Cruising Queer HCI on the DL: A Literature Review of LGBTQ+ People in HCI (2402.07864v1)

Abstract: LGBTQ+ people have received increased attention in HCI research, paralleling a greater emphasis on social justice in recent years. However, there has not been a systematic review of how LGBTQ+ people are researched or discussed in HCI. In this work, we review all research mentioning LGBTQ+ people across the HCI venues of CHI, CSCW, DIS, and TOCHI. Since 2014, we find a linear growth in the number of papers substantially about LGBTQ+ people and an exponential increase in the number of mentions. Research about LGBTQ+ people tends to center experiences of being politicized, outside the norm, stigmatized, or highly vulnerable. LGBTQ+ people are typically mentioned as a marginalized group or an area of future research. We identify gaps and opportunities for (1) research about and (2) the discussion of LGBTQ+ in HCI and provide a dataset to facilitate future Queer HCI research.

• The paper employs PRISMA and GTLR methodologies to document a steady rise in LGBTQ+ focused HCI research since 2014.
• It categorizes studies into five genres, revealing varied representations from political subjects to community-centered research and highlighting notable research gaps.
• The paper recommends future queer HCI research to adopt nuanced, community-driven approaches that move beyond mere trauma and marginalization themes.

Overview of "Cruising Queer HCI on the DL: A Literature Review of LGBTQ+ People in HCI"

The paper "Cruising Queer HCI on the DL: A Literature Review of LGBTQ+ People in HCI" presents a comprehensive examination of the representation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ communities within Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) literature. The authors, Taylor et al., conduct a systematic review across prominent HCI venues such as CHI, CSCW, DIS, and TOCHI, focusing on publications that mention or revolve around LGBTQ+ individuals from inception until 2022. This essay summarizes the key findings, methodological approaches, and implications discussed in the paper.

Methodological Approach

The authors employed a PRISMA-informed methodology to identify and screen relevant HCI publications. This rigorous approach involved filtering an initial corpus of 1,148 papers down to 1,021 after excluding irrelevant mentions and papers that misuse related terminology. The papers were coded based on their relationship to LGBTQ+ issues, ranging from brief mentions to primary focus. The authors also utilized a Grounded Theory Literature Review (GTLR) approach to derive insights into how LGBTQ+ individuals are discussed within HCI.

Key Findings

1. Temporal and Quantitative Trends: The paper identifies a linear increase in publications substantially focused on LGBTQ+ topics since 2014, with a notable exponential rise in papers addressing these topics more generally. This indicates growing awareness and emphasis on LGBTQ+ issues within the HCI community.
2. Genres of Queer-focused HCI Research: The review categorizes research into five genres:
   • LGBTQ+ individuals as political subjects.
   • LGBTQ+ individuals as outside societal norms.
   • LGBTQ+ individuals as stigmatized subjects.
   • LGBTQ+ individuals as highly vulnerable.
   • Community-centered research focusing on LGBTQ+ individuals.
3. Research Gaps and Specificity: Notable gaps in the research landscape were highlighted, specifically the lack of focus on certain LGBTQ+ subgroups and specific identities. The review calls for more nuanced research that addresses particular experiences within this diverse community.
4. Representational Shifts: Earlier HCI research often depicted LGBTQ+ identities as controversial, whereas recent years have seen an increase in studies discussing marginalization and exclusion. This maturation reflects broader societal changes and evolving academic discourses surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
5. Implications of LGBTQ+ Marginalization: The paper critiques the tendency of some HCI research to homogenize LGBTQ+ experiences with other marginalized groups, urging for recognition of the unique challenges faced by different LGBTQ+ subpopulations.

Implications and Recommendations

The authors propose several provocations and recommendations for future Queer HCI research. They emphasize the importance of specificity in studying diverse queer identities and caution against research that solely focuses on trauma or marginalization. Instead, they advocate for studies that explore joy, community, and everyday experiences within LGBTQ+ lives. Additionally, they call on HCI researchers to critically reflect on their motivations when engaging with LGBTQ+ topics, urging them to ensure that research outcomes benefit the communities studied.

Conclusion

Taylor et al.'s review provides a detailed landscape analysis of LGBTQ+ representation within HCI literature. It underscores the critical need for continued and nuanced exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences, urging the academic community to broaden its focus beyond prevailing themes of marginalization. This work serves as a foundational text for scholars aiming to engage with Queer HCI, encouraging deeper, more inclusive research practices that align with the evolving needs and narratives of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. As the field progresses, this paper sets the stage for expanding the academic dialogue and ensuring inclusive representation in future HCI endeavors.