On March 22nd, I wrote an open letter to one of the most powerful businessmen the world has ever known, Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of facebook, the world’s most popular website. My request was simple: allow people who do not identify as male or female equal opportunity to express themselves by adding an “other” option under sex on facebook profiles.
I have received no reply, which is really disappointing. Many journalists have written to facebook as well, and looking at the blog below, reading Facebook’s irresponsible remarks saying “People can already opt out of showing their sex on their profile,” shows Facebook is not respecting human diversity and still forcing third genders and gender variant people to be invisible. This is outrageous and unacceptable. And like to say to the Facebook that “Yes we also have a choice to opt out from the Facebook altogether”.
Until Facebook changes its position I am deactivating my Facebook account for now and if the genuine demand is not considered I will leave Facebook for good.
Thank you everyone for your support and solidarity.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/nepal-asks-facebook-for-third-sex-option/11117
Update at 6:00 PM PST: “People can already opt out of showing their sex on their profile,” a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement. “We’re constantly innovating on our products and features and we welcome input from everyone as we explore ways to improve the Facebook experience.”
This is very nice step as we all need our identity either male or female or third gender. We all are in support for this movement. Let’s all send message to the Mark Zukerberg and Chris Hughes.
Deactivating an account won’t make any difference to it’s massive user base of 850 million or so. I think there are better things to do in life than worry about a stupid social platform to whom you are just a product and not a customer.
Gosh, Nimesh, you are right of course. But focusing too closely on Pant’s action rather than its symbolic nature, and the indirect results it achieves, is playing the Facebook game.
Better focus on the crassness of the Facebook aparatchick’s comment, suggesting that those not identifying with specific gender orientation should fade into the dust.
It’s initiatives like Pant’s which coax such revealing insights into the minds of those who would shape our society.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often to read this fantastic information about health care. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Great work!
What is the next step for including at least others at gender spec in facebook?