help in the real world.
For instance, Post 86 asks for help getting out of a toxic living situation.
"I am a trans-mixed 20 yo woman. I have a family of a brother (25) who’s a mixed trans man along
with his two trans male partners (24each). We need quick and serious help/aid in the Monroe county
area of NY"
She explains that many other subreddits do not allow posts asking for help in this way and that
she appreciates any help or advice she can get. It is important to indicate that her post was allowed
in this subreddit while previous posts of hers in LGBTQ-aligned subreddits did not allow for her to
ask for help in this way.
The researchers also noticed that many users were also looking for network support from
those who have similar backgrounds to them. Many more instances of noticeable network support
could lead to tangible support over time. Network support involves bridging friendships and
creating community, which was seen in numerous posts. Many TPOC were surprised to find other
TPOC within the community and begin to connect with other transgender people with similar
backgrounds. Post 61 has a thread of comments where several Indian transgender people find each
other, excited to connect with people who understand their intersectional struggle. In another
example, a commenter in Post 3 extends a hand to other black trans people, exclaiming...
"If you need yourself another trans black friend i’m here same goes for anyone who reads this I am a
safe space".
Some users went out of their way to attempt to create spaces primarily for TPOC. For instance,
posts 147 and 157 asked other users if they would want to have a discord server created specifically
for TPOC. TPOC often feel alone due to their lack of representation; therefore, they look for support
in other TPOC by bridging networks and building support units. There is power in using social
media as a form of connection; however, social media sites should have more interventions that
lead to tangible support and network connection among marginalized individuals.

4.3 Concerns with Existing in Physical Spaces

As TPOC grapple with online alienation and the need for increased support in digital spaces, these
challenges often mirror their experiences offline. Many TPOC share concerns about finding places
to live both within the US and outside the US that are inclusive and welcoming for both POC and
transgender individuals. Additionally, there’s unease regarding personal safety in public spaces, as
transitioning can change how the public perceives an individual.

4.3.1 Location A significant concern to TPOC is the location they live, as racism and transphobia
are barriers to living authentically. A TPOC in Post 1 shares,

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"I’m trans, I’m mixed, I’m autistic, I have chronic pain, I’m somewhat gender non conforming-all
this makes me worried about visiting and moving to certain places."
He explains he is unsure of where in the US he could live considering all of his identities and
medical needs. Several commenters shared that while some areas are considered safe for LGBTQ+
individuals, they are predominantly white and might not be the most conducive environments
for POC. Similarly Post 2 shares that they are "looking for a country that’s both racially diverse
and progressive in terms of gender healthcare," even considering the possibility of living in Europe.
However, it was explained that "much of Europe is racially homogeneous, and multiple countries
have. . . questionable cultural practices (i.e blackface in the Netherlands and Spain)". Additionaly, a
commenter shared that "western Europe is currently experiencing a concerning wave of xenophobia-I
don’t think I’d be fully welcome there as a black person." Therefore, even outside of the US, there are
barriers to TPOC acceptance.
Another issue brought up among Posts 1 and 2 is the financial burden of moving from one state
to another and especially from one country to another, as most TPOC are financially disadvantaged
and are unable to afford moving. Additionally, political landscapes significantly impact safety for
TPOC. One redditor in Post 80 explains the dangers the living in Texas...
"From the way the Texas AG is talking, they’re going to start on that again soon. Now they’re coming
after our children. They want to rip loving families apart, sending the kids to be abused and the parents
to jail, because their child is trans. They want to rip families apart."
This shows that there are real dangers of living in an area that is not accepting to transgender
individuals. Out of fear, many families relocate to ensure their safety and their children’s safety.
Navigating the balance between safety and affordability in living spaces is pivotal for TPOC;
therefore, conversations with other TPOC online help inform their choices and decisions.

4.3.2 Safety in Public Another concern for TPOC is their safety in public. As one transitions, they
are perceived differently in public. For instance, one transgender man in Post 18 shares
"I got detained for fitting the description of a male suspect who robbed someone at gunpoint..." and
was "...initially seen as a young male of color".
The redditor explains that when going out in public he has to be more aware of how he presents
himself as he is now perceived as a black man after starting hormones. Luckily he got out of
the situation safely, but knows it could have been a much worse situation. White transgender
men do not need to consider this when transitioning, as they generally seem to get more respect
and safety in society when being perceived as male. As most subreddits are predominately white,
concerns related to being perceived as a black man or a man of color are not heavily discussed in
transgender-related subreddits. A commenter on Post 43 explains that as a POC man...
“You’re subjected to something because they don’t understand you. And you have to watch the way
you react, because you’re a man now. People take you as a threat.”
Additionally, many transgender people feel the need to live in the closet for safety and job
security. One transwoman of color in Post 75 explains "I really want to be confident and put my true
name on my applications and have them hire me based on merit, but I know shit is rough as a trans
woman applying for jobs, especially more so for a POC like myself."
These experiences encapsulate the multifaceted challenges TPOC encounter in public spaces,
from racism to job security, showcasing the importance of discussing these experiences to gain
support, advice, and connection among other TPOC.

