Feeling like I can make the real me: How trans and gender diverse adults use gaming avatars to explore gender in digital gaming

Trans and gender diverse (TGD) adults experience many challenges when negotiating their gender identities. This study investigates how TGD individuals use customizable avatars within digital gaming spaces to explore and express gender identities, underscoring the significance of avatar customization for identity affirmation and the influence of online gaming experiences on broader gender presentation. Participants included 79 TGD adults aged 18-37 (M = 24.71 years, SD = 3.78 years) engaging in digital gaming. An online survey presented questions regarding avatar customisation, game limitations, interpersonal role playing, and perceived impacts in other contexts. Broadly, customisation was associated with increased enjoyment, empowerment, and authentic self-representation, while restricted customisation reduced engagement, potentially triggering distress or dysphoria. Participants also highlighted challenges related to the impact of game restrictions on avatar customization. Identity exploration was important for pre-transition exploration and ongoing experimentation, reiterating the importance of authentic connection between avatars and the identified self. Participants reported varied experiences with interpersonal role-playing, with some respondents being avoidant due to anxiety or gender-based harassment, while others reported positive experiences and social connection. Broader impacts included support for coming out, increased confidence in gender expression, and creation of communities. Game designer recommendations include offering diverse avatar customization options and creating androgynous and diverse traits to enhance gaming experiences for TGD players.