I've been instructed to fill in an online form to obtain basic level security clearance for a new project at work. The form is provided by disclosureservices.com on behalf of the UK government.
Page 1, select Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/Baroness/Dr, whatever. I choose Ms.
Page 6, have you ever been known by any other name? Well, no, I haven't, but since I chose Ms earlier, the 'no' option is non-functional and I must either a. enter a surname I've gone by previously or b. go back to page 1 and change Ms to Miss.
The 'explanation' they give on the in-form guidance is basically that lots of women are too dumb forget to enter their 'maiden name' (GOD I hate that phrase) so they've decided to construct the form this way to account for that, rather than, I don't know, adding in an extra reminder on this page as an 'are you sure?' pop-up message, for example. They say it's to ensure the forms are completed correctly and that no sexism is intended.
And just to make it that much better, if you are transgender, on the very first page, they offer an alternative to filling out the online form so that you don't have to disclose your previous name where your employer will see it. So they obviously HAVE thought of accommodating some people... just not, you know, actual women who want to use the actual title that forms part of their actual name.
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Feminism: Sex & gender discussions
W the actual F - title options on gov. security clearance forms
51 replies
Mallorie · 21/05/2018 12:27
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