Facebook introduces ‘infinite’ gender options
Facebook has rolled out an update allowing users to choose from an infinite number of gender options.
Last February, Facebook introduced custom gender options, no longer forcing users to choose between just ‘male’ and ‘female’ – and allowing them to select from a list of over 50 pre-selected genders – including androgynous, bigender, intersex, genderfluid and transsexual.
This week, the site has rolled out a change to US users – allowing people free range to pick their own gender identity, without having to choose from a pre-selected list.
A statement from Facebook Diversity said: “Last year we were proud to add a custom gender option to help people better express their identities on Facebook.
“We collaborated with our Network of Support, a group of leading LGBT advocacy organizations, to offer an extensive list of gender identities that many people use to describe themselves. After a year of offering this feature, we have expanded it to include a free-form field.
“Now, if you do not identify with the pre-populated list of gender identities, you are able to add your own. As before, you can add up to ten gender terms and also have the ability to control the audience with whom you would like to share your 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.
“The expanded custom gender option is available to everyone who uses Facebook in US English.”
The change is not yet available to users who have their language set to UK English.
