Seattle, Wash. — In a groundbreaking initiative, Calvin Liang, a PhD candidate in the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering at the University of Washington, is spearheading the development of an inclusive online sex education resource for trans and queer youth. Recognizing the lack of tailored sex education for this demographic, Liang aims to empower them to take control of their sexual health experiences in online spaces.
ADDRESSING THE GAPS IN TRADITIONAL SEX ED
Transgender and queer youth often face exclusion from traditional sex education, leading them to seek information from unvalidated and unmoderated online sources. Calvin Liang, along with a team of researchers, is working to bridge this gap by identifying the specific design needs of trans and queer youth exploring sexual health topics.
FROM RESEARCH TO ACTION
The project began in 2018 with focus groups and co-design sessions involving trans and non-binary young people in the greater Seattle area. The research team documented the needs, gaps, and opportunities related to sexual health information, laying the foundation for an online, interactive sex education tool. The initial study received an honorable mention award at the Interaction Design and Children Conference in 2020.
EXPANDING INCLUSIVE SEXUAL EDUCATION
With funding from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Liang’s team is now in the midst of a two-year project to further expand and refine the initial study. A Community Advisory Board (CAB), intentionally diverse and inclusive, is actively involved in co-design sessions, providing perspectives, feedback, and collaboration on prototyping and testing designs.
CENTERING THE TRANS EXPERIENCE
The CAB, consisting of trans young people aged 16 through 25 from across the US, focuses on centering the perspectives of Black, Latine, and Asian-American youth. The collaborative design approach ensures that the needs and expertise of trans youth are at the forefront, positioning CAB members as experts driving research that directly impacts their health-related issues.
BEYOND BASICS: RELATIONAL ASPECTS OF SEXUAL HEALTH
In addition to covering essential topics like STI prevention, birth control, and PrEP, Liang’s team emphasizes the relational aspects of sexual health. Topics such as navigating consent, disclosure of trans identity, and other issues raised by the advisory board are crucial components of the program.
ENSURING PRIVACY, SAFETY, & AGE-APPROPRIATE INFO
Privacy, safety, and age-appropriate information delivery are critical considerations in this project. The CAB provides valuable insights into how these factors affect the lives of young trans people and how future technologies can provide safe, secure, and relevant information.
BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE & EDUCATED FUTURE
This project aims to create a comprehensive, inclusive, and age-appropriate sex education experience for everyone. By reframing traditional sex education and addressing the unique needs of trans and queer youth, Liang’s team is contributing to a more inclusive future where individuals of all identities can access affirming and relevant healthcare resources.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE: EMPOWERING TRANS & QUEER YOUTH
At the core of this work is the principle that trans people deserve tools to learn about healthy, sexual, and romantic relationships. As new tools are designed for inclusion, there is an opportunity to fill the void left by traditional sex education that often overlooks trans and queer experiences.
Trans and queer youth have a place in research and in this world. They deserve access to healthcare and online resources that affirm their identities and make them feel seen,"
