New Zealand's statistics bureau
has announced that it will begin offering a third choice for
gender in official data collection, offering the option 'gender
diverse' in addition to male and female.
Jo-anne Allan of Statistics NZ said the classification,
announced last Friday, is the first of its kind in the world for
gender identification.
"The term 'gender diverse' is fairly new, but we believe
that over time it will be widely used and accepted," Allan said.
"It's a complex issue, as gender identity is about how a
person feels and experiences their gender, which can change over
their lifetime," she added.
"We believe the gender diverse population see it as a step
towards being seen, counted, and understood," she said.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
