Can virtual reality promote acceptance and understanding of gender non-conforming identities? A review

Gender-diverse identities carry significant social stigma (Puckett et al., 2023), and their pervasive experiences of prejudice and discrimination are amplified by ongoing ideological discourse and anti-transgender legislation (Das & Drolet, 2023; Turnbull-Dugarte & McMillan, 2023). It is therefore becoming increasingly crucial to explore effective ways of fostering positive interactions between privileged majority groups and marginalised minority groups. Furthermore, due to the potential risks of disclosing one’s gender identity, it is essential to create safe and supportive environments to explore diverse identities without fearing discrimination or harm. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering understanding by enabling a profound connection to the lives and experiences of others through the process of embodiment, particularly those from marginalized or underrepresented communities (Bollmer, 2017; Bujić et al., 2020; Sora‐Domenjó, 2022). While previous research has examined how VR can promote perspective-taking, enhance empathy, and reduce biases toward marginalized groups (Tassinari et al., 2022; Lee et al., 2024), there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding its use in addressing and supporting non-conforming identities. Additionally, VR offers an unique and immersive space for transgender individuals to explore and experiment with gender identities in a safe environment, largely due to the critical role of avatars. According to Freeman et al. (2022), transgender people often feel more empowered, engaged, and comfortable when their physical body aligns with their virtual representation. The process of avatar embodiment provides a valuable opportunity for them to discover, explore, and affirm their gender identity within a safe virtual space (Morgan et al., 2020). In this work, we present a comprehensive review of the current state of the scientific literature, examining how VR experiences can empower transgender individuals to navigate marginalization and foster offline change, also highlighting how VR's flexibility supports gender-fluid and non-binary expression. Potential research directions will be discussed.