Opinions on putting "gender diverse" on job applications

[WeaselSoup]

I'm currently applying for a job basically in the department I've been working in as a Masters student. I'm only just coming to terms with how I feel about my own gender, and that this is acceptable. However, although it is an option for me to put "gender diverse" on the application form I was honestly too afraid to and put "Female". People that already know me and work with me are pretty accepting of me as I am. I often find myself happiest when I don't have to think about how I identify at all, and when *they* don't think about how to identify me. I am honestly afraid that "outing" myself as being uncomfortable with what I appear to be could just lead to them knowing too much information about me, questions, and conversations, and on my gender being the biggest focus. If I could choose to just ignore the question altogether or pick "Prefer not to say", I think that is what I would do.

 

On the other hand, I do want to support the gender diverse community so that people accept us, and I also know that I am incredibly lucky because if I actually had to transition to feel comfortable I would constantly be in situations where my gender is a focal point for new people. For this reason, I feel a bit guilty because it was a bit cowardly, but ultimately only I know when I can handle stepping outside my comfort zone.

 

It's great that institutions are even willing to put those options on their application forms now, though. It's definitely improving. But just because there is an option on a form now, I still don't feel safe disclosing things like this. How do you guys feel?

[VickySGV]

Take care of yourself first before you try to do anything "for the community".  When you have been out and comfortable the nearly 20 years I have been, then there is time for that stuff.

 

There is becoming a wider range of social presentation that I find to be very wonderful, and I am part of an organization that has close to 40 individuals in it that are all over the spectrum of being Enby or Male or Female and most people who see us don't care how we look.  We do get individuals here and there that ask rather nasty questions.  Pick your pronouns and go for it.  Carefully but unashamedly are key words, but its OK to pull back if you feel bothered. 

[WeaselSoup]

What does "Enby" mean? I'm still learning.

[VickySGV]

Just now, WeaselSoup said:

What does "Enby" mean?

 

A newer term for Non-Binary  (N B  )  that may not have reached you there yet.

[Charlize]

Please do what feels safe and comfortable for you.  It is difficult enough to be gender variant without trying to stand up for others.  Perhaps in time you will have enough confidence but there is certainly no obligation to do so.

Thanks for the question about enby.  I would have picked up on NB but didn't understand it spelled out.  I like it as a term.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[AsTheCrow]

You did the right thing! If you don't feel safe revealing your gender ID, you shouldn't do it.

 

(I'm a big fan of enby and ace for non-binary and asexual. So friendly, so casual. Love it.)

[VickySGV]

One of the people in my Trans Chorus who is s non-binary / gender queer person used the term Enby as a noun in one of our private Chorus web sites where I learned it by context, but have seen it elsewhere once in a while.   I am shifting a little toward that area in a lot of things I do and am seen as, but for me it is also a shift toward personal comfort in clothing as well. .