Paradoxes of Openness and Trans Experiences in Open Source Software

TL;DR

This paper explores the unique challenges faced by trans contributors in open source software, revealing paradoxes of openness and proposing inclusive strategies to improve safety and participation.

Contribution

It introduces the first in-depth qualitative analysis of trans contributors' experiences in OSS, highlighting paradoxes of openness and offering practical recommendations for inclusivity.

Findings

Identified paradoxes of openness affecting trans contributors

Highlighted safety concerns and exclusionary practices in OSS

Provided recommendations for more inclusive OSS environments

Abstract

In recent years, concerns have increased over the lack of contributor diversity in open source software (OSS), despite its status as a paragon of open collaboration. OSS is an important form of digital infrastructure and part of a career path for many developers. While there exists a growing body of literature on cisgender women's under-representation in OSS, the experiences of contributors from other marginalized groups are comparatively absent from the literature. Such is the case for trans contributors, a historically influential group in OSS. In this study, we interviewed 21 trans participants to understand and represent their experiences in the OSS literature. From their experiences, we theorize two related paradoxes of openness in OSS: the paradox of openness and display and the paradox of openness and governance. In an increasingly violent world for trans people, we draw on our theorizing to build recommendations for more inclusive and safer OSS projects for contributors.