Gender Identification Requirement! Why?

[GRH]

Shemale Sex Lover, thanks for your reply. I admit, I too felt that the "Requirement" of disclosing gender was a bit odd. I don't have a problem revealing it myself, but quite honestly, that's the sort of question that I usually leave blank. However, that is also the sort of question that generally forces a person to pigeonhole themself into one of two limited categories. I was so relieved to go to a doctor's office that actually gave the option on the gender question to denote, "Transgender, Alternative," or "Prefer not to answer."

I understand where you're coming from, but given the unique nature of gender expression (especially in a forum such as this!) I would be tempted to AT LEAST add the option of "Prefer not to disclose." Or something along those lines...That way those people that prefer to remain more anonymous, or less forced into labeling themselves, still have that benefit. At the same time, if they get PM's that go against their conception of themselves, they can at least have HAD the opportunity of defining their gender from the outset.

In regards to the whole communication issue, all of my screen names are gender neutral...More as a matter of coincidence than by design. And that said, over my years of interacting with people on the internet, my gender has seldom been ANY sort of issue to hamper my ability to effectively communicate. But then again, my goal was never to pick up someone or date.

[marlowe]

To SSL:

I was arguing a point of principle on what should constitute a requirement for being on this forum. What's done is done, and I'm not sure most people are too fussed about this.

To be constructive I think that GRH makes a very good suggestion here:

Originally Posted by GRH

I understand where you're coming from, but given the unique nature of gender expression (especially in a forum such as this!) I would be tempted to AT LEAST add the option of "Prefer not to disclose." Or something along those lines...That way those people that prefer to remain more anonymous, or less forced into labeling themselves, still have that benefit. At the same time, if they get PM's that go against their conception of themselves, they can at least have HAD the opportunity of defining their gender from the outset.

By having an option along the lines of "Prefer not to disclose" then you're saying - 'we require members to select an option regarding gender identification because we believe it makes for better communication but if you prefer not to specify then you may choose not to disclose'.

Maybe "Prefer not to disclose" would be better put as "Gender undisclosed" or "Gender unstated" as this would make more sense when it appears with the username on posts.

Regarding more selection choices you could consider having "Other" and allowing people to type in their own description.

Well now I'm going to get off my high horse on this. I shall go and change my underwear and be a transvestite for the rest of the day.