A note from Unicorns in Tech: On the 21-22 April 2023, fifty-five LGBTIQ+ Tech specialists met in Berlin to join forces for UITHACK23, The LGBTIQ+ Hackathon. In 12 hours, they prototyped solutions to prevent violence against LGBTIQ+ people and provide support to victims. The following article is written by the winning team and details their journey of conceiving PEER+. The app is still in the conceptual stage and can not be downloaded for public use.
If a tree falls and no one hears it, does it even make a sound? This thought-provoking question resonates deeply with the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals who continue to experience violence and discrimination in today’s world. It highlights the importance of having a voice and responding to the struggles faced by marginalized communities. In response to this urgent need, we present the prototype of PEER+, a revolutionary mobile app designed to address the problem of violence against LGBTIQ+ people. PEER+ aims to provide individuals with the resources, confidence, and support they need to navigate everyday discrimination and violence, fostering a safer and more inclusive society.
The Power of Community and Inclusivity:
At the core of our solution is the recognition of the strength and resilience within the LGBTIQ+ community. Unlike traditional approaches that often focus solely on the victim, the design of PEER+ places a strong emphasis on the power of community, peer support, and empowerment. By facilitating registration and encouraging users to have their voices heard, the app becomes a platform for inclusivity and community engagement. During the registration process, user information remains strictly confidential, with only necessary data being utilized to facilitate in-app communication. Pronouns are required to ensure respectful and inclusive interactions, promoting a safe and supportive environment for all users.
Equipping Users with Knowledge and Resources:
Empowerment starts with education and awareness. PEER+ provides an extensive collection of documentation on various topics related to discrimination and violence. By accessing these resources, users gain a deeper understanding of the challenges their peers might face and receive guidance on how to react, respond, and ensure the safety of both themselves and their peers. This knowledge equips users with the tools necessary to create safe spaces and drive positive change within their communities.
The “Shouter and Receiver” System:
When an individual finds themselves in a dangerous situation, they can simply send out a shout using our app. This shout serves two essential purposes. Firstly, it immediately sends a text message to specific contacts saved in the app, alerting them to the distress. Secondly, it sends push notifications to every user within a 3 to 5 km radius who has the app installed, ensuring that the call for help reaches a broad range of nearby individuals who are ready to assist. This real-time assistance is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of LGBTIQ+ individuals in distress.
Real-time Assistance through Shouter Screens:
PEER+ leverages the power of technology and real-time location data to connect users in need with those who can provide assistance. By utilizing the location function on users’ devices, the app transmits their real-time location to responders in their vicinity. This seamless connection allows users to communicate distress signals or “Shouts” to responders, enabling a prompt and effective response. By acknowledging and embracing the diversity within communities, PEER+ ensures that support is tailored to the unique identities, abilities, and forms of discrimination faced by different individuals. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of belonging and promotes collective action against violence.
The Responder Screen:
A Lifeline for those in Need: When a distress signal or “Shout” is received, responders are immediately notified and provided with vital information about the person in need, including their location and potential risks. Armed with this knowledge, responders can swiftly and appropriately address the situation, ensuring the safety and well-being of the individual seeking help. This real-time connection between those in need and those ready to provide assistance can be a lifeline, offering comfort, protection, and support in times of distress.
Promoting Self-Awareness through the Heat Map:
In order to be present for others, it is essential to first be present for oneself. PEER+’s design features a Heat Map, a visual representation of areas where incidents of violence or discrimination against LGBTIQ+ individuals have been reported. This map not only raises awareness about hotspots but also encourages users to exercise caution and take proactive measures to ensure their safety in specific areas. By promoting self-awareness and caution, PEER+ empowers individuals to navigate their environments with confidence and make informed decisions about their personal safety.
