January 5, 2025

ICYMI - Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are among the most marginalized in society, facing discrimination and abuse online and offline. A major issue they face online is digital harassment, fueled by societal rejection of their gender identity. Research shows that TGD individuals often experience cyberbullying on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Gaming sites, including in-game chat, Twitch, and Discord, as well as online dating apps, also see significant digital harassment.

To address this issue, Hacking the Workforce partnered with the Intentional Man Project to host a workshop focused on digital and physical safety for trans men. Over 200 people registered, highlighting the significance of this topic. The aim was to equip trans men with the skills to navigate the online environment safely and confidently.

Workshop Highlights

The workshop addressed several important topics, including:

• Protecting Digital Privacy: Tips on strong passwords, multi-factor authentication for added security, and using a VPN to hide online activity.

• Staying Safe Online: Discussion on challenges faced by trans men, such as harassment and doxing, with practical advice for safety.

• Managing Online Presence: Guidance on controlling personal information, limiting who sees your data, avoiding tracking, and addressing online discrimination.

• Emergency Preparedness: Assistance in creating emergency plans, locating local resources, and building a trustworthy support list.

What People Said

Workshop participants shared that they gained valuable knowledge about staying safe online. One attendee, a trans man, expressed, "The online world can be risky, but Hacking the Workforce provided me with simple steps to protect myself and feel more confident." Another participant felt inspired to take charge of their online identity and appreciated learning about various resources while being part of a trans community. They described it as their first experience in an all trans and mainly trans male environment, which moved them deeply.

Founder Dr. Safi Mojidi addressed the dangers of AI-driven impersonation, particularly deepfakes, which can produce harmful content aimed at transgender individuals. The workshop highlighted this growing threat and its potential effects on marginalized communities.

Common Questions and Concerns

During the workshop, participants had many questions about:

1. Data Privacy and Protection: How to keep email and health information private, protect online data, manage personal information on the internet, and stay safe when asked for phone numbers.

2. Secure Online Activity: Tips for using encryption, browsing safely, staying safe on social media, using secure messaging, creating strong passwords, and being safe online at work.

3. Account and Device Security: How to secure older computers, the safety of Chromebooks, privacy of WhatsApp and Telegram, securing LinkedIn, storing passwords with Apple, recommended VPNs, encrypted email, password managers, the safety of Signal, good encrypted apps for iPhones, using Linux, and backing up photos.

4. Identity Management and Misinformation: How to handle old names online, correct inaccurate family tree information, and remove photos from websites and social media.

5. Physical and Digital Safety in Social Contexts: How to stay safe at protests, on dating apps, and in online community groups.

One-on-One Help and Workshop Resources
Hacking the Workforce supports transgender individuals by offering educational resources, community programs, and personalized assistance to help them succeed online. The organization will also hold "drop-in" sessions for participants to receive individual help with tasks such as creating strong passwords and using a VPN.

Digital safety is a journey—take it step by step. Hacking the Workforce emphasizes our mission through this message. This workshop reminded us that being safe online is crucial, especially for marginalized groups like trans men. Our commitment to education and support helps trans men take charge of their digital safety and confidently navigate the online world.