Clinical review
Reviewer: Jasmine Murphy, Psychologist
Date of review: Mar 2023
Platform: Apple
Version: 1.43
Comments: The app provides the 12 years + user with a great deal of evidence-based content (which can be used by anyone in the community, while simultaneously providing content with a specific focus on ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community).
Safety concerns: None.
New Zealand relevance: Yes
Reviews
Reviewer: Wendy Voon, Health Consumer Advisor at Health Navigator Charitable Trust New Zealand
Date of review: February 2023
Platform: Android
Version: 1.055 (Note, the free version was reviewed).
Comments: Good app for those who are at the early stage of gender and sexuality affirmation. Good quality audio and reading materials. The team have worked hard and smart to create this app that makes users feel safe and validated (i.e., acknowledge their experience, feelings, emotions, etc). I acknowledge that the team has future improvement plans (e.g., choose your narrator, languages, etc). It would be good to include featuring local community support information because of power of belonging in the real world.
Safety concerns: None at this moment. The app does request for login details, pronoun, and LGBTQIA+ identities. It is mentioned that Voda keeps all entries secure with double encryption. Privacy Policy present. Emergency support included ‘Find international hotline’ where New Zealand hotline for suicide and crisis support can be found. Since it has not been marketed in New Zealand yet, queer people may feel more comfortable downloading this app without the need to hide it or be secretive about it.
New Zealand relevance: Yes
