Queering the Space: Location-Based Stories for Transforming Space into Place

Being part of a minority group can be isolating and lonely; in some places, members of LGBTQ+ groups build up communities and neighborhoods, but in other areas, LGBTQ+ places are more invisible. In this paper we present a system that facilitates a digital layer of stories and experiences by other LGBTQ+ individuals. We present our novel prototype and our user study of the application, where users discuss how this digital service can help building place based community among LGBTQ+. This study contributes by providing a better understanding of how the physical space of the city can be transformed into meaningful places through a digital layer of personal stories to encourage connections within the LGBTQ+ population.