Asking More Than Male or Female

On the issue of gender identity, the Common Application is considering options that would explain why the male/female question must be asked consistent with federal reporting requirements, but which would then go on to tell applicants that if there is a word that better describes their identity beyond male or female, they are welcome to add that.

Expanding the options (and better yet, allowing applicants to indicate their preferred gender identity) is an important step in creating a more respectful application.  I can’t imagine the struggle individuals must face when forced to choose within the gender binary when they do not consider themselves to be either.

On the issue of sexual orientation, one proposal under consideration would feature a drop-down menu that would let students select gay/lesbian, bisexual, straight/heterosexual or “another identity” that could be listed. Another approach — if the organization adds a question on sexual orientation — is to simply provide a free text field and ask the question about orientation.

I do wonder the relevance of collecting information about sexual orientation, though.  Who cares whom other people like.  That should not affect their abilities to succeed at a university, assuming the institution is open to challenges against heteronormativity.  Hah–I guess that is a big assumption.