Biohacking Queer and Trans Fertility: Using Social Media to Form Communities of Knowledge

In this study, nine participants were recruited from three different Facebook groups specific to queer and trans fertility, family planning, pregnancy, and parenting. Each participant ’s posts and comments to their respective Facebook group(s) were analyzed, followed by interviews with participants. A total of 1,155 Facebook posts were collected. Biohacking activity—understood as a web of activity including gathering information, applying knowledge to personal circumstances, and sharing personal experiences and knowledge—was found in each of the three groups. Participants identified these online groups as safer spaces to learn more about their own fertility and find community. Participants were active in these groups to biohack their fertility at home and to become em powered at the doctor's office or fertility clinic, ultimately achieving agency in their fertility and family planning.
Source: Journal of Medical Humanities - Category: Medical Ethics Source Type: research