Taboo Science Bonus Interview: Trans Technologies with Oliver Haimson
Dec 25, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Oliver Haimson, an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan and author of *Trans Technologies*, sheds light on the intersection of technology and transgender lives. He discusses how mainstream tech often overlooks trans needs, from flawed healthcare systems to excluding software designs. Oliver highlights the resilience of online communities that support isolated trans individuals, explores the skepticism towards AI within these communities, and emphasizes the importance of allyship in tech. His insights reveal both the challenges and potential of technology for trans empowerment.
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Episode notes
Filters Enforce Stereotypes, Not Selfhood
- Mainstream gender filters target cis audiences and enforce stereotypes rather than reflect individual trans desires.
- Oliver Haimson built a trans-centered filter concept allowing users to choose how to change features instead of relying on stereotypes.
Healthcare Access Is Patchy And Gatekept
- US trans healthcare access varies widely by state and has recently regressed in many places.
- Providers often lack knowledge, forcing trans patients to educate doctors and manage their own care.
DIY Hormone Experiments Are Common
- Some trans people experiment with dosages because hormone needs are highly individual and doctors can't prescribe a universal dose.
- Oliver Haimson notes speculative DIY hormone experiments exist but are mostly nonfunctional at scale.