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5 Design Considerations
Although this work is focused on TPOC, this work extends the general research on the experiences
of trans and marginalized communities on Reddit as a place that requires better interventions for
moderation [11, 49] and accommodations for sub-groups within a subreddit community [19].
Our analysis revealed that discussions among TPOC in popular transgender subreddits primarily
revolved around themes of alienation, support, and navigating physical spaces. These findings
echo the concerns shared by Laura Horak in her article "Trans on Youtube: Intimacy, Visibility,
Temporality" [30]. This paper explains the lack of representation of intersectional transgender
experiences and the focus on white, transnormative perspectives within transgender Youtube
communities in 2014 [30]. A decade later, we see that TPOC still feel invisible in online transgender
communities, justifying the need for changes that allow for further diversity and inclusivity.
Therefore, based upon themes from thematic analysis, we present three design considerations
aimed at bolstering support for TPOC within Reddit as shown in ??.
Given the sense of alienation felt by TPOC within both the broader transgender community and
their cultural community, it is imperative for online communities to actively promote the growth
of networks among TPOC. Encouraging growing networks between individuals can significantly
enhance mutual support within these spaces. Additionally, many TPOC express feeling overlooked
or patronized by white transgender individuals in online communities, feeling as though POC
are not centered in discussions. To address this, it is crucial to improve communication channels
among users and moderators. Lastly, due to concerns about existing comfortably in physical
spaces, we strongly recommend designing spaces exclusively for POC within transgender online
communities. These dedicated spaces can provide an avenue for discussions and support among
POC, safeguarding against the potential exclusion or lack of understanding by white transgender
individuals. By encouraging growing networks among TPOC, improving communication among
users and moderators, and designing spaces for POC, we can design more understanding online
communities that meet the diverse needs of TPOC.

5.1 Encourage Growing Networks Among TPOC

TPOC experience a sense of alienation among the predominately white transgender community
online. This highlights a critical need for online platforms to actively foster supportive networks.
Our data strongly indicates that TPOC yearn to connect with others who share their experiences
but encounter significant barriers in doing so. Many grapple with feelings of isolation and solitude,
unaware that there are fellow transgender individuals who understand and share their unique
identities. Our findings show that many TPOC were pleasantly surprised to meet other transgender
people with a shared identity or background. Facilitating connections among TPOC can lead to a
network of mutual support, solidarity, and a shared sense of understanding.
Existing literature supports using social media platforms to make connections within marginal-
ized groups, yet it also highlights a potential privacy issue [23]. This issue is notably distinct
from platforms like Reddit, as other social media platforms offer more comprehensive profile data
to fellow users. Within the LGBTQ+ community, individuals often grapple with discomfort or
safety concerns when contemplating sharing their identities with family or friends online. A prime
example is Facebook, where friend lists are readily visible to other connected individuals [23, 24]. In
navigating these challenges, it becomes crucial for social media platforms to prioritize user privacy,
especially for marginalized groups seeking to build networks. Offering discreet means of creating
friendships can alleviate concerns surrounding privacy and safety within these communities. This
approach ensures that individuals can connect authentically while having the autonomy to control
the visibility of their identities and social connections.

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Thach et al. and Dym and Fiesler have already expressed the need to consider the context of
intersectional users within a subreddit community [19, 49]. Our findings show active attempts from
TPOC to build connections with other TPOC users. Reddit users within r/Non-Binary have taken
proactive steps to encourage TPOC representation and create connections—15 posts were part of a
heartening trend where TPOC users posted images of themselves or other TPOC individuals to
promote representation. This initiative facilitated a celebration of cultural identities, showcasing
diverse backgrounds including Native American, Black, “Chindian” (Chinese and Indian), Latinx,
etc. These posts created an inclusive and embracing space that led to growing connections between
individuals with similar cultural backgrounds and intersecting identities. These posts created an
atmosphere where individuals with similar backgrounds and identities found a welcoming space,
fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance within the community.
There are numerous ways to employ growing networks among TPOC on Reddit and create a
similar sense of belonging:
• A simple “opt-in” button could lead to automated TPOC friendship threads every month for
a subreddit
• An “opt-in” button to also automate threads related to Black History Month, Juneteeth, etc.
Reddit can make it easier for moderators to uplift all voices within their subreddits with the
inclusion of automated post templates related to marginalized communities or friendship formation.
Moderators can choose to “opt-in” to having these templates automatically posted to the subreddit.
Posts focused on marginalized communities can help white trans individuals become educated on
TPOC concerns and issues.
However, moderators can also directly play a part in making trans subreddits more inclusive of
TPOC. Moderators on transgender subreddits often create pinned threads for monthly check-ins or
for trading transgender resources. As the needs of TPOC are frequently neglected in online trans
communities, there should also be an ongoing effort from moderators to educate users on sources
of media that are inclusive to TPOC and highlight different cultural community struggles.
Similar threads can be created to discuss TPOC experiences and facilitate connections among
TPOC. Additionally, moderators can make posts related to friendship formation and special holidays
for marginalized users. Suppose a TPOC user is also looking to make friendships with other TPOC,
they would have difficulty knowing where to look. Some trans subreddits (like r/mtf) allow users to
create tags, but none are established specifically for friendship formation or POC (or BIPOC) users.
Moderators can create more tags specifically related to friendship formation or TPOC so users
can filter posts by topic. These recommendations allow TPOC to connect more easily with those
with similar backgrounds. Social media platforms should acknowledge intersectional communities
and make an effort to support, highlight, and connect them.