Building Networks and Community Engagement:
PEER+ recognizes the importance of building networks and fostering community engagement to combat violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals. The app is intended to include a feature that allows users to connect with local LGBTIQ+ organizations, support groups, and community events. This facilitates the formation of strong support networks, offers access to specialized services, and encourages active participation in advocacy and social initiatives. By bringing people together and creating spaces for collaboration, PEER+ amplifies the collective voice and strengthens the fight against violence and discrimination.
Promoting Accountability and Reporting:
Addressing violence and discrimination requires a commitment to accountability. The design for PEER+ includes a reporting feature that allows users to document incidents of violence or discrimination they have witnessed or experienced. These reports are confidential and can be shared with LGBTIQ+ organizations, local authorities, and advocacy groups to raise awareness, gather data, and advocate for change. By encouraging users to report incidents, PEER+ helps build a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals and supports evidence-based advocacy efforts.
Continuous Improvement through Feedback and Data:
PEER+ is committed to constant improvement and adaptation to the needs of its users. The app design features a feedback mechanism where users can provide suggestions, share their experiences, and report any issues they encounter. This feedback loop allows the development team to address concerns, implement necessary updates, and enhance the app’s functionality over time. Additionally, the data collected through the app’s reporting feature helps identify patterns, track trends, and inform evidence-based interventions to prevent violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ individuals.
The prototype of PEER+ is a transformative solution that empowers LGBTIQ+ individuals and their allies to combat violence and discrimination. By leveraging technology, community engagement, and knowledge sharing, PEER+ provides a platform for support, real-time assistance, and advocacy. Through its inclusive features and commitment to promoting self-awareness, PEER+ fosters a safer and more inclusive society where the voices of LGBTIQ+ individuals are heard, respected, and protected. Together, we can create a world free from violence and discrimination, where everyone can live authentically and with dignity.
If a tree falls and no one hears it, does it even make a sound? This thought-provoking question resonates deeply with the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals who continue to experience violence and discrimination in today’s world. It highlights the importance of having a voice and responding to the struggles faced by marginalized communities. In response to this urgent need, we present the prototype of PEER+, a revolutionary mobile app designed to address the problem of violence against LGBTIQ+ people. PEER+ aims to provide individuals with the resources, confidence, and support they need to navigate everyday discrimination and violence, fostering a safer and more inclusive society.
The Power of Community and Inclusivity:
At the core of our solution is the recognition of the strength and resilience within the LGBTIQ+ community. Unlike traditional approaches that often focus solely on the victim, the design of PEER+ places a strong emphasis on the power of community, peer support, and empowerment. By facilitating registration and encouraging users to have their voices heard, the app becomes a platform for inclusivity and community engagement. During the registration process, user information remains strictly confidential, with only necessary data being utilized to facilitate in-app communication. Pronouns are required to ensure respectful and inclusive interactions, promoting a safe and supportive environment for all users.
Equipping Users with Knowledge and Resources:
Empowerment starts with education and awareness. PEER+ provides an extensive collection of documentation on various topics related to discrimination and violence. By accessing these resources, users gain a deeper understanding of the challenges their peers might face and receive guidance on how to react, respond, and ensure the safety of both themselves and their peers. This knowledge equips users with the tools necessary to create safe spaces and drive positive change within their communities.
The “Shouter and Receiver” System:
When an individual finds themselves in a dangerous situation, they can simply send out a shout using our app. This shout serves two essential purposes. Firstly, it immediately sends a text message to specific contacts saved in the app, alerting them to the distress. Secondly, it sends push notifications to every user within a 3 to 5 km radius who has the app installed, ensuring that the call for help reaches a broad range of nearby individuals who are ready to assist. This real-time assistance is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of LGBTIQ+ individuals in distress.
Real-time Assistance through Shouter Screens:
PEER+ leverages the power of technology and real-time location data to connect users in need with those who can provide assistance. By utilizing the location function on users’ devices, the app transmits their real-time location to responders in their vicinity. This seamless connection allows users to communicate distress signals or “Shouts” to responders, enabling a prompt and effective response. By acknowledging and embracing the diversity within communities, PEER+ ensures that support is tailored to the unique identities, abilities, and forms of discrimination faced by different individuals. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of belonging and promotes collective action against violence.
