LGBTQIA+ Adolescents' Perceptions of Gender Tailoring and Portrayal in a Virtual-Reality-Based Alcohol-Prevention Tool: A Qualitative Interview Study and Thematic Analysis

Gender-sensitive interventions in alcohol-prevention that target adolescents often lead to binary tailoring for girls and boys. However, increased societal and legal recognition of sexual and gender minorities as well as research with this age group demand a broader understanding of gender. Therefore, the present study addresses the question of how interventions should be further developed to include sexual and gender diversity by exploring LGBTQIA+ adolescents' perceptions of gender portrayal and gender-tailoring using -a virtual-reality simulation for training refusal skills under peer pressure to consume alcohol. Qualitative interviews with 16 LGBTQIA+ adolescents were conducted after individual simulation testing. Using a thematic analysis with reflexive orientation, four themes were identified: Statements on , opinions on and , and opinions on . Participants called for greater diversity representation among the , regarding gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as for representing, e.g., racialised peers. Moreover, participants suggested expanding the simulation's by adding bisexual and aromantic/asexual options. Divergent views on the and wishes for reflected the participant group's heterogeneity. Based on these findings, future gender-sensitive interventions should conceptualise gender in a complex and multidimensional manner that intersects with further diversity categories.