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Dream the Dream: Futuring Communication between LGBTQ+ and Cisgender Groups in Metaverse

Anqi Wang, Lei Han, Jiahua Dong, Muzhi Zhou, David Yip, Yuyang Wang, Pan Hui

Abstract

Digital platforms frequently reproduce heteronormative norms and structural biases, limiting inclusive communication between LGBTQ+ and cisgender individuals. The Metaverse, with its affordances for identity fluidity, presence, and community governance, offers a promising site for reimagining such interactions. To investigate this potential, we conducted participatory design workshops involving LGBTQ+ and cisgender participants, situating them in speculative Metaverse contexts to surface barriers and co-create alternative futures. The workshops followed a three-phase process-identifying challenges, speculative problem-solving, and visualizing futures-yielding socio-spatial-technical solutions across four layers: activity, interaction, scene, and space. These findings highlight the importance of spatial cues and power dynamics in shaping digital encounters. We contribute by (1) articulating challenges of cross-group communication in virtual environments, (2) proposing inclusive design opportunities for the Metaverse, and (3) advancing principles for addressing power geometry in digital space. This work demonstrates futuring as a critical strategy for designing equitable, transformative communication infrastructures.

Dream the Dream: Futuring Communication between LGBTQ+ and Cisgender Groups in Metaverse

Abstract

Digital platforms frequently reproduce heteronormative norms and structural biases, limiting inclusive communication between LGBTQ+ and cisgender individuals. The Metaverse, with its affordances for identity fluidity, presence, and community governance, offers a promising site for reimagining such interactions. To investigate this potential, we conducted participatory design workshops involving LGBTQ+ and cisgender participants, situating them in speculative Metaverse contexts to surface barriers and co-create alternative futures. The workshops followed a three-phase process-identifying challenges, speculative problem-solving, and visualizing futures-yielding socio-spatial-technical solutions across four layers: activity, interaction, scene, and space. These findings highlight the importance of spatial cues and power dynamics in shaping digital encounters. We contribute by (1) articulating challenges of cross-group communication in virtual environments, (2) proposing inclusive design opportunities for the Metaverse, and (3) advancing principles for addressing power geometry in digital space. This work demonstrates futuring as a critical strategy for designing equitable, transformative communication infrastructures.
Paper Structure (48 sections, 13 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 48 sections, 13 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Related Works
  3. Metaverse, a Speculative Future
  4. Virtual Space as a Solution to Communication Challenges
  5. Safety Design
  6. Identity Management
  7. Activities and Engagements
  8. Virtual Space as an Amplifier for Communication Challenges
  9. Social Prejudice and Discrimination
  10. Heteronormativity Design
  11. Virtual Abuse
  12. Participatory Design and Design Method for Future Scenarios
  13. Methods
  14. Future Workshop with Design Fictions
  15. Recruitment and Participants
  16. ...and 33 more sections

Figures (13)

  • Figure 1: (a) We organized three participatory design workshops involving 18 participants, who contributed rich ideas and virtual sketches based on mutual learning; (b) selected virtual scenarios from LGBTQ+ Pride Month-themed events as part of the "VR Experience" phase of preparation; and (c) used an affinity diagram to thematically category communication challenges in the "Forming Topics" phase of the study.
  • Figure 2: The workshop flow, including preparation and study phases, and showing each step's details.
  • Figure 3: An island adventure combined with a narrative experience as a game (Workshop 1, P4).
  • Figure 4: (a) A runway for showcasing beauty, surrounded by semi-private rooms for discussing more private topics (Workshop 2, P9); (b) Outdoor Metaverse spaces offering options like roadshows and pride parades (Workshop 2, P10).
  • Figure 5: A community building creating a "community" through activities and lives, where one room has a wall filled with memories and commemorative photos representing unique stories (Workshop 1, P6).
  • ...and 8 more figures