The Impacts of Virtual Reality Avatar Creation and Embodiment on Transgender and Genderqueer Individuals in Games

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) developers create experiences that result in both gender dysphoria and euphoria for Transgender and Genderqueer individuals. Avatar Creation Interfaces (ACIs) and the game mechanics associated with them engage with these effects. Since all experiences in VR begin with a body in space, ACI mechanics can inform a more inclusive experience for Transgender and Genderqueer individuals. Research of ACIs’ effects on people with gender dysphoria and euphoria is limited and does not address the subject in VR. Given this knowledge gap, research on the euphoric and dysphoric effects of embodiment that Transgender and Genderqueer individuals have within VR is constructive. To this end, as part of a qualitative study, survey data from 29 individuals and interview data from 7 of those individuals were analyzed using the emergent method of grounded theory analysis. The data suggest that ACI VR experiences that give interactors creative agency, greater gender diversity, and the opportunity to be embodied in mundane and gender-affirming situations are dysphoria relieving and euphoria inducing.