EEOC Adds Prefix "Mx" And Binary Gender Neutral "X" To Forms

The federal agency responsible for enforcing the nation's civil rights laws recognizes an alphabet of non-traditional genders but snubs 'asexual' people.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

The EEOC announced Monday that it now recognizes that presenting only “male” and “female” options on EEOC forms “does not reflect the full range of gender identities.”

EEOC ‘Chairperson’ Charlotte A. Burrows announced the EEOC is adding the option of checking a new prefix - “Mx” - on EEOC charge of discrimination forms. “Mx” is a gender-neutral term for those who don't wish to be identified by gender.

The EEOC also is adding an “‘X’ gender marker” to its voluntary demographic question relating to gender so as to include non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals.

Burrows said the EEOC is following through on its commitment to recognize the diversity of the “LGBTQI+” community on Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) and is especially proud to follow through during Pride month.

For those of you who have lost track, “LGBTQI” refers to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (those questioning their gender identity) and intersex (a person born with a combination of male and female biological traits).

The EEOC’s initiative is not entirely without controversy. The term LGTQI frequently has an “A” at the end, to acknowledge “asexual” people. The EEOC has omitted the “A” from its diversity roster, effectively snubbing “asexual” claimants. Why?