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Google Gemini - Blog Posts

5 months ago

A brief lesson on why relying on generative AI for sex ed is harmful:

A screenshot of a Google query showing the following search: do cis women like trans men

The search results read as follows: Yes, some cisgender men are attracted to transgender women, with a significant minority of heterosexual men experiencing sexual interest in trans women, though it's important to remember that attraction is individual and not all cis men will be attracted to trans women; some may even hold negative views about trans women due to societal biases. 

Key points to consider:

Individual variation:
Just like with any population, individual preferences vary greatly, and not all cisgender men will be attracted to trans women. 

Perceived femininity:
Some cis men might be attracted to trans women because they present with feminine characteristics that align with their personal preferences. 


Social stigma:
Some men might be hesitant to express attraction to trans women due to social stigma or misunderstanding about transgender identities. 

Misogyny concerns:
Research suggests that in some cases, attraction to trans women can be linked to misogynistic attitudes, where men may objectify or disrespect cisgender women while claiming attraction to trans women.

Okay Google, what the fuck is this?

This is so concerning... The Google Gemini AI overview is clearly so confused by the existence of trans men.

A screenshot of a Google query: "can transgender men have relationships with women"

Google's returned result is "An AI Overview is not available for this search"

I'm not sure if it's better or worse that Gemini isn't even trying to answer the same question, but rephrased.

A Google search query for: "Who do transgender men date?"

The AI generated overview is as follows: 

Trans men can date a variety of people, including women, men, and queer people, and their sexual orientation can vary: 

Women
Some trans men date heterosexual women. However, dating can be difficult for trans men, and some straight women may be looking for something they don't have. 

Men
Some trans men identify as gay and are primarily attracted to other men. However, trans men may have less success integrating socially within cisgender gay men's communities. 

Queer people
Some trans men date queer women, who may be less invested in a person's gender and sexual anatomy when choosing a partner. 

Lesbian community
Some trans men have histories with the lesbian community or feel they identify better with it. Many trans men have previously identified as lesbian, often as a "butch lesbian". 

Trans men can have any sexual orientation, including queer, pansexual, bisexual, or gay/same-gender loving. A 2015 survey of about 2,000 American trans men found that 23% identified as heterosexual or straight.

The phrasing "some straight women may be looking for something they don't have" rubs me the wrong way. Also, separating queer women from women in general is upsetting.

I'm conflicted on whether or not we should help Google with training Gemini, but considering how many people rely on Google for information, I've come to the conclusion that--for now--it is worth it to always hit the "thumbs down" icon underneath the generations that turn up poorly and describe in detail what's wrong with the result. 👎

After all, when we tell people not to ask offensive questions to transgender people, the usual advice is "Go Google it!"

As distrustful as I am of Gemini's results, most people that I've met are more than willing to accept its responses at face value. At the very least, the average user seems to accept it for a quick and easy surface level response.

The HRC and PFLAG have much better resources on LGBTQIA+ identity and how to support your loved ones.


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