The Responder Screen:
A Lifeline for those in Need: When a distress signal or “Shout” is received, responders are immediately notified and provided with vital information about the person in need, including their location and potential risks. Armed with this knowledge, responders can swiftly and appropriately address the situation, ensuring the safety and well-being of the individual seeking help. This real-time connection between those in need and those ready to provide assistance can be a lifeline, offering comfort, protection, and support in times of distress.
Promoting Self-Awareness through the Heat Map:
In order to be present for others, it is essential to first be present for oneself. PEER+’s design features a Heat Map, a visual representation of areas where incidents of violence or discrimination against LGBTIQ+ individuals have been reported. This map not only raises awareness about hotspots but also encourages users to exercise caution and take proactive measures to ensure their safety in specific areas. By promoting self-awareness and caution, PEER+ empowers individuals to navigate their environments with confidence and make informed decisions about their personal safety.
Building Networks and Community Engagement:
PEER+ recognizes the importance of building networks and fostering community engagement to combat violence against LGBTIQ+ individuals. The app is intended to include a feature that allows users to connect with local LGBTIQ+ organizations, support groups, and community events. This facilitates the formation of strong support networks, offers access to specialized services, and encourages active participation in advocacy and social initiatives. By bringing people together and creating spaces for collaboration, PEER+ amplifies the collective voice and strengthens the fight against violence and discrimination.
Promoting Accountability and Reporting:
Addressing violence and discrimination requires a commitment to accountability. The design for PEER+ includes a reporting feature that allows users to document incidents of violence or discrimination they have witnessed or experienced. These reports are confidential and can be shared with LGBTIQ+ organizations, local authorities, and advocacy groups to raise awareness, gather data, and advocate for change. By encouraging users to report incidents, PEER+ helps build a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals and supports evidence-based advocacy efforts.
Continuous Improvement through Feedback and Data:
PEER+ is committed to constant improvement and adaptation to the needs of its users. The app design features a feedback mechanism where users can provide suggestions, share their experiences, and report any issues they encounter. This feedback loop allows the development team to address concerns, implement necessary updates, and enhance the app’s functionality over time. Additionally, the data collected through the app’s reporting feature helps identify patterns, track trends, and inform evidence-based interventions to prevent violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ individuals.
The prototype of PEER+ is a transformative solution that empowers LGBTIQ+ individuals and their allies to combat violence and discrimination. By leveraging technology, community engagement, and knowledge sharing, PEER+ provides a platform for support, real-time assistance, and advocacy. Through its inclusive features and commitment to promoting self-awareness, PEER+ fosters a safer and more inclusive society where the voices of LGBTIQ+ individuals are heard, respected, and protected. Together, we can create a world free from violence and discrimination, where everyone can live authentically and with dignity.
In addition to its transformative features, it is worth noting that the initial mockup of PEER+ was developed by a team of six individuals during UITHACK23 — The LGBTIQ+ Hackathon. Their dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit resulted in a remarkable solution that not only addressed the urgent need for a platform like PEER+ but also received the appreciation of the other teams’ members. Their efforts were rewarded as PEER+ emerged as the winning project, recognizing the team’s ingenuity and the potential impact of the app. This accomplishment highlights the power of collective creativity and the positive outcomes that can be achieved when diverse minds come together to tackle important social issues. The success of PEER+ in the hackathon serves as an inspiration and a testament to the potential for technology to create meaningful change. To find out more about how this prototype has evolved in the past few months, sign up for the Unicorns in Tech Newsletter to read about the team’s developments and the progress they will be presenting at UITS23 — The LGBTIQ+ Tech Conference & Careerfair, on the 14th of October 2023 (more info here).
Valeria Barsukov, Maya Gillilan, Julien Massardier, Vincent Reynaud, Mani Sai Kumar Ratnala & Alexandru Țanțu
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