Gender Identification Requirement! Why?

[GRH]

I will never use a blatantly gender-fied avatar, nor will I ever use a screen name that leads to associations one way or the other. This is no criticism of anyone, it's just how I've conducted myself over the years on the internet. I'm not even a huge fan of avatars to begin with, as should be evidenced my lack of one. That DOES make me less memorable, and I'm ok with that. I'd rather be remembered for my content and substance than a picture by my name. But as has been pointed out, does the presence or lack thereof of a gender ID necessarily clarify things? Avatars, screen names, etc. play such a huge role in how we perceive each other...I again urge that the GID should be optional, as is the choice to use an avatar. We can relate to each other however we so choose, be it by full disclosure of GID, a picture of ourself in the avatar, hell, those that want can even include their address and phone number in a profile. Still, we should have a choice without being forced to lie or categorize ourselves...