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Original poster

No "female" gender option at work, only "cisgender female"

82 replies

Fittata · 04/12/2020 09:32

We have all been asked to update our personal information at work to list things such as our ethnicity, gender, security orientation etc. I think it is as part of a drive to be more diverse.

I am a bit uncomfortable being asked to express my sexual prefences at work anyway as I can't see how it is relevant, however I have done as asked. I am a straight, married woman.

On the gender identification section it lists about ten different genders but there is no male or female, just cisgender male and cisgender female. I ticked the option "my gender is not listed here" as I do not identify as "cisgender" as I find the term offensive and do not want to be defined as "not trans".

I am worried that my massively woke manager is going to take issue with this so I'm a bit worried about what I ticked. At the same time I feel like I should be doing more and asking HR why there is no "female" option but I am so worried at losing my job by sticking my neck out like this.

Not really sure what I'm asking here but just wondering if I have done the right thing and what to say if I'm challenged.

OP posts:
TyroTerf · 04/12/2020 09:40

"Female" isn't a gender identification, so really it's good that it isn't there.

As you don't identify as "cisgender" then (assuming genderfree, terven resister, etc weren't listed) you ticked the right box. If you're challenged, simply say you're not "cisgender" and don't want to discuss further as it's a sensitive topic.

bluebluezoo · 04/12/2020 09:39

*bear! Not naked!

Original poster
Fittata · 04/12/2020 09:39

I did wonder about going back into the system and just unticking everything. But we have all had pressure from managers to put this in and my yearly appraisal is in two weeks so I am worried about rocking the boat.

I suspect they are allowed to ask as long as there is an option not to disclose anything?

OP posts:
bluebluezoo · 04/12/2020 09:38

I’d just say you don’t identify as cisgender.

If challenged further ask them to be respectful and back off as you are confused about “gender identity” and require more time to consider.

Bare in mind the woke line is you are whatever you say you are.

I “identify” as genderfree as I have no particular male or female “internal feeling”, and sometimes I like trousers, cars and no make up, others I quite like a dress.

EdgeOfACoin · 04/12/2020 09:36

I think you have done the right thing. It is scary, though.

I had to do something similar at my workplace not so long ago. Unfortunately, until enough people refuse to accept the label 'cis', it is here to stay.

Also, you never know - perhaps others in your workplace have done the same.

BreatheAndFocus · 04/12/2020 09:36

Are they even allowed to ask personal things like this? Can you just miss out some/most questions? Or say your personal info is fine as it is and doesn’t need updating?

How will they be storing this personal info?

Original poster
Fittata · 04/12/2020 09:32

sexual orientation obvs, not security!

OP posts: