Facebook's new gender option: Fill in the blank

Jessica Guynn | USA TODAY

SAN FRANCISCO — Don't fit into any of the 58 gender identity options offered by Facebook?

No worries. Now there's a 59th: Fill in the blank.

"We recognize that some people face challenges sharing their true gender identity with others, and this setting gives people the ability to express themselves in an authentic way," Facebook said.

The new gender option is available to everyone who uses Facebook in the United States.

"By empowering people to talk about their gender in their own words, Facebook continues to be a leader in its commitment to respecting and protecting LGBT users," GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said. "Part of being who you are is just being able to describe yourself in a way that feels right to you."

Facebook expanded gender identity in February 2014. Now people can choose from options such as Androgyne, Gender Fluid, Intersex and Transgender.

People can also choose what pronoun they prefer: he/his, she/her or they/their. And they can control the audience who sees their gender.

The move was not without controversy. It was praised by some and condemned by others.