Facebook Now Allows Users To Customize Gender Description

The new options available to Facebook users who do not identify as strictly male or female.

In a response to requests from users whose gender identity may not fall within the traditional male/female mold, Facebook announced this afternoon that users will now have the ability to list a customized gender on their Facebook profiles.

“[W]e want you to feel comfortable being your true, authentic self,” writes the website on its own Diversity page. “An important part of this is the expression of gender, especially when it extends beyond the definitions of just ‘male’ or ‘female.’”

Facebook, in collaboration with Network of Support, has added an extensive list of new options for users to describe themselves.

Clicking on the “Update Info” button on your Facebook profile page brings up the gender options. When users select “Custom,” they can choose from any of the following: agender, androgyne, androgynous, male to female, pangender, trans, trans female, trans male, trans man, trans person.

Though you can type whatever description you want into the custom gender field, only the above-listed options will be accepted at this time.

Users can also choose which gender pronouns — he/she/they — should be used to reference them in the future.

Because some people may not want everyone in the world to be privy to their gender identity, Facebook allows each user to control the audience with whom they want to share their custom gender.

“We recognize that some people face challenges sharing their true gender identity with others, and this setting gives people the ability to express themselves in an authentic way,” explains the site.

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by Chris Morran via Consumerist