New book by Oliver Haimson explores how transgender people create new possibilities with technology

University of Michigan School of Information assistant professor Oliver Haimson has published a new book. Through more than a hundred interviews with creators of trans technology, Haimson weaves together stories of transgender people and allies creating technologies and online spaces for their own communities. 

Published by MIT Press, Trans Technologies explores tech that addresses the challenges transgender people face in the world and reshapes how we think about technology in relation to change and transition—concepts that are integral to trans experiences. 

“My vision is a world where smaller, self-created communities, whether by trans people or other marginalized groups, can create and moderate spaces that truly meet their needs, rather than trying to fit into larger, mainstream spaces,” Haimson says. 

Because of the mismatch between the needs of trans people and existing technology, the book features a myriad of stories of trans people solving complex problems with their own creative solutions. For example, one creator developed an app to help track when she was applying her estrogen patches for hormone replacement therapy. 

“She explained that the app was simply her way of meeting her own needs, which is empowering,” Haimson says. “It's an example of how people with the right skills can solve problems for themselves. And by doing so, offer solutions for others.” 

The book also highlights a project called Through the Wardrobe, which allows users to explore identity through virtual clothing.

“For some people, this is deeply personal,” Haimson says. “For others, it's about hearing other people's stories. I think it’s a fantastic use of augmented reality.”

The book, which has been years in the making, has emerged in response to urgent political challenges. As anti-trans legislation is proposed, the book talks about how these laws are making it harder for trans people to access basic needs and resources. As a result they often turn to technology to connect and bridge gaps. 

“The book touches on ‘technological trans care,’ where instead of providing physical care, trans people care for one another digitally,’” Haimson says. “This theme of mutual aid, and using technology to ensure that people have what they need, runs throughout the book. Right now, people’s basic needs aren’t being met in the physical world, but technology can offer ways to address those needs in more immediate and scalable ways.” 

Haimson says writing the book has been challenging at times, but ultimately, it was a labor of love and persistence. He was deeply motivated to make an impact, and though the book initially began as an academic research study, Haimson realized this subject was important to an audience outside of academia.  

“A lot of the people I'm writing for aren’t reading academic journals, so it feels rewarding to have the book out there for people who will benefit from it,” Haimson says. “This is a version of my research that’s accessible to a broader audience, and that’s exciting.”

The book is tailored to creators as well as academics in fields like human-computer interaction and transgender studies. It is currently available for purchase from MIT Press. 

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UMSI assistant professor Oliver Haimson is an expert on LGBTQ+ experiences online. He has published a plethora of research on how trans and nonbinary people are meeting their needs online. Learn more about him by visiting his UMSI faculty profile. 

Attend Haimson’s book launch and author talk on Wednesday, March 12 in North Quad space 2435 from 3-4:30pm and via Zoom.