5.2 Improving Communication Among Moderators and Users

Transgender spaces have historically focused on white populations, failing to provide support
intersectional transgender individuals. For instance, the book Trans Exploits explains the majority
of the first transgender organizations were "founded and accessed by white transgender people",
focused on "gender identity oppression and gender transition" [12]. These organizations did not
address the concerns of TPOC who struggled with "racist and classist forms of anti-trans cis-hetero-
patriarchy" [12]. These practices further alienate TPOC, especially as these populations often are
financially and educationally disadvantaged [21].
Based on the historic whiteness present in transgender spaces, it is important for social media
platforms to acknowledge the diverse experiences of TPOC. Many TPOC redditors expressed
patronizing encounters with white transgender individuals in online spaces, experiencing cases

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where other trans users discounting TPOC experiences. In our own findings, we saw numerous
examples of this. In one case, a user claimed that white privilege did not exist in response to
someone sharing a racist incident. Reddit and other social media platforms should make an effort
to hear the experiences of TPOC and all users in general to best support the needs of those using
the platform.
Currently, many transgender subreddits have policies against using slurs or hate speech; however,
there are no policies in terms of discounting the experiences of marginalized users. Most transgender
subreddits already have moderation teams that allow users to flag posts or comments that do not
meet the subreddit guidelines, but the decision is ultimately left to moderators. Users have the
ability to report comments or posts but are never informed about whether the post was removed
by moderators.
Research within HCI has explored ways to more efficiently and effectively handle moderation
for marginalized communities by creating subreddit hate-speech lexicons that would flag posts or
comments for moderators’ review [11]. Similarly, Thach et al. recommends that we base vetting
guidance for moderators on hate speech detection mechanisms that are created in involvement with
developers who have marginalized backgrounds [49]. These hate speech detection mechanisms
would "identify anti-trans or otherwise harmful actors" with human intervention making the final
decision [49]. In addition to the inclusion of hate speech detection systems, we also recommend
improving communication channels between users and moderators as our findings show that TPOC
feel unheard when it comes to the moderation system on Reddit.
To address this, Reddit could create more communication channels between users and moderators
by:
• Developing of hate-speech detection mechanisms that guide the moderation process created
in involvement with marginalized communities [11, 49]
• Creating structured discussions about the current subreddit rules through required quarterly
or yearly reviews.
• Notifying users when a decision has been made about whether a reported post or comment
broke the rules.
• Allowing users to ask for a reported post or comment to be re-evaluated.
Moderators also have the ability to enact change within Reddit; however, this requires a large
amount of effort. Moderators can create their own posts or surveys to get feedback from users
about their subreddit’s rules and be more transparent about the reporting process by opening
channels for users to discuss concerns over posts or comments.
Overall, subreddits should give all users an experience where they feel welcome and celebrated.
Reddit can make simple changes that reinforce positive changes not only for TPOC on Reddit but
all users on Reddit.

5.3 Designing Spaces That Center TPOC Voices

Due to alienation that TPOC (Trans People of Color) experience from both their cultural heritage
and the broader transgender community, there is a need for supportive spaces tailored specifically
for TPOC on Reddit. Creating such spaces would not only validate their experiences but also foster
a sense of belonging and solidarity within a community that truly comprehends and values their
diverse identities.
Historically, LGBTQ+ individuals have attempted to create safe spaces for their communities.
In the 1970s, "gay safe spaces" were established by "gay safe street patrols" in response to anti-
LGBTQ violence [28]. Due to the emphasis on whiteness in these spaces, there were also POC and
predominantly black LGBTQ+ spaces, such as Nob Hill, known for its black queer community [28].

