Zachary Beare
ABSTRACT
This research paper presents a dual case study of two mHealth platforms—Plume and FOLX-which provide patient-users access to gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). The paper argues that beyond simply increasing access to GAHT, these platforms promise a queer user experience and that they design communication and platform interactions in service of that goal. The paper details and theorizes several of the prominent design choices made by these mHeath platforms, including centering the queerness of clinicians and platform designers, promoting the voices of users, and creating opportunities for individuals to give back to their community. The paper argues that these platforms offer a queer vision of what healthcare might look like, one focused less on individual access to care and more on community support and celebration. The paper concludes with implications for future research and for both online and brick and mortar healthcare providers.
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