How Trans-Inclusive are Hackathons?

TL;DR

This paper investigates the inclusivity of hackathons for transgender and minority participants, highlighting challenges faced and proposing five recommendations to improve their experience.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights from surveys and interviews with trans and cis participants, and offers practical recommendations to enhance hackathon inclusivity.

Findings

Transgender participants face discomfort and fear of discrimination.

Some trans individuals avoid hackathons despite interest.

Five key recommendations to foster inclusivity in hackathons.

Abstract

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.