1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Which box to tick on forms? (non-binary issues)

Discussion in 'Gender Identity and Expression' started by Hats, Jun 23, 2016.

  1. Hats

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2015
    Messages:
    383
    Likes Received:
    39
    Location:
    Neverland
    Gender:
    Other
    Gender Pronoun:
    She
    Sexual Orientation:
    Other
    Out Status:
    Some people
    I was feeling down today because I was pining for something I'm not sure exists: a social activity where I can be recognised and treated as a girl even though I'm AMAB. But this only raised the obvious and more general question: now I know I'm non-binary, how do I handle application forms which only have male and female boxes on them? Do I tick the one which matches my sex, in order to avoid a fuss? Do I tick the one matching the gender I'd like for this activity in order to give my inner girl a bit of room for expression? Do I tick the one which matches the gender I feel at that exact point in time, while wondering whether it will be the same this time next week?

    What do you people tend to go with?
     
  2. Secrets5

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2015
    Messages:
    1,964
    Likes Received:
    77
    Location:
    UK
    Gender:
    Female
    Gender Pronoun:
    She
    Sexual Orientation:
    Bisexual
    Out Status:
    A few people
    1. If you don't have to tick it, don't.
    2. If it's a one-day activity you could tick what you feel on the day
    3. You could make your own box

    If it's on paper for ''characteristics monitoring" I don't tick the box.

    If it's for a silly website game that forces me [or I can't play] I flip a coin.

    If it's something legal, I tick what's on my passport.
     
    #2 Secrets5, Jun 23, 2016
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2016
  3. alittlemore

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2016
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
    I agree with Secrets5, but I thought I'd share my personal experience with ticking boxes, in case it's helpful.

    If there's only two boxes, I usually tick my assigned gender, to avoid "fuss" like you said. However, when I started counselling, they gave me some forms to fill out that only had 'male' and 'female' options. I thought that was quite thoughtless since they're counsellors and they should know better! So I created my own box called 'Other', ticked it, and wrote them a little note asking why there are only two options. I'm not normally that assertive... but I figured, if I can't be myself in this supposedly safe, confidential space, then where can I? Of course, none of them ever mentioned it, which was sad for them. But at least it made me feel a little better.

    I hope that was somewhat helpful! Good luck :slight_smile: (*hug*)
     
  4. mercutio

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2016
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Gender:
    Genderqueer
    Sometimes I tick both.
     
  5. YuriBunny

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2014
    Messages:
    44
    Likes Received:
    7
    Location:
    I'm an introvert; I live in my head.
    Gender:
    Female
    Gender Pronoun:
    She
    Sexual Orientation:
    Lesbian
    Out Status:
    Out to everyone
    This. It's the most honest.