What does it mean if there's a "Prefer not to disclose" gender option?

[perrystephens]

I couldn't find a suitable category for this question. Anyway, on a job application I'm filling out, for gender, there's an option that says "Prefer not to disclose". Does that mean the company is trans-friendly? It's probably for some other reason, I know. Maybe in protest of choosing employees based on gender? Idk. I just want to know what it means before I select it.

[RobynD]

That seems to be standard on most app templates and software now. While it is good they give you that option, perhaps another one would be better.

Its wrapped up in equal opportunity laws and liability. They want to know gender, race, status of veteran etc but for most of those things, they cannot legally ask it in a way that looks like it would influence the hiring process. So, they ask people to voluntarily disclose it.

A good thing? Maybe or maybe not

Not an indicator of non-support or support of transgender folks.

[Jacqueline]

I don't think it is specifically trans ready and embracing. I too think it has more to do with not being able to legally ask what gender someone is. Whole hot topic button of glass ceiling and inequality in pay and....

I think it lets them gather info they want if people choose to include it.

Sincerely,

Joanna

[Sno]

It's another variation on the proforma. If the organisation is large, then it should have little bearing on the hiring process, as HR generally is the only section to see that information. It can also be helpful in a trans friendly organisation, once hiring is done.

It's a judgement call in either case, and you do need to research the company thoroughly. Look to see if possible, what kind of visible gender mix there are in the roles - good company, a roughly even mix all around. Bad company, very clear stratification of gender. Also check in with any LGBTQ* support in the area, you may be able to get an insiders perspective. Highly valuable.

Sno

[Kylo]

It can help in certain circumstances, if you feel your gender is not represented well in the job you are going for it can mean they are forced to look at the resume first, at least, without judgement. Although most people have a name that gives away their gender anyway if they use it on the form. Some, like me, have neutral names that if you put on an app and don't disclose the gender gives them no clue whatsoever what you are before they meet you. In some jobs this can be an advantage, but is fairly useless if names give gender away.

When I'm filling out these things, I'll put "prefer not to disclose" over putting female, or just put male, but I'm not sure if it's much use to trans people. It doesn't feel like being inclusive, just something to do with the red tape.