So today, I got invited to Google +, however, my excitement was completely tempered by their offensive gender question that is not optional.  You must check, Male, Female, or Other.  Forcing someone to check other if they don’t fit into the incredibly restrictive, socially constructed, gender binary?  Not cool, Google, not cool.  Everyone at Google + should be reading the book I just finished, Stone Butch Blues.  I DARE you to demand someone check Other after reading what it’s actually like to live outside the binary.

(photo via Feministing, who also wrote on the subject)

UPDATE: Yes, Google responding by giving you the option to not show your gender.  I don’t quite think that’s good enough; the question should be optional, and instead of relying on pronouns for identification, just use the user’s name.  Pretty antiquated veiws on gender there, Google.