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Prior literature in HCI has noted the importance of trans-specific spaces online [26]; however,
transgender spaces often do not consider the needs of TPOC, leading to the emergence of organiza-
tions such as the Black Queer and Intersectional Coalition. These groups strive to support TPOC
and QPOC (queer POC) by addressing issues such as racism and systemic challenges [12]. Histori-
cally, queer POC spaces have emerged to support those who feel alienated from predominantly
white queer spaces. Although these physical spaces are not as widespread, they provide inclusivity,
acceptance, and understanding for TPOC.
While physical spaces and communities strive to support TPOC, they are limited to those in
proximity to these places. Considering the challenges TPOC face in existing physical spaces, it is
recommended that safe and dedicated spaces for POC within transgender online communities that
are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. These spaces would allow POC to engage
in conversations and share experiences without feeling overshadowed or misunderstood by the
presence of white transgender individuals.
Our data shows that TPOC have made efforts to create these spaces for themselves. For instance,
numerous Redditors began cultivating their own TPOC communities off Reddit. However, these
spaces often have a short lifespan. Subreddits for TPOC have been created but ultimately become
inactive, private, or unlisted, making it difficult to find or engage with these communities. One
researcher, identifying as TPOC, attempted to join a TPOC-specific server, only to find it no longer
existed. Creating new subreddits requires significant effort in setting rules and maintaining reliable
moderation teams. Many Redditors try to create inclusive spaces but lack the time to sustain them.
As recommended by prior literature, rather than creating new subreddits for TPOC, Reddit
could allow for subgroups within subreddit communities [19]. Dym and Fiesler note that when
there are sub-communities within a subreddit, it can be difficult to enforce conflicting rules and
norms within two communities [19]. Sub-sectioning these spaces decreases the possibility for
the conflict [19]. Smaller subgroups within a subreddit can facilitate discussion and connection
without the overhead associated with creating new subreddits. Allowing for subgroups would
enable moderators to focus on the needs of TPOC and other marginalized groups rather than
creating the infrastructure for a new subreddit. Depending on the effort moderators can invest,
these subgroups could function as simple group chats or as more organized sub-subreddits. An
essential aspect of these subgroup spaces would be to allow only those who identify as TPOC
to join, ensuring that individuals feel safe to share their experiences without being discouraged
by white trans users. For example, safe spaces for black queer individuals in the 70s made white
people feel like outsiders to keep the neighborhoods primarily black, ensuring safety for black
individuals [28]. Enforcing this online is challenging, but various methods can help manage this,
such as pop-ups reminding users as recommended by [26], requiring post approval by moderators
(which has been seen in some subreddits) or using surveys/questionnaires for new members (which
has been seen in some subreddits).
Moderators of established active transgender subreddits can also support the creation of TPOC
spaces or subgroups within their subreddits. By connecting with new TPOC-based subreddits, they
can help set up rules and moderation structures. Improved communication with users can also
help moderators better understand the needs of TPOC, facilitating the creation of spaces that make
TPOC feel comfortable, such as TPOC-focused posts in trans subreddits. Creating policies that
make all individuals feel comfortable in an online trans community will lead to an overall better
experience for all users.
The creation of dedicated spaces within online communities can provide TPOC with affirmation,
support, and understanding that surpass geographical barriers, ensuring broader inclusivity and
support within online transgender communities.

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6 Conclusion & Future Work

HCI literature lacks an understanding of the online experiences of intersectional communities such
as TPOC. This research has illuminated the challenges faced by TPOC showcasing the patronizing
and alienating experience of engaging with predominately white transgender online communities.
Additionally, we provide design considerations that strive to address the multifaceted needs of TPOC
within trans subreddit communities by fostering supportive networks, improving communication
among moderators and users, and creating safe spaces that cater specifically to their experiences
and perspectives. Our implementation recommendations based on these key design considerations
aim to cultivate a more inclusive, validating, and supportive environment for not only TPOC
within trans subreddits but all marginalized populations on Reddit in general. Additionally, our
recommendations are focused on Reddit as it was our only data source, but they can also be
applied to existing or new social media platforms that attempt to create inclusive environments for
intersectional users.
Future work would include a deeper exploration of TPOC experiences through other social media
sites, semi-structured interviews, prototype ideation, and user feedback on prototypes. Additionally,
after analysis was completed, the researchers noticed an increase in membership and posts in TPOC
subreddits (r/TMPOC, r/ftmpoc, r/TFPOC). As r/TMPOC has recently become public and seems
to have daily new posts, future work could investigate experiences on this subreddit and other
TPOC subreddits that are gaining a larger audience. We are also interested in extending this study
to include queer people of color (QPOC) which could provide insight into whether these design
considerations are applicable not only to TPOC but a broader population of QPOC. Finally, future
work could more extensively investigate how queer and critical race theory inform the creation of
"safe spaces" online for marginalized populations within the transgender community.

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Received January 2024; revised July 2024; accepted October 2024

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