Inclusive language · nuanced · v4.6.1

INC-02

Don't ask for gender in forms unless it's necessary for the product. When you do, provide a text field rather than a limited dropdown.

Pass example

Gender (optional): [open text field]

Fail example

Gender (required): Male / Female

Relevant content types

Sources

Style guides that shaped this standard. Each is listed on /sources with its license and opt-out path.

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Version history

  1. v4.6.1 · 2026-04-23

    Per-standard version tracking introduced. Every standard starts at the library version current at introduction; bump per-standard when the rule text, examples, or content_type_notes change.

Related standards

Other standards in the Inclusive language category.

  • INC-01 — Use 'they,' 'them,' and 'their' as singular pronouns when the user's gender is unknown or irrelevant.

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